esdv
J6A – ESDV Modification Project - Engineering, Project Management
January 2024

J6A – ESDV Modification Project

Client: Confidential

Service Provider: NMC Energy

Project: Emergency Shut Down Valve (ESDV) Modification on J6A Platform

Location: Offshore Platform J6A

Summary

NMC Energy was engaged by the client to manage a fast-track, high-priority project after the Emergency Shut Down Valve (ESDV) on the J6A platform failed to meet the required leak rate performance standard during testing. The project involved the removal of a manual actuator and the installation of a hydraulic actuator linked to the platform’s Emergency Shut Down (ESD) system. With the regulator requiring the client to shut down production until the ESDV issue was resolved, the project became critical to restoring production. NMC Energy delivered a complete turnkey solution, completing the project in just 43 days while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.

Scope of Work

NMC Energy’s scope of work involved managing the full lifecycle of the project, from planning to execution, within an accelerated timeline:

Full Turnkey Project Management (43 Days Fast-Track):

  • NMC Energy took full responsibility for managing the project, ensuring that all phases—engineering, procurement, construction, and installation—were executed within the 43-day timeline.
  • The team worked under tight deadlines to rapidly mobilize resources, secure vendor services, and coordinate offshore operations.

Management and Integration of Various Vendors:

  • The project required the integration of seven key vendors, including specialists for the actuator installation, hydraulic system design, and ESD system integration.
  • NMC Energy managed all vendor coordination and ensured that each party was aligned with the fast-track schedule.

Cost and Schedule Management:

  • NMC Energy closely monitored both costs and schedule throughout the project, balancing the need for swift execution with budgetary constraints.
  • Detailed project controls were implemented to ensure that each phase remained on track, with regular updates provided to the client on progress and expenditures.

Engagement with Operations, Technical Authorities, and Specialist Vendors:

  • NMC Energy facilitated engagement between the client’s operations team, technical authorities (TAs), and specialist vendors to ensure that the new hydraulic actuator and ESD system integration met all technical and safety requirements.
  • Close collaboration with these stakeholders helped streamline decision-making and resolve technical challenges quickly.

Management of Logistics and Key Interfaces:

  • Managing the logistics of the project, including the offshore transportation of personnel, equipment, and materials, was a critical aspect of the project. NMC Energy coordinated the movement of resources to the J6A platform, ensuring minimal delays.
  • The team managed key interfaces between multiple vendors, ensuring smooth communication and alignment on project deliverables.

HSE and Technical Safety Deliverables:

  • NMC Energy maintained a strong focus on health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards throughout the project. The team ensured that all work was conducted in compliance with offshore safety regulations and that the installation of the new hydraulic actuator met technical safety standards.
  • HSE audits were conducted at key project stages to ensure the safe execution of offshore work.

Offshore Work Coordination:

  • Coordinating offshore work on a live platform required careful planning and execution. NMC Energy oversaw the offshore installation of the hydraulic actuator, ensuring that the work was completed safely and without incident.
  • Offshore operations were conducted under a strict Permit to Work (PTW) system, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and minimizing disruptions to other platform operations.

Challenges Addressed

8.Fast-Track Delivery:

  • With a regulatory mandate requiring the client to halt production until the ESDV was fixed, the project demanded a fast-track solution. NMC Energy successfully completed the project in just 43 days, ensuring that the platform could resume production in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Coordination of Multiple Vendors:

  • Integrating seven key vendors into a single, cohesive project plan was a significant challenge. NMC Energy’s ability to manage and coordinate these vendors ensured that the project progressed smoothly, despite the complexity of the technical requirements and the tight schedule.

Safety and Compliance:

  • Ensuring that all offshore work was completed safely, particularly in a fast-tracked project, was essential. NMC Energy’s rigorous focus on HSE standards ensured that there were no safety incidents during the installation process.

Key Successes

  • On-Time Completion of Critical Production Project: Despite the tight 43-day timeline, NMC Energy successfully managed the ESDV modification project, enabling the client to meet regulatory requirements and resume production.
  • Successful Vendor Integration: NMC Energy effectively managed the integration of seven key vendors, ensuring that all technical and operational work was completed to the highest standard within the accelerated schedule.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The project achieved full regulatory compliance, with the newly installed hydraulic actuator and upgraded ESD system meeting the required performance standards for leak rate and closing time.
  • Zero Safety Incidents: NMC Energy’s strict adherence to HSE protocols and safety standards resulted in zero safety incidents during the offshore installation and commissioning phases of the project.

Outcome

NMC Energy’s management of the J6A ESDV modification project demonstrates its ability to deliver fast-track, high-priority solutions in critical production environments. By successfully integrating multiple vendors, managing complex logistics, and maintaining a strong focus on safety and compliance, NMC Energy delivered the project on time and within budget, ensuring that the client could resume production and meet regulatory requirements. This case study highlights NMC Energy’s expertise in managing fast-track offshore projects and delivering turnkey solutions in challenging environments.

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