The new operations base is purpose built for undertaking testing and service of subsea control modules and trees. The facility also contains an engineering team, which is located at the same site. The facility will function as the Australian head office for Aker Solutions' subsea business area.

 "Asia-Pacific is the world's fastest growing region when it comes to subsea field developments. We are raising our game in this region, and our new facility in Perth is part of our strategic plan to offer our customers local back-up and operational support," says Raymond Carlsen, executive vice president, Aker Solutions.

Aker Solutions has been present in Perth for 10 years, but the opening of the new facility represents a step-change in market presence and provides a long-term commitment to the Australian oil and gas industry. Additionally, the new base complements the existing offering of the hi-tech subsea manufacturing centre in Malaysia, which is a key provider to the subsea industry in the Asia-Pacific.

Greg Ross, managing director of Aker Solutions' subsea business in Australia, explains: "We chose Perth for a number of reasons. Firstly, our facility brings the operational support closer to our customers, which means we will be able to serve them and their needs much more effectively. Secondly, the location right next to the airport and coastline provides clear logistical advantages. Thirdly, almost all the large future subsea field developments in Australia will take place off the coast of north-west Australia, making the base ideally located from a service and maintenance perspective.

"We are both proud and pleased to open this new operations base and regional head office today", adds Ross.

The new Aker Solutions base in Perth covers approximately 7000 square metres. It incorporates office building, workshops - including test pit - and client storage facilities. It is located in close proximity to Perth International Airport, Australia.

ENDS

Media:
Endre Johansen, communications manager, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 22 94 58 91, Mob: +47 416 10 605, E-mail: endre.johansen@akersolutions.com

Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, SVP Investor Relations, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39, Mob: +47 911 37 194

Suppliers:
For further information about sourcing and potential subcontracts for this project, please contact BA Global Sourcing Champion, telephone number found here: http://www.akersolutions.com/Internet/SuppliersCentre/Contacts/SupplyManagementContacts.htm.

Career opportunities:
Visit http://www.akersolutions.com/Internet/CareerCentre

Aker Solutions ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Solutions"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. Aker Solutions' business serves several industries, including oil & gas, refining & chemicals, mining & metals and power generation. The Aker Solutions group is organised in a number of separate legal entities. Aker Solutions is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. 

Aker Solutions' parent company is Aker Solutions ASA.  Aker Solutions has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 24 000 people in about 30 countries.

Aker Solutions is part of Aker (www.akerasa.com), a group of premier companies with a focus on energy, maritime and marine resource industries. The Aker companies share a common set of values and a long tradition of industrial innovation. As an industrial owner controlling 40.27 percent of the shares in Aker Solutions through Aker Holding AS, Aker ASA takes an active role in the development of Aker Solutions.  

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see www.akersolutions.com.