DNV GL has been selected by Wintershall Norge AS as the sole supplier for the combined role of independent verification body (IVB) and third-party design verification scope for the subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) part of the Maria Field development project, a news release said.

The contract is expected to run until the end of 2018, with a potential value of about $3.95 million.

The IVB role covers all phases from design through commissioning, while the third-party verification role covers design and options for involvement in the fabrication, manufacturing, installation and commissioning phase, according to the release.

The Maria oil discovery is located in 300 m (884 ft) to 350 m (1,148 ft) of water in the Haltenbanken region of the Norwegian Sea. Maria will be developed using a subsea facility tied via rigid flowlines and flexible risers to Kristin with gas lift being supplied from Åsgard B via Tyrihans and sulphate reduced sea water supplied with injection pressure from Heidrun, the release said.

The discovery is expected to produce about 188 MMbbl of oil equivalent oil and gas. First oil is planned in fall 2018.