Execution of Brownfield Projects

Abstract

Abstract While the Greenfield projects are considered much easier to execute, both execution and commissioning of Brownfield projects constitutes a major challenge to the oil and gas industry. Still the oil industry due to various financial and operational constraints is continuously pursuing the constructing and commissioning of more and more Brownfield projects. The challenges of executing Brownfield projects are not only confined to the planning, construction activities as far as the Contractors are concerned but it presents a significant challenge to the asset owners for accommodating various construction activities within an operational facility that can have significant integrity issues. Project completion schedule, production downtime and facilities outage also presents a challenge to both the construction contractor and the asset. This paper will present a case study on one of the major Brownfield project that was recently constructed and commissioned in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Although the project significantly enhanced the Company production capacities and capability, however lot of efforts and dedication was required for successful completion of the project. The extend of the construction activity can be comprehended by the fact that all 14 Oil/Gas Gathering centers in greater Burgan fields were upgraded with the addition of new production facilities like gas compressors, oil/gas separators with water treatment units, crude dehydration and desalting facilities and re-location of all critical hydrocarbon piping from underground piping to above ground.