Industry-First Remote Solids Management Project on NCS
Norwegian North Sea, 2025
FP-1250
Challenge
With high activity levels and increasing simultaneous off shore operations, Aker BP is facing a POB (Personnel on Board) challenge in the coming years. FourPhase was approached to explore whether our systems could be remotely operated from shore—initially for managing returns from a coiled tubing (CT) operation, and eventually across all operations.
From FourPhase’s perspective, it was essential that all products communicated seamlessly—both on the platform and with shore. Enabling this through Aker BP’s existing infrastructure was critical to ensure fi nancial viability for the project.
From FourPhase’s perspective, it was essential that all products communicated seamlessly—both on the platform and with shore. Enabling this through Aker BP’s existing infrastructure was critical to ensure fi nancial viability for the project.
Solution
FourPhase deployed a complete production fl owback spread, including a DualFlow desander, SSV, Multiphase Flow Meter MPFM), and choke, along with all necessary piping. The project was first modelled in 3D before mobilisation off shore.
As this was an industry fi rst, FourPhase and Aker BP chose to plan the project as a standard CT-fl owback operation with a 2+2 crew off shore. Additionally, a 1+1 crew was mobilised onshore to operate the equipment remotely. This setup ensured that, should any issues arise with the remote confi guration, the operation could continue as planned. This contingency would be scaled down as experience was gained.
As this was an industry fi rst, FourPhase and Aker BP chose to plan the project as a standard CT-fl owback operation with a 2+2 crew off shore. Additionally, a 1+1 crew was mobilised onshore to operate the equipment remotely. This setup ensured that, should any issues arise with the remote confi guration, the operation could continue as planned. This contingency would be scaled down as experience was gained.
Result
FourPhase and Aker BP successfully executed the entire operation remotely from shore, as planned. Using the FourPhase control system and Aker BP infrastructure, our onshore supervisors carried out all necessary tasks,to ensure safe and reliable offshore operations while removing 2.3t of solids. The long-term benefi ts of this industry fi rst include reduced POB requirements, improved logistics, enhanced HSE outcomes, and solids-free flow.
This project has delivered tangible results in a safe and efficient manner, and has demonstrated that it is possible to implement remote operations without compromising HSE and operational performance.”“
— Ragnhild Abercrombie, VP D&W – Operations Intervention
Download case study pdf
This project has delivered tangible results in a safe and efficient manner, and has demonstrated that it is possible to implement remote operations without compromising HSE and operational performance.”“
— Ragnhild Abercrombie, VP D&W – Operations Intervention
Download case study pdf