Innovative Performance Models for Integrated Projects in Offshore Deepwater Operations

Abstract

Integration in offshore drilling environments was traditionally limited to bundled services and managed by a project manager. The success of the integration model was mainly related to equipment logistics and quality assurance. The objective of this paper is to describe how the traditional model has evolved from a bundled long-term service commercial relationship to the innovative performance award model that has been implemented in an integrated project in the Gulf of Mexico. The offshore and deepwater drilling environment is characterized by its high operating cost; thus, risk management is one of the key aspects for the project's success. The oil and gas industry has continuously evolved during the last decades, moving toward digital and automation technologies and applications. The new performance model is based on a time definition and further estimation of budget required. Factors are linked to specific rewards in case the predefined objectives are achieved. The associated risks definition becomes critical to ensure the predefined estimates are achievable. To support the risk management process, the application of digital solutions support the planning and execution stages. The multiwell performance analysis and benchmarking tool enables us to evaluate the historical results and comparison between rigs, including and not limited to determining the project baseline, identifying the historical invisible lost time, and defining the main areas of improvement. This tool supports the definition of the risks factors and provides the inputs to determine the most accurate project budget. For the execution, one of the historical associated risks was related to the drilling fluids and well integrity. It is commonly found in the area for wells to be drilled under narrow operating windows and having extended sections. The increase of frequency and accuracy of drilling fluid properties verification is fundamental to ensure the system is under the required parameters and properties limits previously determined. The automated rheometer has been developed to increase the frequency and accuracy of rheological drilling fluid properties, thus minimizing the impact of one of the most relevant risks across the area. Finally, the focus to optimize the schedule and logistics was based on synergies developed across the different services involved. This included activities that are carried out from a single point of contact, eliminating the duplication in tasks and minimizing the resources required.