Offshore staff
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands – Independent Risk Management Systems B.V. (IRM Systems) has been contracted by BBL Company to produce a concept proposal that will provide an assessment of the organization’s current pipeline repair contingency plans and preparedness.
BBL Company operates the BBL pipeline, which can provide the UK with approximately l5% of its total natural gas supply. The 36-in export line transmits gas from Balgzand, near Den Helder, in the Netherlands to Bacton Gas Terminal on the coast of Norfolk, England. The system extends 235 km (146 mi), 230 km (140 mi) of which is offshore.
IRM Systems is supplying BBL with advice as to whether the pipeline operator would benefit from a range of both established and emerging repair methods. The company will also provide guidance on the best-in-class repair technologies available and the companies that provide them.
Separate sections of the concept proposal will be dedicated to optimizing readiness; where appropriate by locating emergency pipeline repair systems (EPRS) hardware and tooling close to the asset.
Central to the study is a cost-benefit analysis that addresses the possibility of adopting an enhanced or – in some cases – a new EPRS. By doing so, decisions as to how best to move forward will be based on how investing in an EPRS will reduce downtime, costs and lost production in the event of an emergency repair. This analysis is based upon existing capabilities, possible improvements, and the translation of all elements associated with emergency pipeline repair into an integrated system that is ready for use and easy to maintain.
5/01/2012
