Wood Group has completed topside modifications on subsea tie-back project for Statoil in the Norwegian North Sea.

The Aberdeen-based firm delivered the scheme for Statoil's Gullfaks Rimfaksdalen project three months ahead of schedule, resulting in significant cost savings.

The contract, which was awarded in January 2015, involved taking an innovative approach to simplify the scope of the project, optimising the schedule and resources. Wood Group provided all engineering and project management including procurement, prefabrication and the planning and installation of offshore work packages.


Harald Anvik, project manager, said: "From the beginning, the Wood Group and Statoil project teams worked together on a lean, structured approach which looked at efficient processes for engineering, construction, procurement and offshore activity. We examined each stage of the project delivery to streamline decision-making and address potential waste reduction.

"It was this planned approach to identify areas for improvement, supported by management, which gave such fantastic results demonstrating what is possible when a client and service company are fully aligned.

"By stringently planning offshore work packages and installation, undertaking alternative work when available and multi-skilling our employees, we made optimal use of time and resources.

"Implementing a robust improvement plan meant we were able to reduce hours, associated costs and simplify our processes ensuring our focus remained on safety and quality. As a result, Statoil could start production from the field three months earlier than scheduled."

(LM/CD)