Statoil has begun laying the first segments of the Polarled 482 km gas pipeline project, which will transport gas from the Aasta Hansteen field in the Norwegian Sea to Nyhamna in western Norway.

In so doing Statoil is once again bolstering its reputation as Primus inter Pares among undersea energy companies, as this is the first time that a gas pipeline measuring 36 inches in diameter is being installed at water depths of 1265 meters. Furthermore, as Jan Heiberg,acting head of the pipelines and processing unit of MPR Asset Management, says, “Polarled will have great and strategic impact on the future development of the region. The new pipeline will open a new gas province and stimulate exploration and resource development, which will fortify Statoil’s position as an exporter of gas to Europe.”

This part of the Norwegian Sea has no infrastructure for gas, and efforts have been made over several years to develop various alternative gas transport solutions. The Polarled pipeline is the first pipeline to take the Norwegian gas infrastructure across the Arctic Circle.