DNV is providing technical services to the Ekofisk operator under an existing frame agreement, in support of structure integrity management activities in the Greater Ekofisk Area. The current work includes the development of the Structure Integrity Management System (SIMS) software.

Structure Integrity Management is a process for ensuring the lifecycle fitness-for-purpose of load-bearing structures. Activities include the updating of framework inspection programmes, planning and execution of annual inspection campaigns, change management, structural reassessment, operational support, project support and emergency response. SIMS is now being used by the Ekofisk operator and DNV Technology Services as a tool for planning and executing inspection activities.

The operator, a long-time SESAM sponsor, selected DNV Software (DNVS) for the development of a web-based integrated SIMS for the Greater Ekofisk Area. The system is based on DNV Software’s existing Field Life Cycle Manager and is configured specifically to suit the operators’ needs. The operator will use DNV’s independent datacentre to host the system. Access to the system, controlled by the operator, will be provided through secure internet lines.

SIMS is the result of a joint effort between the Ekofisk operator, DNV Software and DNV Technology Services. The Operator’s operational experience on Ekofisk and DNV’s software and structural engineering expertise ensure a system streamlined to effectively meet the Greater Ekofisk area needs. The system comprises the following ‘portals’:

• Inspection portal: Import of framework inspection programmes for jackets and topsides, programme execution overview, compilation of campaign work packages, registration of results with supporting information, visual localisation of inspection jobs and results on structure plots in a 3D-Viewer, and the tracking of anomalies and mitigation activities.
• Assessment portal: Structural analysis documentation and computer model portfolios, visual localisation of analysis results on structure plots in 3D-viewer.
• Management portal: Controlling documents and specifications, regulatory compliance overview, change control, workflow.
• Key-data portal: Document archive, information database, facility configuration and structure design criteria database, visual presentation of structural data in 3D-Viewer.

The Ekofisk operator’s existing inspection management and structural reanalysis systems have thus been integrated and upgraded to ensure the efficient and effective control of structure integrity at all times.

To make an appointment to meet with DNV during Offshore Europe - please call:
Nigel Winder, DNV Software, +44 77 68 12 5884
Jan Egil Sæberg, Technology Services +47 95 80 49 97
Stuart Brewer, Corporate Communications, +47 915 22 360

Date: 2005-09-08