Embracing technology to deliver an intelligent Scarborough offshore facility

Abstract

The Scarborough gas field is located approximately 375 km offshore the Burrup Peninsula in approximately 900 m water depth. The Scarborough Project will process gas from the field through a new semisubmersible Floating Production Unit (FPU), then through an onshore LNG facility. Woodside’s Operations and Project teams have focussed on enabling safe, reliable, and efficient operations to be realised throughout the facility operating life. Woodside has adopted a justify in, design out, embrace technology approach to meet this requirement. At the heart of this approach is the requirement to minimise the time required for personnel to be present on the facility. This is being achieved by utilising technology in design and innovative equipment and material selection. The FPU will be remotely controlled from an Integrated Remote Operations Centre located in Perth. Critical equipment located offshore will be constantly monitored for condition and performance with data able to be analysed efficiently, enabling effective and timely decisions. An extensive digital environment will be utilised to capture information and allow for intelligent solutions to aid this analysis. Materials and coatings have been selected to meet the design life and reduce maintenance-intensive refurbishment requirements. Offshore equipment can be remotely reset and restarted and includes appropriate sparing to maximise availability. Maintenance and environmental benefits have been realised by selecting electrical alternatives for lifeboats and cranes with a large installed battery system enabling a reduction in spinning reserves. This strategy will result in a lower emissions facility with reduced operating costs and offshore exposure hours.