Norsk Hydro spokesman predicts surge in subsea well completions. (Brief Article)

Changes in North Sea field development strategies will lead to increased use of subsea completions.

Strategies must change, Knut Skattum of Norsk Hydro AS told last week's Offshore Northern Seas conference in Stavanger, because new areas to be developed will involve smaller fields and reservoirs, and existing infrastructure can be used for process facilities.

Also, remote developments and deeper water will call for new approaches to development, and new technology will provide new options.

North Sea subsea completions could jump sharply during the next 10 years, Skattum said. He expects the U.K. to account for most such completions during the next …