How Digital Technology and Standardisation Can Improve Offshore Operations

Abstract

This paper explains how digital technology combined with standardisation is used to improve Subsea 7's offshore operations with the aim to avoid incidents, increase efficiency and reduce cost and schedule. A new way to write, use, and complete offshore installation task plans has been developed. Using an electronic database and application-based system, Electronic Task Planner (ETP), hard copies will become redundant. Integration of Standard Task Plans (STP) in the ETP enables re-use of procedures, ensuring best practices are consistently applied during offshore operations, and will significantly reduce time to produce and review documents. The system will auto-generate as-built documentation and input to the vessel daily progress reports. Offshore operations are supported by means of 3D virtualisation technology and animations. VR models are used to visualise the work environment for familiarisation and for design and procedure planning. 3D models can easily be integrated into the VR environment, combined with vessel and ROV models from the 3D model library to quickly analyse a proof of concept for the engineering planning. An emulation room and testing lab has been set-up, and by creating virtual models of the vessels, control systems can be effectively tested under near to "live" conditions. By integrating a physics engine into the emulator system, projects can be verified against expected sea states and can confirm the control system will allow project operations to be completed. Using the emulation techniques means operators can be trained on exact same virtualised control system software in advance of actual construction, or control functions can be tested before delivery to the vessel. The same model can also be used to facilitate efficient planning and familiarisation of deck operations.