From 18 September 2017 to 8 November 2017, we carried out an audit of late life safety and preparations for the removal of Gyda.
Background
The audit related to the main topic of 2017 with the focus areas of robustness and collaboration.
Repsol is planning to plug the wells using existing drilling facilities and shut down the rest of the facility to the greatest possible extent. The audit focused on robust solutions for late life operations, and preparations for and integrity protection during removal, and we wanted to verify some of these activities.
Objective
The objective of the audit was to monitor how Repsol is working to avoid major accidents and safeguard high HSE standards in late life and leading up to removal. We also wanted reassurance that the licensees are starting the process of preparing activities early in the final phase.
Result
The audit identified regulatory non-conformities relating to maintenance management, planning and prioritisation of maintenance and use of management parameters, classification of systems and equipment and training, and the use of barrier tools. Improvement points were also identified concerning follow-up of drilling contractors and the preservation of equipment.
We have asked Repsol to report by 9 March 2018 on how the non-conformities will be addressed, and for an assessment of the improvement points identified.
About Gyda
The Gyda oil field is in the southern part of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, between Ula and Ekofisk. Repsol Norge AS (Repsol) is the operator. The field has been developed using a combined drilling, quarters and production facility with a steel jacket. Production at Gyda began in 1990.