Saipem Finishes 50-Mile Pipeline Installation for Equinor’s Irpa Project in Norwegian Sea

Saipem has completed a 50-mile subsea pipeline installation for Equinor’s Irpa project in the Norwegian Sea, Norway’s deepest subsea field development.

(P&GJ) — Saipem has completed installing a subsea pipeline for Equinor’s Irpa development in the Norwegian Sea, marking a milestone for what is considered Norway’s deepest subsea field project to date.

The 50-mile (80-kilometer) pipe-in-pipe system was installed at a depth of 4,429 feet (1,350 meters) and will connect the Irpa underwater production system to the Aasta Hansteen platform. Offshore work was carried out by Saipem’s Castorone pipelay vessel and completed on July 22 following 84 days of continuous operations.

Pipe-in-pipe technology, used in this project, features an inner pipeline for transporting hydrocarbons and an outer protective pipe that helps maintain temperature and prevents blockages from hydrates or waxes — a key factor in cold, deepwater conditions.

The installation was supported by logistics out of Sandnessjøen, Norway, where prefabricated joints and equipment were loaded onto support vessels before transfer to the Castorone.

Saipem said the project highlights its expertise in challenging offshore environments and its commitment to high safety and quality standards.