Aker BP – Valhall – Materials handling, cranes and lifting

The audit was conducted in the period March-May 2019.

Background

The Valhall field is in the far south of the northern sector of the North Sea. Aker BP is the operator. The field is now being extended through the development of Valhall Flank West. The development solution is an unmanned wellhead facility that is tied to the Valhall field centre.

Our audit was focused on project management of the facility’s topside and completion prior to installation of the facility on the field.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to verify arrangements for materials handling, cranes and lifting activities on the facility that will normally be unmanned. We wanted to verify compliance with the company’s own requirements and those of the authorities in respect of operational, administrative and technical conditions.

Result

The audit identified three non-conformities and two improvement points. The non-conformities concerned materials handling, documentation of offshore cranes and non-conformity handling. The improvement points related to safety marking of an escape chute and documentation of lifting equipment.

What happens now?

We have asked Aker BP to report on how the non-conformities will be addressed and for their assessment of the improvement points we observed. The deadline for feedback has been set at 26 July 2019.