Oil & Gas UK has launched new guidelines to minimise the frequency and duration of planned maintenance shutdowns and to improve the reliability and safety of installations on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) as part of the industry-wide drive to improve efficiency.

The 'Guidance for the Efficient Execution of Planned Maintenance Shutdowns (PMSDs)' comprises good practice for all types of planned shutdowns including corrective, breakdown maintenance, inspection activities, engineering and construction work, ranging from new tie-ins to modifications. Guidance is provided on topics including minimising the frequency and duration of PMSDs, good planning and delivery and ensuring that the industry identifies the resources required well in advance.

Production efficiency, a measure of how much oil and gas an offshore installation actually produces compared to its maximum production potential, suffered a dramatic fall from 80 per cent in 2004 to 60 per cent in 2012, which directly translated into a significant production decline. Since 2013, the Production Efficiency Task Force has been working across the industry and efficiency has increased to 65 per cent, with further improvement in sight.

Tags: Oil & Gas UK