bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Need of the Hour – Transformation of the Weakest Link to Strongest Defense in Critical Sour Operations – OT Cybersecurity
Authors: Murugiah Jawahar Kumar , Maskari Mubarak , Balushi Jamal , Mughairi Badar , Asfoor Iman
Published: October 2023

South of Oman has Critical Sour clusters with multiple production facilities based on most complex technique of Enhanced Oil Recovery Process. The facilities are equipped with a range of Plant control, safeguarding, Unit control systems and its associated network infrastructure. They play a vital role in ensuring safety and security of assets and most importantly people working within the facilities. However, based on industrial advisory - OT Cyber Risk profile for upstream operating facilities, there is a likelihood for cyberattack resulting in consequences leading to unscheduled deferments, loss of revenue and in worst case scenarios leading to process / Personnel safety incident. This paper highlights the practical challenges, measures taken, and the process involved in transforming the weakest link - Human factor into strongest defense in addressing cyber risks.

The team has adopted Top-Down approach in defining the strategy of addressing the risks starting with risk identification, Classification and Remediation. To make the process more robust, inputs resulting from bottom-up approach has been inducted with the statistics from field, historical facts from Asset integrity Process safety management Perspective, frequency of human interventions on cyber physical systems in the past. Unearthing the indirect cross correlation and interdependency of non-process critical systems in the overall cybersecurity posture of the facilities has widen the horizon in scaling up the necessary key competency requirements of company personnel involved in all phases of project life cycle starting from concept till Decommissioning.

As part of the process, multiple valid observations are recorded during the critical engagement meetings with vendors, huddle sessions with company personnel spanned across supply chain management, level of awareness to Industry Cyber security standards in Operation technology, Knowledge on Compliance requirements of products from suppliers and sub suppliers, Security limitations on applications for green field and brown field projects, end points used during Operate and Maintain phase of existing facilities. Learning modules with KPI in scaling up the competency, and capability aspects field personnel and the process of extending the mandatory requirements for service providers rendering direct and indirect services ranging from engineering consultation till system integrity assurance. This has resulted in achieving the desirable expectations in the realm of evolving cybersecurity risks.

Dynamic process of semi quantitative risk management approach coupled with simple but effective user interface presenting eagles eye view on overall and site-specific security compliance posture and effective communication on training and competency statistics has resulted in meeting the project objective.
Digital Twin Applications in EPC Projects
Authors: Samad A. , Wasnik R. , Singh H. , Kamal F.
Published: October 2023

Engineering drawings are the most critical project documentation, which provides processing plant blueprint. Relational database and attributes driven graphics are being used to transform CAD drawing to intelligent drawings. These intelligent drawings and design data is used to make smart decisions. The latest methods to create project digital twin are evolving to make use of these intelligent drawings. This paper discusses the user friendly and innovative solutions to accomplish digital twin goals at EPC stage.

P&ID is a valuable data source for oil and gas projects. It is used to generate pipelines, instrumentations and equipment lists. These are mainly used for material take-off and other procurement purposes. In Intelligent P&IDs these lists reporting may be customized and attained, automatically. During digital twin creation process, sharing of data with different departments via direct links and data lake is necessitated. During project EPC stage, data lake may be used to find many out of the box solutions e.g., training AI models to predict project completion dates and material supply-demand issues, proactively.

Due to stringent project schedules, it is always challenging to achieve an important milestone of timely issuance of Intelligent P&IDs. Variety of difficulties during development of intelligent P&IDs are summarized below: Drafting of modification and demolition P&IDs for brown-field projectDrafting of colour coded system turnover P&IDsRevision & scope clouds Customization to meet digital twin requirements methods in available intelligent software are not user friendly.

Many steps are involved to perform above mentioned tasks. Various lists generated from P&IDs such as line list consumes significant time and prone to error if not managed properly. Digital twin requirements make it further complex. Various techniques are used to perform routine drafting of P&IDs, attain required reporting and digital twin targets. However, these need to be managed and customized by highly skilled professionals. There is a need for tailor-made solutions in the intelligent P&ID software to make operations user friendly. Cloud computing big data handling capability and AI may help to meet digital twin requirements. Archiving and retrieving data from ultra-fast cloud facilities may solve many problems.

This paper provides ideas to debottleneck various limitations in the currently available drafting software. It is to add more intelligence and smooth interconnectivity among different disciplines thus making them more user friendly and smart. This all may translate in speeding up the drafting and error free reporting with the help of AI. It may enhance software capabilities beyond simple drafting and reporting to meet new era requirements of digital twin.
Ultrasonic Borehole Imaging in the Logging While Drilling Domain in All Mud Types, a Case Study in Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Mohamed Hassan , Al Hashmi Hamed , Altaf Basit , Fares Wael , Reda Ashrakat
Published: October 2023

High resolution micro-resistivity imaging has been available in the logging while drilling (LWD) industry for the last 15 years in water-based mud (WBM) systems. However, the recent introduction of LWD ultrasonic technologies means that high-resolution images and associated analysis are now available for both WBM and oil-based mud (OBM) applications. This paper details the deployment of a 4¾-in. LWD ultrasonic imaging service in a mature offshore carbonate field, in Abu Dhabi, and the assessment of images in WBM with micro-resistivity image comparisons.

The 4¾-in. ultrasonic service combines borehole size and shape measurements with high-resolution radius and reflection amplitude images. The LWD tool takes advantage of drill string rotation to make a 360-degree scan of the borehole with each transducer. The ultrasonic sensor uses four transducers that operate in a pulse-echo mode. By firing simultaneously, the transducers provide a total of 2,000 traveltime and reflection amplitude measurements each second, enabling the creation of high-resolution images, even at high-logging speeds. The images were used to evaluate the suitability of the LWD ultrasonic measurements to enhance reservoir understanding, along with azimuthal high-resolution resistivity image measurements in WBM applications.

The ultrasonic tool was run in tandem with the resistivity imaging tool on a recent well where an inflow control device (ICD) had to be installed. The ultrasonic images showed excellent agreement with the high-resolution resistivity measurements, illustrating bedding, natural fractures, and sedimentological features. The resolution of the reflection amplitude images enables identification of drilling-induced features on the surface of the borehole, highlighting the measurement's value in understanding the impact of bottom hole assembly (BHA) design on the quality of the wellbore in fine detail. The travel-time measurements provide detailed evaluation of the borehole size and shape, with a three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the wellbore illustrating the ability of the tool to identify borehole enlargement and breakout. These findings demonstrate the suitability of the ultrasonic imager to address wellbore stability issues, identify principal stress orientations, and aid completion design in real time by confirming swell packer positions.

Comparisons between ultrasonic images and established LWD technologies highlight the suitability of the radius and reflection amplitude images to provide enhanced reservoir characterization in both WBM and OBM applications. Log examples show that high-resolution images can identify bedding features, confirm natural fracture types and provide assessment of borehole size and shape for wellbore stability assessment for better ICD completion design.
Integrated Geomechanics and Structural Geology Models Guiding Strategic Decisions in Well Planning of Highly Risks Appraisal Wells Crossing Bounding Fault
Authors: Al Busaidi Salim , Al Zadjali Ruqaiya , Yuan Roger , Bazalgette Loic
Published: October 2023

Drilling through a new prospect in the north of the Sultanate of Oman has become challenging due to the presence of complex carbonate structure. Wells targeting Reservoir-B which is characterized by a naturally fractured carbonate Formation encountered borehole stability problems leading to seven (7) sidetracks in one of the horizontal wells. To avert drilling through the heavily faulted and fractured area from the crestal part of the N field, decision was made to develop the field and drill appraisal wells from the boundary fault at the other side of the field. Recent appraisal horizontal well B has been drilled to the North of this field's main structure, targeting deeper oil-bearing Reservoir-C and crossed the field's bounding fault as per seismic interpretations through a long clay-rich stressed shale section (Formation A). Well B well has encountered severe hole collapse and cavings events leading to sidetrack and later abandonment. Thoughts of main reason could be related to the major boundary fault penetration. A geomechanics study has been initiated to assess whether such a development would significantly add to the geomechanics related risks and if so, how these risks could be mitigated. This paper discusses the modeling approach and results.

A comprehensive suite of 1D geomechanical models were constructed using open hole logs and stress test data for wells in the study field. Rock mechanical properties and horizontal stresses have been computed at well scale using available correlations. Structural geology review of the area around the field's bounding fault has been conducted and fault stability analysis has been performed.

Fault stability analysis shows unstable fault i.e., it is already at the critical stress state. This indicates high risk of drilling through the bounding fault. In addition, the uncertainty in reservoir pressure and thus stress regimes across the bounding fault might lead potentially to significant losses and lost circulation through fault zones. Mud weight (MW) needs to be capped below practically recommended range (12.7kPa/m-13.1kPa/m) which is expected to result in severe hole collapse and all possible challenges requiring revisit of well trajectory and location.

Integrating all available data and the uncertainties allowed generation of a robust model providing key inputs in decisions for well planning optimization and provide clear guideline & mitigation plan of developing and drilling wells close to the bounding fault in the field.
Leadership Assessment, Development and Succession Management
Authors: Sharma Vinit
Published: October 2023

Most people and organizations would probably agree that the start of the 2020 decade has demonstrated a new level of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). The challenges we experienced include the Covid-19 Pandemic, supply chain disruptions, global recession, cost of living crisis, The Dual Challenge, and The Great Resignation wave. Adding to these challenges is the change in demographics, particularly in the workforce. To succeed in such a VUCA2 environment, organizations, and their leaders, face an unprecedented demand for agility, adaptability, strategy, and corporate vision. Organizations will have to contend with multigenerational workplaces and types of employees. While seismic technological advances such as artificial intelligence and IT require leaders with more data and digital literacy, technical and domain skills are secondary to people and leadership skills. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum notes, Human beings are the capital of the future. Similarly, management guru Ram Charan highlights that people craft strategy and deliver business numbers, which means if an organization fails short on the people side, it also falls short on business leadership.

Investment in the leadership of the future, throughout all levels of an organization or entity, will help provide a sustainable future for all. A strong correlation exists between the benefits of good leadership and business performance. Organizations investing in employee development typically report 11% greater profitability and are twice more likely to retain their employees (Gallup, 2019). Studies also show that inspired employees are 125% more productive than merely satisfied employees (FranklinCovey, 2022). As leadership expert John Maxwell notes, leadership ability is the lid (limit) to personal and organizational success.

On the risk side, 70% of the variance in engagement is determined solely by the manager (Gallup, 2015), making good leadership and management a critical success factor. Studies estimate that employees not engaged or actively disengaged cost the World $7.8 Trillion US Dollars in lost productivity (Gallup State of Global Workplace 2022 report), providing further evidence that organizations must address leadership talent, leadership styles, leadership development, and succession. The cost of poor succession at the executive level is even higher, with analysis showing market value losses in the S&P 1500 of close to $1 Trillion US Dollars a year (Fernández-Aráoz, Nagel, Green, 2021).
Front End Maturation of Thermal Electrical Submersible Pump Design in a Steam Development in the North Oman
Authors: Nawal Aamri , Adnan Ghadani , Tom Crampin , Robert Bos
Published: October 2023

Habur Project will be the second fractured carbonate reservoir using Thermally Assisted Gas Oil Gravity Drainage (TAGOGD) recovery mechanism in Northern Oman. ESPs are selected to provide artificial lift ahead of gas lift to reduce Capex, lower power consumption and to increase well lifting potential. This paper summarizes the approach used to mitigate risks in the deployment of thermal ESPs in potentially extreme corrosive (high H2S and CO2) operating conditions.

The ESP operating environment is predicted to be challenging due to a unique combination of conditions: i) high temperature (> 150degC), ii) high free gas/steam production, iii) corrosive with high H2S/CO2. These challenges pose a risk that the pumps are not able to achieve required functionality and/or have a short lifespan. Front-end integrated mitigation plan of the above has been constructed based on i) internal and external ESP performance benchmarking, ii) early detailed "bespoke" thermal ESP design options, iii) initial operating procedures and iv) troubleshooting guidance. Additionally, the project economic robustness was tested against different ESP run life scenarios.

Thermal ESPs are a mature artificial lift method with local and global deployment in hot environments such as Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) systems.

If steam breakthrough is not appropriately managed, it can result in low pump efficiency or gas lock in some cases which has a negative impact on production. Experience from SAGD in Canada indicates that with proper ESP design and appropriate trouble shooting procedures, risks related to gas and steam breakthrough can be managed.

Corrosion can lead to premature ESP failure. Habur Project is predicted to become sour as the rock and reservoir fluids heat up releasing significant CO2 and H2S. However, the risk of corrosion can be mitigated by appropriate material selection of ESP components. Expensive metallurgy raises the cost of pump deployment, but economic analysis shows the project to be robust even in the scenario of short ESP lifespans.

This project demonstrates how through benchmarking, multidiscipline integration and early collaboration with ESP service providers supported maturation of a robust ESP design to support project Final Investment Decision. Importantly this work expands the operating conditions of thermal ESPs beyond typical clastic SAGD such as Canada to more corrosive environments expected in carbonate steam developments. Novel workflows described in this paper can be adapted to other challenging high temperature and corrosive fields using TAGOGD or other thermal recovery methods.
Cloud Enable Geosteering Trajectory Planning Ahead of the Bit Fit for Drilling and Completion Optimization
Authors: Santoso Gagok , Al-Alqum Wael , Amer Ali Syed Mohammed , Al-Towailib Hashim A. , Meer Ali al , Varela Rodrigo , Silva Paul , Prasetyo1 Arief , Husain Ahmad Naim , Denichou Jean Michel
Published: October 2023

This case study presents a novel geosteering approach using cloud computing to optimize trajectory planning in front of the bit during geosteering operation. The process was done in stand-alone 3D geosteering software linked with the cloud processing enabling real-time automated drilling and completion optimization. The method presented in this paper uses semi-automatic forward planning that gives a multiple-option trajectory ahead of the bit.

The trajectory was streamed in real-time using WITSML data transfer, enabling fast geosteering interpretation and decision process. The planning ahead of the bit was automatically projected using a cut-off parameter and workflow, giving the engineer multiple option trajectory ahead of the bit. The forward planning is automatically exported to cloud computing, allowing accurate real-time torque and drags tortuosity computation simulation indicator. The indicator is divided into three options, which are red, yellow, and green, which indicate no go, warning, and good to proceed. The field test trial was done in three laterals well, that were planned along complex 3D trajectory complexity.

Geosteering is planned into several laminations parallel to the formation strike. As its multiple laterals in one well, both drilling and completion complexity plays an important role in a successful project, thus requiring careful computational process in real time that allow a smooth and fast geosteering process. The success of linking the stand-alone application to the cloud computing process not just only enables well success, but also boosts digital well planning coherency along multiple well within the region.
Transitioning from a Grey to Clean Hydrogen Economy: Considerations for Scaling Production and Making Use of Existing Transport Infrastructure
Authors: Kuehn Manuel
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen is set to play a key role in the global energy transition. However, to realize its full potential as a clean energy carrier and decarbonization agent, the production of low emission "green" hydrogen will have to be increased substantially. Today, more than 95% of all hydrogen consumed is "grey", meaning it is produced via steam methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming (ATR) and/or coal gasification. While the economics of clean hydrogen production continue to improve, there are still several challenges that must be addressed to drive scalability and adoption.

The availability of sufficient (and preferably low-cost) renewable energy is essential for producing clean hydrogen. Another prerequisite is the availability of a reliable hydrogen (and preferably oxygen) transport network. Studies and practical experience show that it is possible to convert existing steel pipelines from natural gas to hydrogen transport. However, changes to equipment (e.g., compressors, fittings, control valves, etc.) and operating parameters may be necessary. Establishing long-term offtake agreements is also essential for large-scale clean hydrogen developments to reach final investment decision (FID). This paper discusses these challenges in-depth and provides insight into the factors that have contributed to the success of several clean hydrogen and e-fuel projects which have reached FID. On all of the projects mentioned, Siemens Energy is providing its proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technology.
Well Design Selection's Impact to the Zonal Isolation Across Aquifers
Authors: Zhukin Aidar , Yugay Andrey , Vorozhikhin Sergei , Girgis Fadi , Alkarbi Majed Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Zonal isolation is pivotal for the well lifecycle and sustainability of well production. Zonal isolation has been achieved by designing and selecting a casing setting strategy, preparation of the well for the cementing process, selecting of cementing system, optimized cement placement and evaluating by wireline tools or by indirect indicators. Historically, we have relied on wireline cased hole logging to loop the process and give feedback on cement quality that is supposed to "mirror" zonal isolation. Lack of zonal isolation is normally addressed via revision on cementing process by changing the chemistry, placement technique or enhancement related to borehole preparation, improving the flow of cement across the zone of interest or way to evaluate the quality of cement.

Operator companies are constantly in search for the New Technologies, Best Practices and Approaches that will deliver adequate zonal isolation. All the above mentioned will improve Zonal isolation but there is a certain limit to the level of improvement (how much improved) and the period to get a substantial impact (how fast improved). Sometimes these improvements could be marginal and do not deliver the optimal ratio between efforts and expenditure spend and improvement.

Many operators demand significant improvements that could be delivered through changing the well design approach. Our analysis and lessons learned on the application of different well designs and their impact to zonal isolation are presented below.
Electric Well Control: The Next Century Blowout Preventer
Authors: Beim Samantha , Givens Matthew , Olson Matthew
Published: October 2023

Transforming century old technology not only alters the way the industry can physically operate, but also the way we think about the future of operations. This paper will discuss the next generation of pressure control equipment for surface blowout preventer (BOP) systems, which displace conventional hydraulically operated equipment with electric actuation, utilizing precise motor control and implementing advancements in stored energy technology. We will discuss how the electric BOP system will replace complex hydraulics with simplified product architecture that provides real-time monitoring (RTM) of components, overall reliability improvements, and applies condition-based maintenance (CBM) to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for end users.

To facilitate market introduction, the electric BOP system needs to be as retrofittable as possible. This requirement to interface with existing BOP stack configurations and components creates restrictions on the new technology envelopes and provides performance load requirements. A crucial part of the design process also involves ensuring the new components are sized appropriately to meet the conventional force requirements found in shearing and complete shut-off operations.

As a part of ongoing development of the electric BOP system, it was demonstrated that the new electric ram bonnet assembly can provide an equivalent shear force to existing hydraulic ram-type BOPs with a more consistent shear curve. In the case of electric actuation, the rams are constantly supplied power to maintain position and do not have the same stalling effect seen in hydraulically actuated shears. Additionally, the fine motor control required to operate electric systems can lead to improved closing times, prolonged elastomer life, and optimized testing procedures.

Conventional BOP systems rely upon inferred measurements, such as pressure and volume, to determine successful operation. With electric actuation, we reduce system complexity by removing the network of valves and hoses and replacing them with simplified control using communication over power. The digitally enabled actuators found in electric BOP systems provide real-time feedback that can be compared against historical data to determine degradation of the equipment. The electric BOP system development program will utilize CBM and remote access technology to monitor equipment condition. This data will aid the end user in determining the proper maintenance timing and result in a lower cost of ownership due to reduced non-productive time.
Power System Frequency Regulation in Low Inertia Systems
Authors: Atallah A. , Hernandez A. , Varhegyi G.
Published: October 2023

Electrifying industries is an emerging trend that aims to replace traditional fossil-fuel-based energy sources with renewable electricity in various sectors. Several industrial installations around the world, offshore and onshore, are abandoning reliance on fossil-fuel based power generators by connecting to the public grid directly or through power from shore interconnection. In many cases those installations are and lead to an island network configuration or what is commonly known as micro grid constituted of the load, the renewable generator plant and the transmission system. The objective of this work is to investigate frequency regulation in this configuration.

In the presence of classical power generators based on synchronous machines an island grid caters for the power system stability among others, frequency regulation, through the inherit characteristics of the synchronous machines. In the absence of synchronous generators- based power plants, frequency stability becomes more critical as the entire power system inertia is reduced due to the absence of rotating machines both on the generation, especially in the case of solar generation, and load side, i.e. power electronics connected motors. The power system frequency regulation has to be achieved through careful coordination and cooperation of the different power electronic devices controllers such as solar generation converters, battery energy storage systems (BESS) converters and HVDC converters, in case present. This investigation is achieved by the means of RMS based dynamic system simulations.

The investigation shows that the ability of the synchronous machine prime mover to regulate the power system frequency through its governor action and avoid critical frequency excursions through inherit kinetic inertia is significantly reduced due to renewable energy displacement of synchronous machine power generation. Additionally, the speed of measurement and response to frequency events of the power electronics-based devices is detrimental to system survival. The investigation shows that the coordination of the solar generation and BESS along with their respective droops and coordination with other power electronic devices in the power system, such as HVDC transmission with grid forming functionalities, is essential.

Frequency regulation in lower inertia power systems is essential to maintain system and process operation and reliability. The investigation gives an outlook into realizing industrial installation in remote locations without connection to an existing public grid relying solely on sustainable sources of power generation.
AI-Powered Mobility Application for Field Inspection Rounds
Authors: Samanoodi R. , Alrasheed A. , Felemban A. , Althobaiti A. , Alnumay Y. , Trigui H. , Algethmi A. , Alsomali A. , Patel S.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive system to improve and enhance the field operator rounds through digitalization of routine inspection and operation tasks which are typically performed manually in most facilities. The paper will outline a combination of various systems that were developed and integrated to digitize critical gauges, level indicators and other relevant instrument data recorded for process monitoring and detecting any abnormalities. Additionally, the gauge digitization process was enabled through the use of computer vision and artificial intelligence.

A robust architecture was developed that features an AI-based mobile application running on a tablet, a backend remote server that publishes on a frontend dashboard. The AI based application utilizes a tablet’s camera to digitize analog gauges and record other critical instruments. Starting by the commonly used circular analog gauges, the mobile application uses advanced computer vision techniques to predict the readings in real-time. The server was developed with a database to store the digitized data collected through the application. The dashboard was developed to analyze and visualize the data through interactive charts for monitoring, analytics, and forecasting.

The developed systems were deployed in an oil and gas facility such that the current manual process was replaced by the proposed technologies presented in the paper. The system has now been deployed for 5 months and is being used on a daily basis by the facility operators. A total of approximately 25,000 records have been collected and stored in the developed backend server. Through this system the operators were enabled to take measurements and readings in challenging scenarios such as acute viewing angles, hard to reach areas, distant measurements, various lighting conditions without sacrificing data collection integrity. The AI prediction algorithm managed to predict readings of industrial analog gauges achieving accuracies greater than 90%. The collected data by the operators was visualized effectively on the dashboard providing management and engineers a mechanism to extract and verify field process measurements as needed. Finally, the implementation of the system has replaced the manual paper-based recording process fostering sustainable technological solutions.

Due to the constraints of accessing cloud services in oil and gas facilities, the AI algorithm was optimized to run on an edge device such as tablet with limited computational capabilities. Moreover, the AI algorithm introduces a reliable and systematic way of data collection that eliminates randomness and normalizes human bias. Additionally, Analog gauges digitization process enables automatic cross-validation with other digital transmitter twins which can be used to detect instruments malfunctioning and process upset.
Unique Coil-Shifted Limited-Entry Acid Matrix Completion Overcomes Challenges of Stimulation and Wellbore Cleanup through an ESP Y-Block
Authors: Paredes M.
Published: October 2023

Objective

A case study of an application in Iraq is presented with the aim to show the versatility of a limited entry cluster port completion system to overcome specific well challenges with "off-the-shelf" equipment designs. To overcome a unique set of challenges, a fit-for-purpose lower completion was designed to stimulate a reservoir with an acid matrix treatment, cleanup the acid, and allow for future water shut-off with an electric submersible pump (ESP) and Y-Block in place.

Following the case study, a discussion is presented of the application of the system in UAE to augment the already successful Smart Liner (SL) completion system. There are many similarities between the completion presented and the SL. Advantages of using the system discussed in this paper are discussed. These advantages include: Better acid placement – especially at the toe of the wellLower pumping pressureHigher pumping ratesRe-closable nozzles allow for future shut-off of undesirable zones, water zones for example.
Soil Set-Up Period Reduction for Early Drilling Rig Approach
Authors: Svasti-xuto M. , Sinthumongkhonchai C.
Published: October 2023

Objective/Scope

PTTEP intends to develop one of the Oil & Gas Field which is located in Gulf of Thailand, to continue supplying gas for the country. The platform is standardized as Generic design to the maximum extent to reduce costs and fabrication lead times.After the installation of the platform is complete, the normal traditional soil set-up is allowed 30 days later. This is regarded as the crucial route. Then, in order to enable early production, we are looking for every opportunity to shorten this time frame.

Engineering studies were then performed to re-examine while assuring this was still safe, defying the established approach. Perform fit-for-purpose load combinations to check the pile FOS against the actual drilling rig loads on platform sPerform site specific soil set-up study at platform location to define the soil set-up curve over the time,Perform Jacket in-place analysis to confirm the pile Factor of safety and required soil set-up period.
FlexDelivery – Integrated Logistics in the Offshore Sector
Authors: Vedat Kris
Published: October 2023

This case study aims to showcase how integrated logistics in the offshore sector streamline the supply chain process, reduce costs, and improves efficiency. The scope of integrated logistics includes planning, transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and information management, focusing on collaboration and transparency between all stakeholders in the offshore supply chain.

The process of integrated logistics in the offshore sector begins with the cargo booking. A detailed logistics plan and schedule are then developed, outlining the supply chain network, transportation modes, and inventory management strategies. The process is managed by an AI-based platform that automatically creates short and long-term schedules using various cargo and telemetric data. During the execution phase, real-time tracking and monitoring of the supply chain process are crucial to managing disruptions. Continuous improvement is key to optimising the integrated logistics process with a machine learning element to the logistics tool, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety and reliability.

Implementing integrated logistics in the offshore sector has yielded several positive results. Firstly, it has improved efficiency in the supply chain process, reducing the time and cost required to move goods and equipment from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Delivery time has been reduced by 23%, achieved by using an AI planning system, real-time tracking, and optimised transportation modes.

Secondly, integrated logistics has helped to maintain high levels of safety by reducing the number of entries into the 500M zone by consolidating cargo and increasing back deck utilisation. Standardised procedures for logistics operations have been established, minimising the risk of errors and improving overall safety.

Thirdly, the implementation of integrated logistics has led to increased collaboration and communication between stakeholders involved in offshore operations, resulting in improved decision-making and reduced delays, as well as better transparency between all elements of the supply chain.

Real-time tracking and monitoring of the supply chain process have been crucial for effectively managing disruptions and addressing issues, which is made possible by automating the process using AI, which is more efficient than manual processes.

The use of integrated logistics in the offshore sector has resulted in an overall cost reduction of 23% on the shipment of goods and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 32%, enabling effective management of the movement of goods and equipment while promoting sustainability.

This approach to integrated offshore logistics will enable effective management of the movement of goods and equipment from the point of origin to the point of consumption and reduce costs for the oil and gas sector while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Walk to Work and the Automation of the Offshore Oil and Gas Market
Authors: Eley G. , Moran J. , Kaub S.
Published: October 2023

The offshore oil and gas industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards automation to improve operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Walk to Work (W2W) systems are seen as a critical enabler of this automation. This paper explores the role of W2W systems in the context of automation, their benefits, and their implications for the offshore oil and gas sector.

Automation technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced control systems, are being increasingly adopted in the offshore oil and gas sector. Promising designs for Normally Unattended Installations (NUIs) are driven by new technologies that enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations, reducing human intervention and improving overall operational performance. However, the integration of automation systems will continue to rely on efficient and reliable methods of offshore access to construct, maintain and repair NUIs. It is often noted that W2W systems will play a pivotal role in this development, but its role in the automation of the offshore energy sector is not properly understood.

W2W systems provide a reliable and safe means of transferring personnel to and from offshore installations, supporting the automation efforts in the offshore oil and gas sector. These systems involve purpose-built vessels equipped with motion compensation gangways and accommodation facilities, commonly known as flotels. By ensuring a continuous presence in close proximity to unmanned platforms and facilities, W2W vessels can facilitate the automation of the sector by providing necessary access to offshore installations. A floating workforce supported by such vessels will be a required feature of fully optimised NUI production fields. In this paper we will discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with developing this maintenance regime.
Jack-Up Rig Installed Wellhead Platform: A Novel Solution for Marginal Field Development
Authors: Badrol Raja Sharifuddin Ahmad B. Raja , Rahman Ahmad Rizal B. A. , Huang Noorizal B. Nasri , Rahman Azam Abdul
Published: October 2023

In view of the low oil price environment hitting the industry several years back, majoritymarginal field development projects has struggled to reduce its capital expenditure via the conventional installationmethod (i.e. using crane barge). Fixed offshore structures has largely been installed via the conventional crane barge. Utilization of a crane barge has resulted in a significant amount of installation costs as the mobilization cost and the Daily Charter Rates (DCR) for the vessel is very high. This paper intends to investigate the option of utilizing Jack-up Rig (JUR) as the installation spread, in lieu of crane barge.

In an effort to optimize project costs, the rig-installed platform concept has been considered as one of the option due to the cheaper cost of JUR DCR compared to anormal crane barge. The saving in material, schedule and mobilization cost can also be achieved as the JUR can proceed with the drilling of the conductor wells (which are also the main piles of the structure) directly after the structure installation. JUR is used for the installation of WHP with some degree of limitations due to the drilling envelope and derrick lifting capacity. The structures must be designed to suit these limitations. Some minor modification is required to the drilling jack-up before it can be utilized to install small and lightweight offshore structures.

Upon completion of a pilot project, it is proven that rig-installed platform brings positive advantages to the project in terms of both costs and schedule, despite some limitation that need to be adhered to such as structure weight, water depth, no of wells etc. Given the right project parameters, rig-installed structures can be successfully deployed to meet project objectives.

This ‘know-how’ has been around for quite some time in the industry but was not commonly exploited in the Far East. This paper will investigate the lessons learnt from previous successful projects of JUR installed platform covering all aspects i.e., design, fabrication and installation of Light-Weight Structure (LWS). This paper will mainly discuss on the essential requirements of JURinstalled platforms and the potential value creation towards optimizing a marginal field project.
Non Tampered ODMCS Log Using loT/Blockchain
Authors: Xavier A J Kitherian
Published: October 2023

Oceans are the world's largest ecosystem and home to millions of species. Marine pollution is one of the key challenges for sustainability and needs to be addressed. There are various conventions and regulations to control pollution and protect the livelihood of not only the species but also over 3 billion people who depend on marine and coastal biodiversity. Oil tankers may sail without any cargo after discharging the oil cargo in a port. In such situations the tankers have to take ballast water from the sea into cargo tanks to ger better draught and stability. The ballast water carried in the cargo tanks needs to be discharged out at sea before the next cargo loading. Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems (ODMCS) is used to prevent the pollution of ocean by oil or oily mixtures from ships. This paper addresses the use of IoT, Blockchain and related technologies for the implementation of compliance requirements mandated by regulation 34 of MARPOL Annex I which forbids the discharging of oil or oily mixtures from oil tankers but allows it with certain conditions.

Today various types of ODMCS are installed on ships to allow discharge overboard when the conditions favor the discharge. However, the discharged related data is collected and stored in the memory card of a computing unit for a minimum of three years for inspections. The issue is this type of storage is more vulnerable for modifications. Also, there is no single place where discharged logs from all ships are collected for global marine pollution analysis.

The solution is to place IoT sensors on the critical elements of ODMCS. The sensors send the data points to an IoT router. The router constructs the ODMCS log and publishes that to an onboard blockchain node so that the data cannot be tampered with. As per MARPOL Annex I, all the oil tankers of 150 GT and above must have an approved ODMCS or ODME (Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment). Hence, the idea here is not to replace the existing ODMEs but to augment them in the process of collecting data and analyzing them for a ship, a geographic region or globally.
Offshore Shipping Logistics Excellence – Digitalization and Control Room / Integrated Planning Center Concept
Authors: Awad Saud , Salam Mohammad Abdul
Published: October 2023

Offshore oil and gas operators have made significant advancement is drilling technologies; even the drilling contractors and drilling service providers have invested significantly in their R&D and product line to ensure large oil and gas operators benefit from them in their oil production output and well deliveries.

Yet there has been many oil and gas operators and offshore EPC companies maintaining status quo with managing the sourcing and flow of materials to and from offshore well sites, which remains mostly unchallenged. The Offshore drilling and completions accounts for 60% of total capital expenditure for an oil and gas operator; and most of it is usually spent on material supplies and services. Since most of the offshore drilling costs are time related, optimization in well delivery time will result in positive impact to drilling costs.
Targeting Offshore Installation Efficiency: An Innovative Tool for a Safer Offshore Lifting & Handling of Pipes Without Human Intervention
Authors: Monacchi G. , Arcangeletti G. , Castriotta G. , Toso G. , Loi A. , Vaglio A. , Zornetta G.
Published: October 2023

Offshore pipelay due to several factors such as weather condition, cranes performances, relative motions between vessels, human errors, to name a few, implies that the risks of injuries for the personnel involved in such operation is not negligible with potential of severe consequences for their health and safety. Riggers are usually employed during offshore lifting of pipes from PSV (Pipe Supply Vessel) or Cargo Barge to the PLV (Pipe Lay Vessel), see Figure 1. Such type of operations are repeated thousands of times, especially during the offshore laying of long trunklines, increasing the probability of possible incidents. As an example, in (Monacchi et al., 2023) are mentioned some events recorded and published by IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association), related to pipe lifting operations and involving injuries to the riggers or resulting in a high potential near miss.

To reduce such risks, in the last years Saipem promoted and funded Research and Development (R&D) activities to develop innovative solutions to minimize or even eliminate the human intervention during offshore lifting of pipes. Different disciplines were engaged to set the requirements for a remotely operated system for pipes lifting, handling and landing: expertise in offshore operations, interfaces with vessel equipment, installation analysis, design and construction of lifting devices and control systems. The result is the development of the Hands-Free Lifting Beam (HFLB), a tool able to automatically lift a single pipe or a pair of pipes from any type of Cargo Barge or PSV cargo hold/loading platform and delivering them to the PLV, allowing the personnel involved in the rigging operation to be out from the Line of Fire (LOF). This paper presents an overview of the Hands-Free Lifting Beam, the working principle, main components, functions and its control system. The construction and testing of a prototype, which is planned to be completed and tested at the factory by the third quarter of 2023, will be also described. Most of the concepts included in this paper are patent pending.