Asset integrity management: offshore installations challenges

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges facing asset integrity management (AIM) practices in the oil and gas industry, in order to continually develop AIM practices in organisations. The focus is to investigate various challenges in fluctuating oil and gas market conditions, and how organisations can continuously ensure the safety and integrity of their offshore facilities. Design/methodology/approach – AIM challenges were identified by analysing data from literature study, guided interviews and web-based questionnaire with industrial experts in regions in North America, Southeast Asia and Norway. The results are validated through triangulation method with both quantitative and qualitative technique, as well as comparison with other studies. Findings – The paper identifies, analyses and validates the challenges and factors that may impact the management of asset integrity on offshore installations. The challenges were discussed to develop understanding of the root cause and thus aim to resolve underlying issues. Research limitations/implications – The paper focuses on offshore production installations with experts from organisations that have experience in Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Norway fields. The sample of respondents may not represent the entire population; however, the same approach and result can be used in similar topics and conditions. Originality/value – The identified challenges can be used by organisations to resolve underlying AIM challenges, improve their AIM strategy and obtain insights into current AIM practices in the petroleum industry.