The owner of the Karsto gas processing facility in Norway, Gassled, has revealed that its plant is to be upgraded with a new compressor unit that will significantly increase gas transmission capacity.

<p>The Gassled partners have approved an estimated NOK350 to NOK400 million compressor upgrade at Karsto. Plans call for the project to be completed by the start of October 2008.<br /><br />The upgrade will allow the complex to send more gas through the Europipe II pipeline to Dornum in Germany. This will happen by increasing the pressure from Karsto. Regularity and flexibility will also be improved and the complex will operate with greater energy efficiency, stated technical service provider Statoil.<br /><br />Plans call for contract award during 2007. Construction work will begin in late 2007/early 2008 and will take place coincident with regular complex operations.</p>