ABB Stal is to supply a GT35 gas turbine as the main gas turbine driver for BP's new Cleeton compression platform in the southern UK North Sea. The unit will be installed in the areas known as the "Villages"complex comprising the existing main Cleeton production facility along with the three satellite platforms for Ravensourn A, B, and C.
The order came from Dresser Rand on behalf of the Cleeton Alliance team. It represents a consolidation by ABB Stal of its market share in the North Sea for mechanical drive gas turbines, following on from an earlier success with the BP Andrew facility.
Andrew on string
ABB Stal is now preparing to carry out string testing of the Andrew GT35 compressor unit at its Finspong headquarters. Its role in this project is as a subcontractor to Sulzer Escher Wyss, to which it is supplying the gas turbine driver.
It is also advancing in its plans to tap new markets through joint ventures. Together with US compressor manufacturer Elliott, it is bidding to supply gas turbine-driven compressor packages for pipeline duty.
The biggest potential market, according to market communications manager Bo Svensson, is Russia, which has ambitious plans to boost its gas export capacity to Europe. Here the partners are responding to a recent inquiry for five GT10-size compressor sets. "The market is there," Svensson says. "It's just a matter of time before we become a significant player."
Separately, ABB Stal has set up a joint venture with the Nevsky gas turbine manufacturer in St Petersburg, creating ABB Nevsky. The Russian partner is a prime supplier of gas turbines to Gazprom, having delivered some 1,200 units. ABB will be transferring technology for its GT10 and GT35 turbines, as well as the GT8, a 55MW turbine for power generation.
"ABB Nevsky already has its first order," Svensson reports. "It's for a GT35 unit for power generation in a Moscow steel factory."
In the offshore sector, ABB Stal has today logged more than 250,000 hours of topsides operation with its gas turbines. The company is also conscious of the growing popularity of production ships, and has kept in close touch with design companies involved in this development. "The production ship suits our size of turbine," says Svensson. "And there will be many ships."
For more information contact Bo Svensson, ABB Stal: telephone +46 122 81000 or fax +46 122 18684.
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