BG Group has awarded Aptomar a contract to provide field monitoring services at the operator’s Knarr Field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, according to a news release.

Under the five-year contract, Aptomar will provide field monitoring services, including 24/7 monitoring of offshore traffic and safety zones to detect and track vessels on collision course with offshore assets, the release said. The company also will provide continuous monitoring and detection of spills and be a part of the response team.

In addition, Aptomar will establish a new marine control center at the company’s headquarters in Trondheim, Norway. The center’s operators will monitor, communicate and collaborate with onshore and offshore assets using remote sensing and data processing technology, BG Group said in the release.

The center will utilize technology and tools that include radar-based object tracking systems, automatic identification system vessel tracking and Aptomar’s tactical collaboration and management system for oil spill detection and combating, search and rescue and firefighting, according to the release. The company will also tap into aerial and satellite radars and cameras, wind and weather data, on-site radars and communicate with offshore assets via VHF radio, the release said.

BG’s Knarr oil and gas field is located at 400 m (1,312 ft) water depth in production license 373S of block 34/3 in the northern North Sea. BG is the operator with 45% working interest. Partners include Idemitsu Petroleum Norge (25%), Wintershall Norge (20%) and DEA Norge (10%).

Offshore