The Polarled pipeline is the first pipeline to take the Norwegian gas infrastructure across the Arctic Circle.
Carried out by the Solitaire pipe-laying vessel, the 482km pipeline project involves expansion of the Shell-operated gas plant at Nyhamna.
Projects & Procurement (PRO) project manager for Polarled Alfred Øijord said: "When the pipeline is laid, we will install an end manifold with connection points for Aasta Hansteen and any future fields.
"Six T-joints on the pipeline for any further connections are also a unique feature of Polarled."
The Polarled pipe-laying work is due to be completed by the end of August while the Aasta Hansteen gas delivery to Nyhamna will commence in 2017.
The gas pipeline will be laid in water depths of up to 1265 metres, said to be the first time a gas pipeline measuring 36 inches in diameter being installed at such water depth.
Gassco will operate the pipeline and the Nyhamna gas processing plant.
MPR asset management pipelines and processing unit acting head Jan Heiberg said: "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."
Aasta Hansteen is one of the largest and most complex industrial projects in Europe, and also the first deepwater project in the Norwegian Sea.
Image: Solitaire pipe-laying vessel has begun laying the Polarled gas pipeline. Photo: Courtesy of Svein Roger Ivarsen/Shell.
