Shell Unveils Subsea Compressors at Ormen Lange Bolsters European Gas Security
Shell has launched two new subsea compression stations at the Ormen Lange gas field in the Norwegian Sea, a move expected to enhance gas recovery from 75 percent to 85 percent and deliver an additional 30–50 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas to European markets. The compressors mark the start of phase III of the field development, received regulatory approval in February 2025, and are now fully operational ahead of schedule and under budget.
Gas from Ormen Lange is transported via the onshore processing plant at Nyhamna on Norway’s west coast, then exported to the European Union and the United Kingdom through the Langeled pipeline. Since 2022, Norway has ranked as Europe’s largest gas supplier, surpassing Russia in response to supply concerns following the Ukraine conflict.
Discovered in 1997 and brought into production in 2007, Ormen Lange lies approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Kristiansund on the Norwegian continental shelf. Shell, as operator with a 17.8 percent stake, leads the project in partnership with Petoro (36.5 percent), Equinor (25.3 percent), Orlen Upstream Norway (14 percent) and Vår Energi (6.3 percent).
This milestone not only extends the productive life of Ormen Lange but also strengthens Europe's energy security by ensuring a more reliable gas supply at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts should monitor its impact on European gas benchmarks and infrastructure planning, as this model of subsea compression may influence future offshore initiatives.
