Centrica hires Servelec for offshore platform remote control

UK firm Servelec Controls has been awarded a contract by Centrica to provide a remote operations solution for a normally unmanned offshore gas platform – DP6 – on the Morecambe field off the coast of Lancashire and Cumbria, UK.

The project will extend the life and commercial viability of the ageing assets. It involves removing redundant plant and replacing obsolete equipment with new Servelec-designed systems.

As a result, Servelec says, Centrica will maximise the value of its asset through a more cost-effective and efficient maintenance programme, and reduced downtime. Servelec also says the project will decrease risk to personnel and improve safety by slashing intervention time.

The solution, designed by Servelec, from existing and new technology includes a distributed control system (DCS), emergency shutdown (ESD) system, fire and gas detection and smoke detection system. Once complete, each component will be monitored and controlled from an onshore operations centre.

The scope of each remote operations project differs from platform to platform, Servelec says, however a return on investment is expected within just 24 months.

Following the contract award, Andrew Mills, Managing Director of Servelec Controls said: “Servelec Controls appreciates the problems faced by our industry, and we are determined to help our customers resolve them. We are delighted that Centrica has chosen Servelec to design, install and support remote operations and safety systems on their DP6 platform, in what is a challenging economic climate for operators.

“Offshore oil and gas operators are critically focused on operational efficiency and safety and with our vendor-neutral approach we are uniquely placed to help operators meet their targets for efficiency, productivity and safety. Our remote operations and monitoring solution is a game-changer for the UK industry as it allows operators to extend the operational life and increase the commercial viability of ageing assets.”

As previously reported earlier this week, Centrica is set to invest £60 million in a  project to refurbish its Morecambe Bay platforms. The company said the project would secure 350 jobs. More here: https://bit.ly/2p4Qdct