Norwegian-based DNV GL said it has been selected as Equinor's certifying authority and classification society for Bay du Nord  project, offshore Atlantic Canada.

Located approximately 480 kilometers northeast of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Bay du Nord oil field was discovered in 2013 and is the first field to be developed in the Flemish Pass Basin. Equinor is the operator of Bay du Nord, and holds a 65% working interest.

The field development comprises a floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), a disconnectable turret and moorings system, steel lazy wave risers, and a subsea development with four subsea templates. The project is currently in Pre-FEED phase and final investment decision (FID) is expected in the second quarter of 2021. First production is planned for 2025.

DNV GL said it will oversee design review activities and site surveillance during construction, commissioning and installation, and ensure that new infrastructure to be built is compliant to local and global safety requirements.

There is no existing infrastructure is in the immediate area, which is known for its harsh environmental conditions including large sea states, high winds, sea ice and icebergs, and the distance to shore also represents a challenge.

Halfdan Knudsen, Equinor’s Project Director, said, “Safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance are fundamental requirements for the Bay du Nord Project. DNV GL has been selected as the certifying authority and classification society for the project, supported by our development partner Husky Energy. DNV GL possesses the deep knowledge, experience, and technical standards that will help us deliver the Bay du Nord project safely and on-time.”

“I am delighted Equinor has recognized that we possess the technical expertise and global footprint to assure safety on the ambitious Bay du Nord project,” said Liv A. Hovem, CEO, DNV GL - Oil & Gas. “We have worked closely with Equinor on many projects over the years, including challenging sites in the North Sea, and this contract win is a sign of the strength of our relationship.”

Both Equinor and DNV GL will manage the project out of offices in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.