The audit was conducted from 4 to 8 March 2019.

This was a joint audit by the PSA and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB). The Alvheim FPSO is Norwegian-flagged and is consequently monitored by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and DSB under flag state regulations.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to monitor how Aker BP meets the technical, operational and organisational regulations relating to electrical facilities on the Alvheim FPSO.

Result

Our impression of the areas investigated was primarily positive. The impression was that the responsible person for electrical facilities has now been given the necessary framework conditions for performing their role. The permanent installations and equipment we inspected were maintained to a generally good standard. We also gained the impression that the company had, in the main, satisfactorily addressed relevant conditions identified in previous audits.

However, the company’s follow-up of investigated performance standards appeared to be weak. We also registered quality issues in this respect. In addition, certain problems were registered in relation to the follow-up of electrical safety and the maintenance of electrical installations and equipment.

We identified regulatory non-conformities within the following areas:

  • Starting arrangement for emergency power supply
  • Emergency lighting
  • Maintenance of electrical installations and equipment
  • Technical condition of the electrical facilities
  • Work in and operation of electrical facilities
  • Deficient performance requirements for technical barrier elements

We also observed improvement points relating to:

  • Manning and competence
  • Notification of changes to procedures for work processes

What happens now?

We have asked Aker BP to report on how the non-conformities will be addressed. We have also asked the company for their assessment of the improvement points we observed. The deadline for feedback is set at 23 May 2019.

Alvheim

Alvheim is a field in the northern part of the North Sea, west of Heimdal. The field includes six deposits; Kameleon, Boa, Kneler, Viper, Kobra and Gekko. The water depth in the area is 120–130 metres. Alveim was discovered in 1998, and the plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in 2004. The field has been developed with subsea templates tied to a production ship (FPSO). Production started in 2008.

Source: norskpetroleum.no