Bureau Veritas has announced the global expansion of its remote service centres and pilot projects with leading energy companies, with an aim to boost the drive towards real-time verification for offshore assets
Taking the first step, Bureau Veritas has opened seven remote service centres in major locations around the world, to convert 50 per cent of physical surveys offshore to remote surveys by the end of 2021.
The latest centre opened in Singapore recently, joining others in Shanghai, Miami, Rotterdam, Piraeus, Istanbul and Dubai. A centre is proposed for Aberdeen in autumn 2020 with others planned to enhance the global network. By increasing connectivity in this way, Bureau Veritas is able to maximise cost efficiency for operators while maintaining service quality and firmly reducing carbon footprint.
Earlier this year, the company reported a 900 per cent increase in demand for remote inspections following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and they have conducted over 400 remote surveys since March.
Bureau Veritas will be the first independent verification body to have its UK-based remote inspection services accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). This provides duty holders with the assurance that regulatory compliance is being maintained for the asset, all components and mobile equipment that can impact safety performance.
Defining good practice in verification services
Paul Shrieve, vice-president offshore and services, said, “Data implementation is a critical component in this process. However, we believe it is also important to focus on people and processes to ensure inputted data can be trusted, is of a quality to be meaningful and adheres to the core intent of the offshore safety directive.
“Real-time verification will require enhanced digitalisation, remote control, greater use of virtual and augmented reality and real time digital twin barrier models. However, it can play a significant part in reducing unit operating costs and enhancing safety – two of the most important considerations in today’s oil and gas industry.”
At the beginning of 2020, Bureau Veritas introduced a number of pilot projects with leading energy companies and industry bodies to define good practice in verification services. The pilots are expected to support the introduction of new regulatory guidance towards the end of this year.
