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Statoil and RDC invest in Arctic and harsh-environment R&D

 

World 鶹ýӳ,

The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) and Statoil Canada Ltd. are pleased to announce a collaborative investment in three new research and development projects with the potential to improve Arctic and harsh-environment offshore oil and gas operations in Newfoundland and Labrador and around the world. The total value of the projects is US$ 3.9 million, including US$ 2.4 million from Statoil Canada and US$ 1.5 million from RDC.

鶹ýӳThis collaborative initiative aligns well with our efforts to enhance the province鶹ýӳs reputation as a real-world Arctic laboratory and a proving ground for harsh environment research and development. Newfoundland and Labrador鶹ýӳs deeply rooted culture in ocean innovation has turned what many view as challenges into opportunities and competitive advantages. Surrounded by cold water and extreme weather conditions, there is no better place than Newfoundland and Labrador to develop new Arctic technologies. As a government, our goal is to bolster economic development by positioning our province as the ideal staging ground for Arctic activities,鶹ýӳ said Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Regional Development and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation.

The projects, funded through Statoil Canada鶹ýӳs Arctic R&D Step-Up initiative and RDC鶹ýӳs ArcticTECH program, are:

  • Kvaerner Canada Ltd. 鶹ýӳ Arctic subsea oil and gas separation and storage technology.
  • Rutter Inc. 鶹ýӳ oil and ice analysis system capable of automatically detecting and displaying ice features, and providing ice floe and pan drift prediction. 
  • AMEC Americas Ltd. 鶹ýӳ integrated ice surveillance system that incorporates risk assessment, iceberg and sea-ice remote sensing technology, and ice forecasting technology.

Statoil announced the Arctic R&D Step-Up initiative in March 2013, inviting companies to submit proposals related to Arctic subsea production systems or remote sensing technology. The initiative was launched by Statoil Canada identifying RDC as a collaborative partner.

鶹ýӳStatoil is constantly seeking strategic, innovative solutions to meet its technology requirements, to build expertise and to solve key harsh environment challenges. We are pleased with the quality of the project proposals received through this initiative. I am confident that by working with these companies and RDC, we will enhance Arctic R&D capacity," said Atle Aadland, Vice President, Offshore Newfoundland, Statoil Canada.

RDC鶹ýӳs investment includes a US$ 500 000 commitment for each of the three projects. 鶹ýӳThese projects represent opportunities to not only develop new technologies, but also enhance business R&D capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador. In launching this initiative, Statoil recognised opportunities to build local capacity that aligned with their Arctic and harsh environment development opportunities and technology needs. I am confident this collaborative initiative will provide significant long-term benefits to the province,鶹ýӳ said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, RDC.


Adapted from press release by

 

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