First Set of Bulk Standard Specifications Set to Reduce Cost and Delays in Offshore Oil Gas Projects

摘要

This paper describes measures to reduce the cost and delay of large offshore projects by use of new standard specifications for bulk items developed through a Joint Industry Project (JIP) initiated in 2015. The JIP has established several new standards specifications for structure, piping and Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) with broad participation from fabricators, class societies, operators and engineering companies. The main objective of the JIP has been to reduce cost and increase predictability without compromising quality and safety by adopting industrial agreed standard components and equipment as well as procedures. This paper outlines examples how and why the new standard specifications will reduce Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and delay related to bulk items and the process applied in the JIP of aligning different standards and project specifications. A gap analysis method was applied to compare overlap and differences amongst standards and criteria for selection of standards were defined to select the most appropriate requirements and specifications. Business case templates have been established, documenting many examples causing delays and misunderstandings which would be addressed and eliminated through application of the new standard specifications. The results cover the most common bulk items such as structural steel, outfitting, piping, cables, cable trays, instrument tubing, piping insulation and monorails. In some cases, the standard specifications bridge the gaps between existing international standards such as from International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and The American Petroleum Institute (API). In other cases, new requirements and specifications fill gaps in areas with lack of details in international standards or where no international standards and codes exists. The bulk standards will remove obstacles and streamline the fabrication process to the benefit for all stakeholders in engineering, procurement and construction. Although the new standard specifications are considered a quick win to save cost on bulk items in the short term, long term efforts are required to bring alignment amongst international standards such as ISO and API. Following the design and material standardization, the next major step to be taken by the JIP and the industry is to create common coding and data formats of design and material. This step has the potential to make a big impact for CAPEX reduction and reduced time to first oil by creating a seamless interface between engineering and fabrication.