Safe Gothia arrives at Statfjord B

By Gunleiv Hadland, Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Additional accommodation capacity had to be provided during commissioning and start-up of Statfjord B. This was accomplished by chartering a flotel – or floating hotel – and stationing it alongside the platform.

— Safe Gothia floating hotel alongside Statfjord B. Photo: Mobil Exploration Norway Inc./Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Construction of the Safe Gothia flotel was completed in November 1981 at Sweden’s Götaverken Arendal (GVA) yard. Its first assignment was on Statfjord B from 12 December 1981.

This vessel was owned by the Consafe AB company owned by J C Eriksson and flew the Swedish flag. Swedish safety regulations applied on board, and the crew were largely Swedes.

The flotel was connected to Statfjord B by a 32-metre-long gangway which was hydraulically operated.

To learn more, see: Commissioning and start-up of Statfjord B

Sources
Mobil Explorer , January 1982, p 3. “Ledelsens dagbok”.
Mobil Explorer , February 1982, p 17. “Nytt flotell til Statfjord B”.