Future success relies on the ability to standardise, simplify and copy. This is why Statoil takes action and steps up its efforts to promote standardisation.
– Adopting a long-term perspective and determining what is required in each situation, i.e. a “fit for purpose” approach, are important. However, it is also essential that we, in collaboration with suppliers, define solutions that will provide us with what exactly we need – no more and no less, says Anders Opedal, Senior Vice President for Statoil’s Project Department.
Focus on two areas
Behind every single Statoil success stand numerous suppliers. Opedal points to areas such as technology development, HSE and increased oil recovery. In order to maintain a strong and competitive subsea industry in the future, he asserts that the ability to differentiate in the sector has to improve.
– We have to focus on two areas simultaneously. On one hand, we have to be technology driven and strive to qualify new technologies where this is necessary for the industry to progress. On the other hand, we have to be able to standardise, simplify and copy wherever possible in order to achieve the desired economic development, i.e. reduced costs, says Opedal.
Hence, the company is currently intensifying its standardisation efforts – work that will be undertaken in collaboration with suppliers.
– This is paramount in order to ensure that the simplifications and changes we implement also become visible in the suppliers’ value chains and processes, says Opedal.
Technology optimist
Statoil is a world leader in the field of subsea operations. Subsea wells currently represent half of its production, and the company is in the process of moving its compressors down to the seabed at Åsgard and Gullfaks.
– We are also involved in vast, new field developments where decisions on investment have yet to be made, such as Johan Castberg, Bay du Nord in Canada and development of the enormous gas finds outside Tanzania, where subsea will form a key part of the solution. However, these field developments demand competitive solutions, says Opedal.
It is also the company’s ambition to build a subsea factory by 2020. This requires technology development, but has to be profitable as well.
– Yes, we have some big hurdles to overcome, but history has shown that collaboration is the key to addressing technological challenges. I am also confident that the cost issue is a problem we can solve together, says Opedal.
Anders Opedal, is Senior Vice President Project Management & Control, Statoil
will give a key note address on Regaining Subsea Competitiveness at UTC 18 June.