Integrated Risk Management Strategy for Offshore Drilling Operations

Abstract

Abstract Despite of more than three decades of operations in the Gulf of Mexico area, still undesirable events and subsequent nonproductive time (NPT) is observed during daily operations. Being an environment under a high-cost operation, the proper risk identification, prevention, control, and mitigation is a key component for the success of the project. The objective of this document is to describe the implementation of an integrated risk management process, covering all the lifecycle process of the project including design, execution, and evaluation. Integrated Risk management strategy includes the evaluation of the readiness of the resources required for the project execution, such as: equipment, personnel, logistics, and facilities. The process started with a long-term planning review, including a detailed identification of critical activities for each individual well plan during the project lifetime. Historical definition of undesirable events, incorporating proper statistical analysis and quantification of the NPT complement the detailed planning risk definition stage. Further quantification of impact was established, to define the baseline for the project. In addition, the model includes the inputs of subject matter experts in different areas, to define the prevention and control measures, looking to reduce the severity over the project execution. The execution stage is supported by the early identification of deviations compared to parameters previously established and is tackled with the application of digital solutions. To close the operations cycle, the systematic knowledge sharing process, live lessons learn capture, and constant re-assessment of the initial risk matrix, facilitates the identification and focus during drilling operations, supporting the learning curve.