From a governmental point of view, it is considered important to gather knowledge about the opportunities as well as the limitations, including the potential risks related with such development solutions. In the light of the increasing interest in unmanned installations for field development on the Norwegian continental shelf, the Norwegian Petroleum directorate wishes to gain an understanding of the various conceptual UWHP solutions. The installations are accessed via helicopter, boat or walk-to-work (W2W) bridges. Historically, UWHPs have been designed in different variations from simple dry wellhead installations to more advanced installations with processing equipment, shelter and helicopter deck etc.
The main driver is to identify a cost- and production-efficient solution offering similar functionality and robustness as a subsea development. However, in order to avoid discussions and individual interpretations of the regulatory framework, it is suggested to develop a guideline and/or a NORSOK standard for unmanned wellhead platforms.ĥ 4 of INTRODUCTION An unmanned wellhead platform (UWHP) is a development concept under consideration in several licenses on the Norwegian shelf. The overall conclusion was that unmanned wellhead platforms can be cost- and productioneffective development concepts in the more shallow part of the Norwegian Continental Shelf and that the regulatory framework is open to the concept. A review of and a comparison between the regulatory framework in Norway and neighbouring countries have been performed to evaluate, whether the regulations and guidelines support the development concepts of unmanned wellhead platforms.
Each type has been assessed with respect to complexity, operational features, well intervention, methods of access, manning frequency, man-hours on board and operational experience. Based on the characteristics of the platforms, they can be grouped into 5 types. Ramboll has performed a high level mapping of types of unmanned wellhead platforms installed worldwide and a more detailed assessment of the unmanned wellhead platforms installed in the North Sea. LOCATION OF PLATFORMS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PHILOSOPHIES General Design aspects Operation and maintenance philosophy Operation and maintenance strategy Philosophy and strategy Type 0 platform Philosophy and strategy Type 1 platform Philosophy and strategy Type 2 platform Philosophy and strategy Type 3 platform Philosophy and strategy Type 4 platform EXPERIENCE WITH UNMANNED PLATFORMS Introduction Documented experience General highlights of experiences Summary and recommendation REGULATIONS Overview of Norwegian regulations for the design of UWHPs Comparison with other regulations in North Sea area Conclusion and recommendations GENERIC DESIGN BASIS System design General design data General design regulations and standards Topside disciplines Battery limit and interfaces Special cost considerations Umbilical versus installations at the platform Helideck versus boat landing CONCLUSION REFERENCES 26Ĥ 3 of ABSTRACT In order to identify cost- and production-effective development concepts with the same functionality and robustness as subsea developments, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has initiated a study to evaluate different unmanned wellhead platform concepts. DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLATFORMS Main types Access methods Installation methods Type 0 platforms Type 1 platforms Type 2 platforms Type 3 platforms Type 4 platforms 9 4. UNMANNED WELLHEAD PLATFORMS - UWHP SUMMARY REPORTĢ 1 of 26 Revision 1 Date Made by Asmus Nielsen Checked by Dag Nilsen/Susanne Tolstrup Approved by Ole Hansen Description Issued for external useģ 2 of 26 CONTENTS 0. 1 Intended for Oljedirektoratet Norway Document type Summary Report Date March, 2016 Ramboll ref.