Today, about 40-60 per cent of the world's gas reserves are defined as stranded in remote fields far from existing pipelines or gas infrastructure. Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is solid like snow and is formed from natural gas and water at moderate pressures and temperatures. As one cubic meter of hydrates may contain up to 180 cubic meters of natural gas, and hydrates can be transported stable at about -20 °C and atmospheric pressure, this method can improve the economy and safety in the transport of natural gas. Studies have demonstrated that gas hydrate transport can compete with other established gas transport technologies and with the fast growing gas market for energy production; the gas hydrate technology could capture a significant market share.

Aker Kvaerner and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have carried out research and development on natural gas hydrate technology for about one decade, with the support of several international oil companies and the Research Council of Norway. A number of feasibility studies have been carried out for international energy companies and major oil companies.

All the results of the NGH development have been placed in the development company Natural Gas Hydrate AS, jointly owned by Aker Kvaerner Engineering & Technology AS and Professor Jon Steinar Gudmundsson at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (50 per cent each). Professor Gudmundsson is the inventor of NGH technology for storage and transport of natural gas in the form of frozen hydrate. Several international patents have been placed in the company. The aim is to use Natural Gas Hydrate AS to commercialise this technology. Aker Kvaerner includes NGH technology in its portfolio of natural gas activities and business development.

The major corporation Mitsui of Japan has carried out own research and development on NGH for several years. Aker Kvaerner and Mitsui recognize the importance of joint activities to promote and commercialise new technology in a competitive international energy market. Both companies welcome the inter-governmental agreement between Japan and Norway for technical exchange and research and development.

The new cooperation agreement was signed by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Natural Gas Hydrate AS. The agreement includes exchange of latest technological information on natural gas hydrate developments. It further includes research and development to commercialise natural gas hydrate technology in co-operation with potential customers. The agreement also promotes the developments of natural gas hydrate related technologies between Japan and Norway.

ENDS

 

Torbjørn Andersen, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kvaerner. Tel: +47 67 51 30 36, Mobile phone: +47 928 85 542

 

AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner span a number of industries, including Oil & Gas production, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately USD 4.5 billion and employs around 21,000 employees in more than 30 countries.

The Aker Kvaerner group consists of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA.

 

Field Development Europe is a multidisciplinary and technology based organisation covering all technical and management functions for carrying out development of oil and gas fields world-wide, from wellheads to receiving terminal.

 

Aker Kvaerner Engineering and Technology has about 800 employees and their main office is located at Lysaker near Oslo. The company has extensive experience and competence within development of technology and concepts, in addition to execution of larger projects. AK E &T has been involved in the development of most oil- and gas fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The company has also played an active role in several terminal and onshore projects in Norway. AK E&T is presently involved in several international projects based on their competence and products, such as LNG terminals.

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