Remote Operations - A Remote Possibility, or The Way We Do Things ‘Round Here?

Abstract

Abstract Shell aspires to maximize unattended operations for all upstream E&P "green" and "brown" field assets using the appropriate level of automation. The benefits associated with down manned operations include the following: Reducing staff exposure to travel hazards e.g., driving, sailing and flying Reduce staff exposure to process hazards at the well site and drill floor Increased production due to continuous monitoring and optimization by expert staff CAPEX saving due to elimination of unnecessary facilities such as process simplifications and reduced number of offshore beds OPEX savings due reduced travel and reduced logistics Increased staff productivity due to less time spent travelling Reduced GHG emissions as a consequence of reduced travel and improved process efficiency The underlying premise is that the E&P process should as much as possible be monitored and controlled from a remote monitoring/control room staffed by the most experienced and capable people. For "green field" facilities the basic design concept that we aspire to is unattended as the norm and attended as an exception that has to be clearly justified. For "brown fields" we aspire towards as much as possible reducing attendance, again by monitoring and controlling from remote control centers. This paper will describe the following: Shell's overall remote operations strategy Technologies associated with remote operations, inclusive of production deferment reducing techniques such as data analytics and well/reservoir surveillance Shell guidelines associated with remote operations EP remote operations experiences in a number of different assets in Europe, USA and Africa This paper demonstrates that, for Shell, remote operations is not a remote possibility, but is in the process of becoming a reality across our global upstream operations.