Norwegian oil and gas company OKEA has awarded a contract to SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7's Subsea Integration Alliance to develop the Bestla project in the North Sea.  

The integrated EPCI contract is aimed at expediting the subsea tieback process to extend the life of ageing platforms and ensure profitable marginal field development. 

OKEA’s Bestla project, formerly known as Brasse, involves a 13km tieback to the Brage platform.  

This initiative is part of a frame agreement established with OKEA in 2017.  

SLB OneSubsea will provide a comprehensive subsea production system including two subsea trees, a two-slot template, an umbilical and a control system. 

Subsea7 will be responsible for the installation of the subsea production system and the design and implementation of flowline systems, spools and protective measures such as rock installation.  

SLB OneSubsea CEO Mads Hjelmeland said: “We enjoy a long, productive relationship with OKEA, building upon the successful execution of the Hasselmus development, the first project under our Alliance frame agreement, which was delivered on time and on budget in October 2023. 

“Reaching this point has been driven by outstanding collaboration across all partners. Our ongoing partnership has enabled us to work together to simplify the field layout and secure long lead items and vessel capacity, which will bring the new wells online quickly and efficiently.” 

Late last month, OKEA and its partners reached a final investment decision for the Bestla project.  

The consortium includes OKEA as the operator with a 39.27% interest, DNO Norge with an equal share, Lime Petroleum at 17% and M Vest Energy holding 4.44%. 

The Bestla field, discovered in 2016, is estimated to contain 24 million barrels of oil equivalent, with approximately two-thirds being oil and the remainder comprising gas and natural gas liquids.  

The project is scheduled to commence production in the fourth quarter of 2026.