Gullfaks «takes a chance»

BY OLE KVADSHEIM, NORWEGIAN PETROLEUM MUSEUM

On June 29, 1991, Gullfaks B employees launched a replica of the platform in Besserudtjernet at the bottom of the Holmenkollen ski jump. The event was Gullfaks' contribution to the popular TV show «Take the Chance».

— Picture of Gullfaks workers assembling the vessel. Photo: I. H. Pettersen/Equinor

“Ta sjansen” (Take the Chance) was an event organized by the Ski Association in collaboration with NRK, Norway’s national broadcaster. The program aired on NRK from 1983 to 2002. The concept was simple: contestants would launch themselves into a pond in a homemade boat or ride a bicycle across a narrow bridge. The goal was to reach the center of the pond as quickly as possible and ring a bell placed a few meters from shore. Participants could win in various categories, from fastest to most imaginative to biggest failure.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the show was hosted by TV personality Dan Børge Akerø and attracted hundreds of spectators, in addition to being broadcast live on television. Between competition rounds, the program featured everything from musical performances to fashion shows presenting the latest swimwear trends.

Gullfaks B Takes the Plunge

In contrast to Gullfaks B, the “Ta sjansen” version of Gullfaks had wheels for an undercarriage and was free of concrete. Photo: I. H. Pettersen/Equinor

On June 29, 1991, Gullfaks entered the competition with its own custom-built vessel. Sandra Viken and Knut Sjurseth from Gullfaks B took on the challenge at Besserudtjernet, reaching the bell in just 9.3 seconds.

After 9.3 seconds, Gullfaks reached the bell. Photo: Screenshot from NRK

The Gullfaks B model was highly detailed, featuring a mounted helicopter with spinning rotor blades on top. The vessel had been built on Gullfaks B itself. Despite its speed, the team didn’t take first place—but at least they avoided winning the biggest failure award. That dubious honor went to Norges Bank, which, fortunately, has managed Norway’s oil fund far better than it managed to launch a boat.