Digitisation Adds Value to Offshore: Equinor

The greater use of digitisation at Norway's Johan Sverdrup field has boosted earnings by over NKr 2bn ($216mn), operator Equinor said October 5. Among the benefits were better understanding of the subsurface,  better start-up of wells, higher stable production and more efficient maintenance. Energy consumption is also lower.

“Our experience shows that digital tools have a positive effect on value creation on the Johan Sverdrup field, while helping improve the workday for people offshore and in the onshore organisation. The use of digital tools provides a better overview of the situation, which in turn contributes to increased safety during daily work offshore and onshore. We accomplish more in a safer and smarter way,” it said.

At Sverdrup a number of digital initiatives are also being tested out, such as: robots over and under water, machine learning, 3D printing technology and the use of a digital twin of the platform.

More is to come, it said, as it applies technology more widely: "This year we upscale the use of digital solutions both in Norway and internationally. Many of our employees onshore and offshore will see that data-driven decision-making, portable units and personalised applications become part of everyday life and contribute to a simpler, safer and more efficient workday."