Did you know? The largest object in the world, built of concrete, is an oil platform before it’s submerged in the ocean. The Troll A platform is an engineering wonder located in the North Sea.
Main Content
The Troll A marine platform, owned by Shell Oil, is the heaviest object ever transported by water from its construction site to its final location. Completed in 1991, it was moved by ten ships over several days. The platform weighs an astounding 1,050,000 tons, using 245,000 cubic meters of concrete and approximately 100,000 tons of reinforced steel.
Facts about Troll A:
Location: 80 kilometers offshore northwest of Bergen, Norway
Weight: 683,600 tons
Height: 472 meters
Cost: $650 million
The platform belongs to the gravity base foundations, meaning it rests on the seabed due to its weight. It holds several records in the Guinness Book of Records, including the largest oil platform in the world (as of 1996) and hosting the deepest underwater concert by singer Katie Melua in 2006.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Troll A platform has significantly contributed to Norway’s economic development, as the country is one of the world’s largest exporters of natural gas. The platform has also helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality, as natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal or diesel.
Technological Innovations
Shell has developed revolutionary technologies for the Troll A platform:
- Producing, liquefying, storing, and offloading gas onto floating liquefied natural gas carriers (FLNG) at sea
- Accessing remote natural gas fields
- Implementing various FLNG installations for larger fields
Minimizing Environmental Impact
Directional drilling technology has been crucial in accessing the Troll field while reducing environmental impact. These tools provide real-time data to guide the drilling process, ensuring precise well placement.
Conclusion
The Troll A platform in the North Sea is a milestone in engineering, contributing to Norway’s economic growth and helping to reduce carbon emissions. Its revolutionary technology and minimized environmental impact make it a true wonder of modern engineering.
