KAARSTO ANCH

• Latitude: 59.2428
• Longitude: 5.5172
• Norwegian Coast
• Anchorage in Norway

Location: Norway

Kårstø (often referred to as Kårstø terminal) is a significant industrial port located on the southwestern coast of Norway. Here's a detailed description and some key specifications of the Kårstø facility:

Location

• Geographical Position: The Kårstø terminal is situated in Tysvær municipality in Rogaland county.
• Coordinates: Approximately 59.2670° N latitude and 5.5630° E longitude.

Functions and Importance

• Industry: Kårstø is one of Norway's principal gas processing plants. It plays a crucial role in the processing and export of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the Norwegian continental shelf.
• Operations: The facility processes incoming gas from various offshore fields. This gas is then separated into different components, including methane, ethane, propane, butane, and naphtha.

Port Specifications

• Berths: The terminal has multiple dedicated berths for the loading and unloading of hydrocarbons. Specifics regarding the number of berths and their dimensions may vary.
• Draft: The port can accommodate large vessels, although the exact permissible draft might range significantly depending on berthing positions. Generally, facilities processing NGLs cater to vessels with drafts between 13 to 21 meters.
• Vessel Types: Kårstø is equipped to handle large LNG tankers, as well as various types of oil and chemical tankers.
• Storage Facilities: The site includes extensive storage facilities for processed gas products before shipment. This includes spherical tanks for propane and butane, along with large reservoirs for other hydrocarbons.

Connectivity

• Pipelines: The terminal is connected to the wider European gas network via extensive pipeline infrastructure, ensuring seamless export of processed gas.
• Road and Rail Access: Kårstø is accessible via road, and while the main focus is maritime transport, road routes facilitate movement of personnel and smaller goods.

Environmental and Safety

• Regulations: Operations at Kårstø adhere strictly to Norwegian regulations for environmental protection and safety. Measures are in place to minimize emissions and safeguard surrounding marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Emergency Response: The facility is equipped with comprehensive emergency response systems, including fire suppression, spill containment, and evacuation protocols.

Additional Facilities

• Maintenance and Services: There are dedicated areas for the maintenance of port facilities and vessels.
• Support Infrastructure: Offices, control rooms, and crew accommodations are part of the port infrastructure, ensuring efficient and safe operations.

Notable Operators

• Gassco: This state-owned company operates the gas transportation system in Norway, including the infrastructure at the Kårstø terminal.
• Equinor: Formerly known as Statoil, Equinor often plays a role in upstream operations related to resources processed at Kårstø.

Given the significance of Kårstø in the energy sector, it is equipped with cutting-edge technology and adheres to stringent standards for operational efficiency and safety. The port's role in processing and exporting hydrocarbons makes it a critical node in Norway's and Europe's energy supply chain.