An Operations Perspective on Field Expansion Projects, Al Shaheen Field Development 2005
Authors: Jensen K. , Welinder B. , White B. , Messaoud Y. 
Published: February 2011

During the period 2005-2010 a major expansion of the production facilities in the Al Shaheen oil field (offshore Qatar) was undertaken. The scope of the project was such that field infrastructure and well base was essentially doubled (Fig. A-1). In excess of 160 wells were to be drilled, 15 new platforms installed to boost separation, compression, environmental and export capacities and 270 km of pipeline laid to connect the new production network. The implementation of the field development plan (FDP2005) was carried out whilst maintaining and enhancing production levels, safety standards and environmental compliance.

This paper explores the key challenges posed by the implementation of a major development plan into a live operational environment. Challenges such as; raising the bar in terms of environmental emission standards, expanding the manpower base whilst maintaining experience levels and developing core competencies, maintaining safety standards whilst managing a large number of contractors from diverse cultural backgrounds, integration of new and old facilities whilst maintaining ambitious production targets, balancing competing priorities between different departments (Drilling, Production and Projects), and scheduling of production in the face of shifting delivery schedules.

Detailed planning, innovative thinking and clear communication were essential ingredients in tackling a challenge such as this. Brownfield engineering was managed in-house to enable direct communications between the departments and decision makers involved. This allowed schedules to remain flexible and opportunities to be capitalised on as and when they appeared.

Early production from temporary facilities on new locations using technologies such as multi-phase flow metering paid dividends in terms of early cash flow as well as feeding back valuable production data into the ongoing drilling program. The extensive drilling program created a production optimisation challenge with new well capacity exceeding the existing facilities capability to process fluids. Solutions such as drag reducer utilisation, export pump upgrades, innovative process re-routing and pipeline swaps meant oil production could be maximised. All the time, the customary oil production drive had to be tempered against the need to accommodate high day rate installation vessels, diving vessels, crane barges and drilling rigs in the field. A key element to balancing these often conflicting priorities in a safe manner was through the extensive use of customized simultaneous operating procedures (SIMOPS). The safety record for these operations over the course of the project implementation was solid, with no major incidents or fatalities, a significant achievement in itself given the high level of activity in the field.

The accomplishments of the FPD2005 implementation are significant for Maersk Oil a/s, Qatar Petroleum and the State of Qatar. Safety standards, environmental compliance and revenue streams have been preserved during a period of extreme offshore activity. Over 131,000 tonnes of new facilities were installed offshore in an operating facility with only one planned field shutdown. These achievements would not have been possible without uncompromising commitment of the complete Maersk Oil Qatar a/s organisation.