Post on 04-Mar-2018
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BP ETAP – ALQ review
Background
The ETAP platform is an integrated development of nine oil and gas reservoirs, with six fields
operated by BP and three operated by Shell/Esso. In order to maintain current and future
performance on the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP), the number of personnel on board
(POB) had to be increased from 117 to 160.
Accommodation structures and architectural layout are one of Optimus’ areas of specialist
knowledge, with experience gained from FEED to detail design and offshore implementation
through working with various operators and fabricators.
Review process
BP commissioned an assessment of the available options for creating additional living
quarters (ALQ) with a base case increase of 40 POB.
BP then commissioned Optimus to carry out a review of the assessment and identify areas
where further study could increase the knowledge required to allow the project to progress.
As part of the review, Optimus looked at a comparison between the installation of a single
structure using an HLV and the installation of a modular structure using the platform crane.
Optimus also considered options for installing an ALQ for both 30 and 20 POB if 40 POB was
deemed infeasible.
On completion of the review, BP
requested that Optimus carry out
further work to develop a more
detailed structural and
architectural weight. To provide
BP with this information, Optimus
developed a conceptual design of
the ALQ structure and associated
requirements. A preliminary
weight estimate was calculated as
480 tonnes.
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Optimus carried out a seven-day general visual offshore survey in conjunction with Optimus’
piping department to investigate the feasibility of the options put forward up to this point.
Recommendations for further study led to Optimus refining the above concept to include
comments made by BP offshore and onshore personnel. The size of the laydown area on the
roof was to be increased, an aviation fuel storage package was required to be relocated and
options for alternative support methods were to be developed. The inclusion of these design
variations led to an increase in the weight estimate of the ALQ to 540 tonnes. The figure
below shows the updated concept.
One phase of the project involved an architectural review of the concept design to determine
the welfare impact due to an
increase in personnel. The
review was carried out by
Optimus with a focus on the
ability of the existing and new
LQs to provide sufficient space
for welfare requirements.
All aspects of the projects, the engineering and design done by Optimus were brought in on
time and on budget.
Client view
“The detail is just perfect – concise and presentation 300% … I have to say they are the most
professionally presented reports I have seen from any consultancy company in all my days”.