The Zeepipe system was originally laid to carry gas from Troll, with Zeebrugge in Belgium chosen as the landfall because of its proximity to markets in Belgium, France and Spain.

Four sections

Zeepipe II A runs from the Kollsnes processing plant for Troll gas to the Sleipner R riser platform. Operational in 1996, the 40-inch pipeline is 303 kilometres long.

Zeepipe II B also runs from Kollsnes but terminates at the Draupner E riser platform. This 40-inch-diameter leg became operational in 1997 and is about 300 kilometres long.

Zeepipe P51 is a 30-inch pipeline running for 39 kilometres between Sleipner R and Draupner E.

Zeepipe I runs from Sleipner R to the receiving terminal in Belgium. With a diameter of 40 inches, it is 814 kilometres long.

Gassco is the operator, with Statoil as the technical service provider (TSP).

The Zeepipe system from Kollsnes to Zeebrugge. Map: Norwegian Petroleum Directorate