Sarens loads out 17,500 tonne Valhall topside using 580 SPMT axle lines

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Sarens has completed the site move and load out of the Valhall PWP topside at Aker Solutions’ yard in Stord, Norway, using 580 axle lines of self propelled modular transporters.

The structure weighed more than 17,500 tonnes, making the operation a heavy transport task within the Valhall PWP Fenris development. The project is operated by Aker BP, with Aker Solutions responsible for fabrication work at the Stord facility.

Sarens said the topside was moved and loaded out safely and on schedule.

The SPMT arrangement distributed the topside’s weight across 580 axle lines during the movement from its assembly position to the load out point. For perspective, the transported weight was comparable to several loaded freight trains concentrated into a single coordinated move.

Sarens identified meticulous planning, precise engineering, and cooperation among the project stakeholders as central to the execution. Teams from Sarens, Aker Solutions, Aker BP, and other contractors coordinated the move at the Stord yard.

The topside forms part of the Valhall PWP Fenris project in the Norwegian North Sea. PWP refers to the new production and wellhead platform being developed for the Valhall field, while Fenris is tied into the development.

The completed load out marks the transition from yard based fabrication and assembly toward the next phase of offshore delivery and installation. Such transfers are critical interfaces because responsibility shifts between fabrication, heavy transport, marine logistics, and offshore construction teams.

The operation also shows the scale of equipment required to move modern offshore modules without conventional road transport. SPMTs allow multiple platform units to be electronically coordinated, giving engineers control over steering, elevation, and weight distribution beneath the cargo.