Non-productive time (NPT) resulting from equipment failures on high-specification drillships, semisubs, platforms, and jackups is significant. These drilling and production assets - outfitted with highly-automated and integrated control systems software - enable the industry to tackle complex drilling environments and meet ever-changing environmental, safety, and reporting regulations. However, compared to the hardware aspects of equipment (hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical), control systems software is more complex, more dynamic, less visible, requires more integration, and fails more often. Addressing control systems software-related risk throughout the asset lifecycle reduces the chance that control systems related issues will lead to project delays, higher rates of equipment failure, or the occurrence of safety incidents. Our most recent industry survey and benchmarking report shows that:*
  • Total NPT is still too high; NPT experienced during the first two years of operations is 67 - 86% greater than what is deemed acceptable, depending on asset age
  • Control systems software and hardware integration-related NPT accounts for 34% (on average) of overall NPT costs
  • 57% of lost-time injuries occurred on the rig floor and the Drilling Control System manages 75 - 95% of the movement and operation of the equipment on the drill floor
dcs-diagram-small
 
ag_graphic_113011_web
Because of software's unique characteristics and higher failure rate, validation and verification of integrated control systems requires different skills and a different approach. Athens Group pioneered Drilling Technology AssuranceSM Services to help its customers proactively reduce integrated control systems software-related risk throughout the entire drilling and production asset lifecycle. Our extensive experience working with drill floor, power management, vessel management, dynamic positioning, and subsea control systems on over 80 late-generation assets; our deep knowledge of software, networks, equipment interfaces, and hardware; and our unique methodology qualify us to cost-effectively reduce the causes and costs of software-related control systems failures.
Our services have been proven on offshore drilling and production facilities worldwide. BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Maersk, Noble Drilling, Pride, Shell, and Stena Drilling  are some of the companies that we have helped to cost-effectively speed time to production and reduce NPT through faster risk assessment and mitigation.