The audit was conducted from 3 to 15 September 2024.

We conducted an audit of Equinor’s organisation for Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) regarding management and implementation of IMR vessel operations.

Background

Havtil carries out audits of HSE conditions in the petroleum industry, including audits of safety when conducting petroleum activities on vessels. Equinor operates with four fixed contractors for IMR underwater operations.

The framework contracts are primarily directly with construction/engineering contractors that either have their own vessels or are associated with a shipping company that operates maritime vessels.

The permanent vessels are Seven Viking and Normand Ocean, both of which are registered in Norway, though other vessels can be brought in as need.

The vessels have cabin capacity for 90 people and are equipped with two work ROVs that are integrated into the hull with launching arrangements over the side (starboard and port side), in addition to observation ROVs. The vessels have offshore cranes and module control towers above the moon pool on the main deck.

This audit regarded Equinor’s organisation, preparation and conducting of activities onboard the Normand Ocean under its framework contract with the supplier DeepOcean. DeepOcean’s subcontractor, Solstad Offshore, owns and operates Normand Ocean.

The audit covered an interdisciplinary audit of Equinor’s organisation on land and onboard the vessel with responsibility for management and implementation of IMR operations.

Objective

Our objective was to audit the operator’s collection and use of information for its own follow-up, in order to ensure that Equinor facilitates and provides the conditions for the safe implementation of vessel operations during petroleum activities.

Result

The audit identified one regulatory non-conformity. This concerned:

  • Contractor follow-up

We also observed four factors that we have chosen to categorise as improvement points. These concerned:

  • Application of petroleum regulations
  • Qualification and competency requirements
  • Requirements for the qualification and follow-up of other participants
  • Risk and emergency preparedness analysis requirements

What happens now?

We have asked Equinor to report by 31 January 2025 on how the non-conformity will be addressed and for their assessment of the improvement points observed.