Updated Case Study: The Pursuit of an Ultra-Low Manned Platform Pays Dividends in the North Sea

Abstract

The use of a unique, data-driven approach to remote condition monitoring of equipment maintenance has enabled a major offshore E&P producer to build and operate a a low-manned platform — a key step in its strategic goal to reduce per-barrel production costs to below $7. The field is 112 miles (180 km) off Norway’s coast, with the platform drawing first oil in December 2016. In January 2019 — after operating identical offshore and onshore platform control rooms — the company started conducting remote condition monitoring of platform machinery exclusively from its control room onshore in Trondheim, Norway, 620 miles (1,000 km) away. With the remote equipment condition monitoring done onshore, the operator is better able to optimize maintenance work and schedules. At the same time, it has contributed to a big reduction in the number of offshore personnel otherwise required, reducing operating costs and personnel risks substantially. In May 2018, Siemens entered into a long-term partnership with the operator to continue developing digital solutions in a closed-loop lifecycle approach, utilizing the digital twin concept from pre-FEED and FEED stages through construction, commissioning, and operations, with operations expected to continue for a minimum of 20-years. This paper will provide an update to a 2018 OTC conference presentation when this use case was introduced. Last year’s paper was based on operations and observations during 2017, the platform’s first full year of operation.