ABB Launches Revolutionary 100 Day Challenge For UKCS Operators

Phil Black - PII Editor 20/07/2015

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The new scheme is set to reduce low value engineering activities by 40%

Global engineering and consultancy firm ABB Consulting has launched its 100-day UKCS cost reduction challenge, in a move that is set to galvanise the industry”s economic recovery.

ABB – which has a worldwide reputation as a leader in process safety and integrity management – has urged North Sea operators to adopt the scheme which it says will dramatically reduce costs, improve safety and production efficiency.

And by getting behind its new proposal, ABB says that firms will start seeing the cost reduction benefits inside 100 days.

Phil Lawson, Consultancy Manager at ABB Aberdeen, explains: “We all know that the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) is going through a turbulent time at the moment. The need for operators to reduce costs so they can remain competitive is paramount to maximising economy recovery.

“Our 100-day challenge is designed specifically for operators who are seeking opportunities to reduce costs, to act on benefits and implement them within the 100 days.

“Our team of experienced specialists will work with companies side by side to make pragmatic technical judgements and offer first-class solutions that are cost-effective.”

ABB Consulting believes that current low oil prices mean that reducing operating and life costs is a clear and pressing priority for UKCS operators.

They say that stopping low-value engineering activities is the least painful approach to cost saving.

When they”re carried out with sustainable safety, production efficiency and a solid organisational focus, the benefits can be significant.

ABB Consulting has been helping UKCS operators to eliminate low-value activities, saving them money and improving uptime in the build up to the unveiling of the 100-day challenge.

ABB Consulting”s approach to the program is part of a broader approach to help boost production efficiency in the UKCS and will involve three main steps.

Step 1 is a rapid assessment to identify the opportunities that exist and can be delivered within the timeframe;
Step 2 is the planning and development stage where ABB specialists develop the revised maintenance, inspection and testings plans that can be delivered in the timescale; and
Step 3 will look at the implementation of putting the plans into action.

Phil Lawson added: “ABB Consulting is focused on delivering results. Our strengths can be found in our people and their world-class experience, gained from providing the most appropriate solutions to world leading companies.

“We also have considerable expertise in solving long-term technical problems, often including rigorous root cause analysis to ensure that any solution is a sustainable one.”