Oil cargo number 5,000 has been delivered from the Gullfaks field in the North Sea. The milestone demonstrates how continued development of mature fields on the Norwegian continental shelf supports stable energy supply to Europe at a time marked by increasing geopolitical unrest.
“Reaching 5,000 oil cargoes from Gullfaks is the result of long-term efforts to further develop the field. Several mature fields on the Norwegian continental shelf, such as Gullfaks, benefit from well-developed infrastructure and high-quality reservoirs. Through targeted investment and continuous improvement, we continue to increase recovery, extend field life and ensure stable deliveries to our customers in Europe,” says Gunnar Egge, production director for Gullfaks.
When production started in 1986, the field was expected to produce until 2007. Two decades later, weekly oil cargoes are still shipped to the international market, with most volumes going to Europe. In total, Gullfaks has produced around 2.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent – nearly twice as much as originally estimated. The field also serves as an export hub for oil from the Snorre and Visund fields, as well as several subsea developments in the area.
Gullfaks crude is light and low in sulphur, making it well suited for producing high-value products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as LPG and naphtha for the petrochemical industry. Deliveries are made to refineries in Sweden, the UK and Poland, among others, and form part of the daily energy supply supporting transport, industry and society.
The oil is transported by shuttle tankers – specialised vessels with a cargo capacity of around 800,000 barrels of crude oil – providing flexible and reliable transport between the Norwegian continental shelf and European customers.
“Shuttle tankers are the result of close and long-term collaboration between Equinor, shipping companies and maritime specialists. Together, we deliver highly reliable logistics that enable oil to be transported quickly and safely from the Norwegian continental shelf to our customers,” says Heidi Aakre, head of shipping in Equinor.
Oil cargo number 5,000 was delivered to St1’s refinery in Gothenburg, which produces fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and marine fuels. These products are distributed through around 1,150 retail sites in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Gullfaks crude is also delivered to refineries in the UK and Poland, and occasionally to Equinor’s own refinery at Mongstad.
