Most projects on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) are implemented in accordance with their plan for development and operation (PDO), but some have faced such challenges as overruns on both costs and execution time. This may also have health, safety and the environment (HSE) effects.
The three far-reaching studies pursued for the PSA have identified challenges faced and lessons learnt in earlier developments, and provide recommendations for improved approaches in future projects.
All the resulting reports emphasise that work by the companies on planning and executing projects is significant for the quality, safety and working environment of the finished product.
Study of field development projects on the NCS (2019)
This investigation took an in-depth look at the subject, and covered lessons learnt from the Goliat, Aasta Hansteen and Ivar Aasen developments,
These projects were studied from their early phase to start-up, and followed them from choice of concept, through engineering and construction, to start-up and production. Positive and negative experiences were described.
The reasons for challenges in the execution phase of a project can often be traced back to the planning phase before the final go-ahead (DG3) is given.
See: Field projects off Norway studied (2019)
Indicators for HSE challenges in development projects (2022)
This study explored the possibility of finding indicators which could be used as early as the planning phase leading up to a PDO in identifying HSE challenges of potential significance for safe start-up and operation.
It presented a number of different criteria which could help to characterise development projects on the NCS.
These were chosen for their ability to identify areas in a project which call for extra follow-up or which are regarded as demanding.
See: HSE challenges in development projects (2022)
HSE indicators for safe start-up and operation of projects (2023)
The study addressed whether management and follow-up of developments in the execution phase could be aimed more purposefully at reducing risk and preventing accidents during start-up and operation by utilising indicators, checkpoints and reference data.
Its report also makes reference to lessons learnt, experience gained and good practice in the industry.
See: HSE challenges for safe start-up and operation of developments (2023)