Petrofac demonstrates value of digital modifications execution in industry first

Petrofac has collaborated with asset management specialist, James Fisher Asset Information Services (JF AIS), to eliminate the need for offshore surveys ahead of modification scopes, reducing time and cost.

Part of Petrofac’s strategy to drive best-in-class delivery for its clients, the digital process enables offshore crew to capture detailed visual and measurement data through a process called Self-Capture Point Cloud. Photogrammetric data is collected using intuitive camera equipment, transferred directly to the asset’s Digital Twin and converted into a point cloud, which can be used to design asset modifications to a high level of dimensional accuracy. Using this technique, Petrofac was able to undertake a spool piece replacement in the North Sea, avoiding the need to mobilize a survey team - a first for the UK energy industry.

Steve Johnson, Vice President of Digital for Petrofac’s Engineering and Production Services business, commented: “As our industry continues to balance its focus on the maximization of economic recovery and accelerating towards a lower-carbon future, this type of digital execution provides a means to optimize use of existing infrastructure by extending field life, whilst reducing offshore travel.

“Data is captured at the point of inspection and core teams are empowered to execute modifications without a time-consuming survey process, ultimately unlocking significant value for our clients through increased uptime and cost efficiencies.”

Signaling the future way of working, the solution has proven to present sustainable value and cost savings, by eliminating the requirement for offshore surveys.

Johnson concluded: “With all our customers’ assets requiring planned production shutdowns incorporating pipework anomalies and new subsea tiebacks requiring piping tie-ins, this technology will accelerate what is often a critical path activity and allow production to be started earlier than ever before.”