Offshore Structures operate for decades in extremely hostile environments. It is important during this period that the structural integrity is efficiently managed to ensure continuous and safe operation.

Increased use of enhanced oil and gas recovery means it is likely that many existing installations will remain operational for a significant period beyond the original design life.

The operator needs to capture, evaluate and, if necessary, mitigate design premise changes which inevitably occur during the life of a structure. Further, advances in knowledge and technology may imply changes in codes and standards as well as in analysis methodologies.

Changes in corporate structures, transfer of operator responsibility and retirement of experienced engineers call for reliable means to transfer historical data and experience to new stakeholders.

Effective emergency preparedness capabilities, structural integrity assessments and inspection planning presuppose that as-is analysis models and corresponding information are easily accessible.

This paper presents an implementation of the in-service integrity management process described in the new revision of NORSOK standard N-005 [1] for a large fleet of jackets at the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The process, comprising management of design premise changes as well as state-of-the-art technical solutions over a range of disciplines, has enabled the operator to prolong the service life with decades at minimum investments.

A structure integrity management system (SIMS) has been developed and digitized over years and streamlined to meet the needs and challenges in the operation and management of the jacket platforms. SIMS enables a rather lean organization to control the structural integrity status of all load-bearing structures at any time.

Platform reinforcements and modifications along with other operational risk reducing measures like unman the platforms in severe storms enable continued use with the same level of safety as for new manned platforms. Advanced analyses are used to document regulatory compliance.

Modern fatigue and reliability based inspection planning analyses have reduced the costs needed for inspection of fatigue cracks significantly.

The benefits from the SIMS system are substantial and the resulting safety and productivity gains are apparent. The continuity of knowledge and experience is maintained, reducing risk to safety and regularity.

The digital transformation related to management of structural integrity status as described in NORSOK standard N-005 is realized through SIMS.

This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.