Vesterled

The 32" Vesterled pipeline connects the Heimdal Riser Platform in the Norwegian Sector of the North Sea to the St Fergus Gas Terminal. It is a key element for the import of Norwegian gas to the UK. It is designed to enable continued use to be made of the existing resources in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and to facilitate the export of gas to the UK. It allows for the continued supply of gas to the UK, thereby enhancing its longer term security of supply options. Its development paves the way for future collaboration and stands an excellent example of bilateral co-operation between the UK and Norway.

Tie-in of the pipeline was completed in 2001. The Heimdal spur part of the pipeline is 54km long and 35km of it lies within the UK sector. The total length of the Vesterled pipeline is 360km.


An industry innovation

The pipeline has a special concrete coating to help prevent corrosion. This coating also gives additional weight to the line, ensuring that it stays securely in place on the seabed.


Additional safety features

There were already a large number of oil and gas platforms and pipelines in this area of the Northern North Sea. Due to this, it was difficult to find a pipeline route which did not cross any existing pipelines. The route selected required the crossing of four pipelines. The decommissioning of the Frigg facilities was considered in its planning. In order to protect the existing pipelines, "crossings" have been constructed over the lines. The crossings allow fishermen to pass over the lines with their trawling nets without snagging.


Ownership

With effect from 1 January 2002, Norsk Hydro Produksjon a.s. transferred its rights, obligations and liabilities as the original Vesterled operator to Gassco AS. Gassco is the new Norwegian company responsible for the transportation of gas from the Norwegian Continental Shelf to Europe. The company was established by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on 14 May 2001 and assumed responsibility for all Norwegian gas transportation from 1 January 2002. Gassco is operator of the Gassled Joint Venture transportation and treatment infrastructures.

Gassled was established to own and facilitate the operation of the transportation systems on the Norwegian Continental Shelf for the purposes of receiving, transporting, handling, processing and delivering natural gas.