The Shelf in 2005 - Integrated Operations
02/05/2006 Integrated Operations, or eOperations, means implementing new forms of operation. These new forms are based on ICT solutions including use of (near) real-time data to integrate work processes between disciplines, offshore, land and different organizations. The purpose of this is to achieve faster, better decisions.
The possibilities and value potential associated with Integrated Operations are substantial. Calculations show 2-4 percent increased recovery in addition to significant savings (OLF, Petoro, Cera). Realising this potential will require a number of decisions and investments over the next three-four years. The industry has implemented a number of pilot projects, but the implementation of Integrated Operations on a broad scale is not proceeding fast enough in relation to realizing the time-critical resources on fields in tail production. The NPD wants to assist the industry in extracting the benefits of coordination.
Integrated Operations means implementing new forms of operation. These new forms are based on ICT solutions including use of (near) real-time data to integrate work processes between disciplines, offshore, land and different organizations. The purpose of this is to achieve faster, better decisions.
Developments in the petroleum industry follow the development in other industries such as astronautics, aviation and hydroelectric power. The "IT in everything" trend is now apparent also in the oil industry.
Projects on several fields on the Norwegian shelf have already yielded financial results. Most of the major oil companies and some suppliers have started to implement new technology and new work forms. Many companies have set up coordination rooms and operations centers. These can link professionals from different disciplines and organisations, and provide everyone with the same data at the same time. Some have also established links to operations centers abroad. The operations rooms make it possible to provide support, monitor and guide processes from land.
Integrated Operations and the authorities' role:
Storting White Paper No. 38 (2003-2004) On the petroleum activities states that the Government will:
- Contribute to ensuring that the potential for increased value creation through use of eOperations is realised
- The Government will ask the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate to initiate a collaboration between involved parties to promote use of eOperations
- The Government will contribute to clarification of technical, organisational and safety-related issues linked to the telecommunications network for transmission of data offshore
The NPD established an Integrated Operations forum (Edriftforum) in the autumn of 2004. The eOperations forum is an arena where key players from all oil companies, many suppliers, research institutions, trade unions and the authorities meet to exchange joint knowledge and experience. Edriftforum meets twice a year, and a management group has been established with representatives from the involved parties. A study of the consequences of Integrated Operations for the employees and employment in Norway has been implemented this year under the direction of the Edriftforum. A broad-based working group has looked at the competence needs associated with widespread implementation of Integrated Operations. The reports will be presented at the first Edriftforum on 4 April 2006.
Contact in the NPD:
Eldbjørg Vaage Melberg, tel. +47 51 87 61 00
Updated: 28/04/2014