Offshore oil and gas producers can reduce opex by remotely monitoring power systems and extending maintenance intervals
Maintenance costs on normally unattended offshore installations (NUI) can be reduced by moving from running time-based maintenance to condition-based overhauls using the latest remote monitoring technology. Capex can be lowered further by using walk-to-work support vessels instead of including overnight accommodation in their platforms.
Wärtsilä Corp has enabled remote monitoring, detection and diagnosis of issues with its latest technology and power solutions contracts.
This enables offshore operators to extend the period between overhauls and schedule maintenance activities for NUIs for periods when a walk-to-work support vessel can be chartered at the lowest rate.
Wärtsilä Power Solution is a holistic power maintenance service that provides the asset with up to six months of operating time without planned maintenance activity on board. It can be tailored according to the requirements of each individual installation.
Wärtsilä said this service comes with a power system, including Wärtsilä dual-fuel (DF) engines, generators and auxiliary systems.
Remote monitoring and maintenance advice covers the power system, but could be extended to include the maintenance of power management, automation and auxiliary equipment.
Equipment condition and performance are constantly monitored and evaluated remotely from a Wärtsilä Expertise Centre.
Its detection and diagnosis of issues defines actions to be taken during the next maintenance campaign, or immediately if required, said Wärtsilä Marine’s performance services senior business innovation manager, Samuli Kyttälä.
“We are lowering the investment cost of the NUI and reducing its operating costs, while the Wärtsilä DF engines deliver both higher efficiency and the flexibility to change fuels.”
Operation of DF engines are supported by digital enablers and expert analysis of condition monitoring data.
In this way, condition-based maintenance is superior to conventional offshore power solutions that require regular inspections and maintenance carried out based on engine running hours.
Condition-based maintenance strategies will be discussed and presented at Riviera Maritime Media’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards and Exhibition in London on 5-6 February.
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