ABB to improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs for unmanned oil platforms

ABB has won orders from National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) for the delivery of electrical and telecommunication systems to the Al Nasr Full field Development Project in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The orders are worth around US$18 million and they were booked in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The solutions from ABB will enable NPCC to fulfil its obligations to Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co. (ADMA-OPCO), which includes safe operation of seven wellhead towers located approximately 130 km north-west of Abu Dhabi City. ABB will deliver a seamless electrical distribution system, including power-from-shore, covering the complete Al Nasr oilfield. The new orders bring the total order volume for ABB on the project to more than $120 million.

ABB will provide electrical equipment, power management and telecommunication systems to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and safety for the project.

“Tight power and automation integration is a key element of ABB’s Next Level strategy to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations for our customers,” said Peter Terwiesch, president of ABB’s Process Automation Division. “These continuing orders affirm the strength of our long-standing relationship with HHI and NPCC for this project.”

Maintaining continuous energy supply and ensuring process uptime are critical in the oil and gas sector. ABB’s power management system will use ABB’s System 800xA, which integrates all components of the electrical system, enabling remote operators to control the network safely and efficiently. An intelligent asset management system for predictive maintenance will further reduce operating costs and extend service life as it reduces the risk of failures or unexpected shutdowns.

ABB will supply 11 kV and 6.6 kV air-insulated and low-voltage switchgear that continually provides data to verify and ensure a high level of safety, availability and reliability. ABB is also providing a fully integrated telecommunication system to the super complex for internal and external communication and field security. Key products are computer networks, electronic personnel tracking, camera system, radar, public address and general alarm systems, access control, telephone system, radios and a transmission system between platforms. Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2016.

ABB has supported the Al Nasr Full Field Development Project from the concept stage, through front-end engineering and design and now the construction phase. The scope of supply includes design, engineering, supply and supervision of installation and commissioning.