The Implementation of a Drilling and Completions Advanced Collaborative Environment—Taking Advantage of Change

Abstract

Abstract Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACEs) were planned as an integral part of the Operator's new Aberdeen office. The move in early 2008 coincided with a major business re-organisation that prompted a critical re-assessment of their scope and functionality. The selected approach is well suited to operations in a mature area. During the pilot project, three ACE implementation types were tested. One of these provided dedicated data feeds and visualisation tools within the normal work area, operating only during normal working hours. The others were asset-based onsite, 24/7 and outsourced models, each representing the business model extremes. The selected configuration was closest to the first of these models, with careful provision for future growth. The results of the pilot studies supported the business case, but suggested that the realisation of many of the benefits would hinge on attitudes, behaviours and working practices. It was concluded that steady growth, based on demand and keeping pace with the changing habits would give the best return. Detailed plans were created for each of the people, process, technology, environment and organisation components of the operator's ACE model. The new building design and layout has greatly enhanced the overall working environment. Other activities included the upgrading of fibre links, the introduction of an operability laboratory to test the compatibility of data feeds and systems, extensive human factor studies, contract re-assessment and the introduction of a dedicated ACE support team. By June 2008, seven rigs were being supported simultaneously, including monitoring the progress of a wired-pipe trial in Trinidad. All this has been achieved during a period of outstanding drilling and completions performance. This measured approach has delivered results, helping to win hearts and minds whilst avoiding over-stretching resources. The paper includes details of the pilot project, implementation and the progress and challenges to date. Introduction The operator's North Sea activities involve both the planning and day to day management of platform, mobile rig and land rig operations. The assets on which the rigs operate are in various stages of maturity with older assets being characterized by ageing infrastructure and the drilling of infill wells to progressively smaller pools. For these assets, any new drilling activity must fit in to the ongoing maintenance schedules and managing the personnel on board (POB) is critically important. The movement of traditional rig site activities onshore, using collaborative environments plays an important role in this and the operator's success in this respect, on the Andrew platform has been reported (Sawaryn et. al., 2006). In contrast, the planned cessation of production for newer assets such as Clair is measured in decades. Clair is located 75 km west of the Shetland Islands and although it was discovered in 1977 its development had to wait until 2005 for the technology to become available to address the reservoir's complexity and remoteness. As a result, the infrastructure is modern and boasts a cyber rig which is capable of making full use of the opportunities provided by the high speed fibre connections, linking the rig to shore. Despite this modern design, commercial pressures means it has only 115 beds and so operations there face similar POB challenges to the earlier, more mature assets. At the same time, the increased geotechnical complexity of both the reservoir and overburden requires a higher level of drilling and completions performance. Drilling and completions activities are more data oriented than ever before and the same information and understanding is needed at both ends of a conversation. Through collaboration we can extend the life of the older assets whilst using them to learn and influence the development and operations on the more recent ones. ACEs therefore have a critical role to play. This paper outlines the significant progress that has been made.