Oil companies join forces to form oil spill JIP

Eni Norge, Statoil, GDF Suez E&P Norge, OMV Norge and the Norwegian Coastal Administration have joined Aptomar to strengthen technology functionality and communication infrastructure for offshore oil spill detection and management systems.

Oil spill detection

“Traditionally, the oil spill segment has been somewhat product focused. This joint industry project takes a broader system approach to oil spill detection and management. The objective is to improve safety while reducing costs through improving technologies and utilizing offshore assets more effectively,” explained Lars Solberg, CEO of Aptomar.

The multi-million kroner joint industry project (JIP) will provide operators with several new functionalities and solutions within tactical oil spill management.

Advanced technology

Aptomar will develop the functionality to provide remote control of the SECurus system – a highly advanced technology that is used to detect and combat oil spills. The objective is to enable onshore personnel to assist offshore crews performing oil spill monitoring and detection, both during production and in the event of oil spill combating.

The JIP will develop a system that facilitates integration of all types of existing camera sources – from ROVs and PSVs to platforms and fishing vessels – including geographical information, into Aptomar’s tactical collaboration and management system (TCMS).

Aptomar’s tactical collaboration and management system for oil spill detection and combating.

Offshore communication network

To ensure a common operating picture on-site during an oil spill, the JIP also aims to develop a local offshore communication network that enables data sharing of this information between all assets involved in combating the spill, including vessels, installations and airborne support without using base stations or satellites.

“Through utilising existing camera sources, and allowing all offshore vessels to tap into the same common operating picture, we will keep costs down while also improving safety. Our oil industry partners and we are confident that this system approach will take marine surveillance, oil spill detection and combating to a new level,” Solberg added.

Combating oil spills

The project will also see the development of an oil spill combating program integrated with a maritime simulator. The JIP is expected to be concluded by the end of 2014.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/05092014/oil-companies-in-oil-spill-jip-1405/