In addition to computer technology that makes it possible to transmit information over long distances without significant time delays, Integrated Operations also require changes in work processes.
Integrated Operations are being developed in the petroleum sector with assistance from other sectors, including the ICT sector. It is largely the industry itself that is driving these new operating practices and much of the required technology already exists. So far, the petroleum industry has not exploited this technology to any significant degree. One of the major challenges is to achieve extensive cooperation the players. The value potential associated with a transition to Integrated Operations is so great that the Norwegian authorities have a stated goal of being a driving force in this development. Storting White Paper No. 38 (2003-2004) on the petroleum activities (the Petroleum White Paper) states the goals for the authorities' involvement.
In 2003, OLF (the Norwegian Oil Industry Association) designated a working group to conduct a study on this topic. The group estimated that the potential associated with the use of Integrated Operations is:
- as much as 8-10 percent increased production
- up to 4-5 percentage point increase in recovery rate
- up to 30 percent reduction in operating costs compared to today's level
Read the task force's report (in Norwegian only).
Infrastructure in the North Sea that makes Integrated Operations possible
Fibre cables form the basis for the flow of data between offshore facilities and land. Satellites and radio links are also used to transmit data.
In addition to the fibre cables shown on the map, there are also several intra-field cables that allow remote control of some fields and subsea facilities both from field centres offshore and from land.
The Petroleum White Paper contains the Government's measures to promote the use of Integrated Operations:
The Government will:
. Contribute to realising the potential for increased value creation through use of Integrated Operations.
. Ask the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate to initiate a cooperation between involved parties to promote use of Integrated Operations.
. Contribute to clarify technical, organisational and safety-related issues associated with the telecommunications network for transmitting data offshore.
What is the NPD doing now?
The NPD has sent out an invitation to an initial meeting of the Integrated Operations Forum. The invitation has been sent to selected persons representing all of the licensees on the Norwegian shelf, selected suppliers, the authorities, research institutes and trade unions. The objective of the Integrated Operations Forum is to share knowledge and experience gained in the introduction of Integrated Operations, and to discuss possibilities and challenges. The first meeting of the Forum is scheduled for 21 September 2004 in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's offices in Stavanger.
Contacts in the NPD:
Inger Fjærtoft, tel. +47 51 87 60 44
Eivind Lie Kristensen, tel. +47 51 87 61 58
Turid Øygard, tel. +47 51 87 66 23