Digitalized Deepwater Production Facilities for South America - Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Digitalization of deepwater production facilities (floating and subsea units, risers, umbilicals, pipelines and flowlines) planning, construction, operations, and maintenance has been determined as an effective way to significantly reduce the life-cycle costs, enhance production levels, enable remote operations, improve personnel safety, and reduce environmental pollution. A digitalized production facility may require additional infrastructure (e.g., sensors) on physical facilities, computing capabilities, drones (air, underwater), communication facilities, and possibly secured access to a cloud platform with additional computing power. The Digitalization approaches used may vary among companies involved in planning, construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of facilities. To present a comprehensive overview of pioneering initiatives in Digitalization and hold discussion, a Panel Session for OTC Brasil 2019 has been organized. The panel comprises of leaders from operating companies, engineering and construction companies, topside and subsea systems suppliers, digital platform providers, class societies, and risk assessment specialists responsible for deepwater facilities development and operations.