The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has carried out an audit of Aker BP and their follow-up of well integrity at Skarv. The audit was conducted from 31 October to 2 November 2023.
Background
A lack of well integrity can be a contributor to major accident risk in the petroleum industry. Havtil is committed to helping reduce the risk of such incidents and ensuring that the petroleum industry works systematically to reduce the risk of well control incidents and hydrocarbon leaks.
Objective
The objective of the audit was to verify that Aker BP is complying with the regulations and its own requirements relating to well integrity at Skarv. During the audit, we wanted to verify that the company has established management system(s) for monitoring the well integrity of wells in operation on the Skarv field, whether processes and procedures meet regulatory requirements, and whether sufficient staffing and expertise are involved in monitoring, verification and risk assessment of well barrier elements. The design, verification and documentation of the performance of well barrier elements were key aspects of the audit.
Result
No non-conformities were identified during the audit, but we observed one factor that we have chosen to categorise as an improvement point. This concerned:
Inadequate well barrier design
What happens now?
We have asked Aker BP to provide us with their assessment of the improvement point observed by 22 March 2024.