Applying Best Practice in the Use of Meteorological and Oceanographic Information for the Future Benefit of Offshore Operations

25 November 2008 Aberdeen One-day Seminar

Chairman Dr Ralph Rayner, Editor Energy Monthly Press & Journal

Overview

The seminar was organised and hosted by the SUT in affiliation with the International Marine Contractors Association and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Advances in the use of Metocean information is decision-making – what is available, how to use it and what is really required.

The meeting updated the offshore industry on the increasing availability of Metocean information via 'My Ocean' and related European information resources.

The meeting also explored the application and utility of ocean forecasting and related marine information resources for subsea operations via a combination of demonstration and case studies and sought to highlight future requirements.

Aims

Inform those planning, deploying or operating subsea assets regarding developments in state-of-the-art oceanographic observations and forecasts that may benefit their business activities and enhance day-to-day decision-making;
Help those who measure or model the ocean to better understand what oceanographic information will really benefit the subsea operator and to capture and understand the confidence limits which apply to any given activity
Promote dialogue amongst both end users of marine information and the marine science community;
Promote awareness of ocean observing networks including European programmes to promote joint operational forecasting;
Extend the capture of end user requirements within this growth area of the energy sector;
Instigate contact between the two communities above, to prime mutally beneficial partnering.

Presentations

Progress in understanding and forecasting the ocean environment

Dr Ralph Rayner, Deputy Director Ocean, US and Vice President, IMarEST

This presentation provides an overview of the major international programmes, such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), which aim to achieve routine operational capacity to understand and forecast the ocean environment at a global and regional scale. It will describe the current status of these initiatives and the plans for their future development, set in the context of deliverables that can benefit safe and effective offshore operations. The presentation explores better linking these initiatives to offshore industry needs.

An Operator's View – current good practice and future horizons

Ian Leggett, Head of Metocean Engineering, Shell Exploration and Production in Europe

This presentation provides an operator's perspective on the current state-of-the-art in the application of integrated Metocean information and expertise to inform offshore operations and planning within the European oil and gas sector and an insight into the priorities for enhanced utilisation of marine information over the next decade. The use of Metocean information through a project lifecycle within Shell's offshore activities is described as a benchmark for good practice. The opportunities for integration and innovation in the application of Metocean information from both a company and joint industry perspective is explored. l Ian also highlights the interface with HSE good practice in relation to recently published guidelines.

The Challenges of Providing a Commercial 'Fit for Purpose' Ocean Forecasting Service

Robert Stephens, Senior Advisor, Oceanography and Meteorology, BMT ARGOSS

Ocean currents impact many aspects of offshore marine operations. Factors influencing local current conditions vary greatly between different offshore oil and gas provinces. This presentation draws on considerable practical experience in various offshore regions and describes some of the practical 'challenges' associated with effective characterisation and forecasting of the dominant local ocean current processes. Attention is given to achieving 'fitness for purpose' in support of offshore operational decision-making. Consideration is given to present and emergent technologies.

Risk Management in Application of Metocean Forecasts for Marine Operations – The Alpha Factor

Florus Korbijin, Section for Marine Operations, Det Norske Veritas

Marine operations of a limited duration (less than 72 hours) are often defined as weather restricted and may be planned with environmental design conditions selected independent of statistical data, e.g. set by owner, operator, contractor, etc. Start of a weather restricted operation is conditional to an acceptable weather forecast. In 1996 DNV introduced the factor 'Alpha' (a) a an allowance for uncertainties in forecasted versus actual weather, to avoid unacceptable exceedance of the design weather conditions. On the Basis of developments in weather forecast services and in situ wave monitoring, DNV initiated a joint industry project (JIP) to further study reliability of present weather forecasting services and to re-asses the alpha factor. Result, conclusions and discussion from the study are presented.

Oceanographic forecasts – new products and their practical application

Andrew Saulter, National Centre for Ocean Forecasting UK

This presentation gives an overview of ocean forecast data products that will become available through the 'My Ocean' project, which commences in 2009. This information, which includes forecasts of current and sea temperatures, has the potential to complement existing Metocean forecasts and provide the foundation for novel products. As with new products, users need to be aware of the practical limitations involved, and these are described alongside examples of product usage.

From forecasting waves to forecasting engneering parameters for marine operations

Dr Peter Lai, Saipem Engineering

Dr Lai gave an overview of the methodology that Saipem UK has applied in forecasting the motion of the construction vessel with the Met Office UK's wave energy spectrum forecast. The application is discussed. The technique has been further developed and applied in forecasting coupled-body dynamic behaviour and other engineering values, such as pipe bending moment during laying operation. The application is presented. The limitations and further development is addressed in this presentation.