Parallel engineering key to AKPO

Judy Maksoud
International Editor
Offshore

Moving a field rapidly into production is a challenging undertaking. Robert Maybank of Total presented the details of the AKPO project at the Offshore West Africa conference in Nigeria. "AKPO is a classic example of parallel engineering," he said.

The value of parallel engineering is that it expedites development, Maybank said. The conceptual study begins while appraisal well drilling is still underway. "The skill is managing the decision process," Maybank said. It is a complex process of managing a wide range of data sources. The field development plan for AKPO was dynamic, changing as engineering information and additional data came in.

In the early stages of development, the reservoir group makes most of the project decisions. At the mid-point of the project engineering, the reservoir group gives way to the project group. The reservoir group takes over again once production is achieved, Maybank said.

Control of decisions throughout the project development process shifted among the groups involved. The approach worked because of good organization, frequent meetings, and considerable electronic communication, Maybank said.

Concurrent development work has led to a fixed scope for development. The AKPO development plan now awaits final approval, Maybank said.

3/22/05