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BP ETAP – ALQ review

Background

The ETAP platform is an integrated development of nine oil and gas reservoirs, with six fields

operated by BP and three operated by Shell/Esso. In order to maintain current and future

performance on the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP), the number of personnel on board

(POB) had to be increased from 117 to 160.

Accommodation structures and architectural layout are one of Optimus’ areas of specialist

knowledge, with experience gained from FEED to detail design and offshore implementation

through working with various operators and fabricators.

Review process

BP commissioned an assessment of the available options for creating additional living

quarters (ALQ) with a base case increase of 40 POB.

BP then commissioned Optimus to carry out a review of the assessment and identify areas

where further study could increase the knowledge required to allow the project to progress.

As part of the review, Optimus looked at a comparison between the installation of a single

structure using an HLV and the installation of a modular structure using the platform crane.

Optimus also considered options for installing an ALQ for both 30 and 20 POB if 40 POB was

deemed infeasible.

On completion of the review, BP

requested that Optimus carry out

further work to develop a more

detailed structural and

architectural weight. To provide

BP with this information, Optimus

developed a conceptual design of

the ALQ structure and associated

requirements. A preliminary

weight estimate was calculated as

480 tonnes.

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Optimus carried out a seven-day general visual offshore survey in conjunction with Optimus’

piping department to investigate the feasibility of the options put forward up to this point.

Recommendations for further study led to Optimus refining the above concept to include

comments made by BP offshore and onshore personnel. The size of the laydown area on the

roof was to be increased, an aviation fuel storage package was required to be relocated and

options for alternative support methods were to be developed. The inclusion of these design

variations led to an increase in the weight estimate of the ALQ to 540 tonnes. The figure

below shows the updated concept.

One phase of the project involved an architectural review of the concept design to determine

the welfare impact due to an

increase in personnel. The

review was carried out by

Optimus with a focus on the

ability of the existing and new

LQs to provide sufficient space

for welfare requirements.

All aspects of the projects, the engineering and design done by Optimus were brought in on

time and on budget.

Client view

“The detail is just perfect – concise and presentation 300% … I have to say they are the most

professionally presented reports I have seen from any consultancy company in all my days”.