Skarv And Valhall Re-development A Journey To The Second Generation Of Digital Oilfields

Abstract

Abstract BP in Norway has been in the forefront of developing intelligent energy solutions since 1999 with the installation of their first fiber optical communications link to the Valhall and Ula fields in the North Sea. Throughout the past decade BP Norway has built up considerable experience with Field of the Future Technology ranging from the first advanced collaboration environments for both drilling and operations, the worlds first "Life of Field Seismic" array on the Valhall field as well as advanced remote monitoring tools. In 2005 it was decided to go ahead with two major projects, one a new field center for the Valhall field and the second a green field development for the Skarv field based on an FPSO. This presented a fantastic opportunity to build on BP Norway's existing experience and create two truly second generation fields of the future. This paper will examine how this was achieved and how the project teams and contractors were engaged via a set of automation and remote performance blue prints to deliver this achievement. As these fields are commissioned and come on stream they will present a major change in maintenance and operational mind set for the onshore support organization in adopting the extensive remote monitoring and optimization tools that are available to them. New advanced collaborative environments have been provided not only at the main office but also at the new support base and offshore. The Valhall design also includes on onshore control room with full remote control capability. Clearly these two fields represent a sustainable approach to Intelligent Energy - a world leading example of delivering value retrofitting digital oilfield capabilities to existing assets, then incorporating all the experience and learning into a second phase of greenfield projects.