We partnered with an Australian FPSO Operator to develop a bespoke Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) solution for their aging asset, significantly reducing unnecessary downtime, costs, and risks associated with manned inspections. Our tailored approach provided clarity and certainty, ensuring optimal asset performance and safety.
The challenge
In 2020, we were engaged to develop an optimised inspection regime for the hull structure of an ageing Australian FPSO. The asset was operating under a standard Class periodical inspection regime, designed for a range of vessels within a generic vessel class. Such schemes prescribe standard inspection scopes and frequencies based on historical trends for that type of vessel under generalised conditions. This was sub-optimal because it:
- Was hard to implement offshore.
- Resulted in unnecessary operational disruptions.
- Incurred higher costs and additional personnel safety exposure due to the extent of some manned inspections.
Our solution
Working closely with the operator’s integrity team, we developed a tailored Risk Based Inspection (RBI) regime in accordance with LR guidelines. This included:
- A detailed basis of design to collate historical data and identify any knowledge gaps.
- Corrosion, fatigue, buckling, cracks / fractures and stress studies comparing available analysis with historical inspection results.
- Defining inspection and monitoring methods, and inspection frequency tables.
- A tailored qualitative risk assessment using the operator’s corporate risk matrix.
- Stakeholder engagement through technical and operational workshops.
- Determining suitable inspection and monitoring scopes and frequencies to mitigate identified risks to an acceptable level while adhering to operational constraints.
The outcome
Our Class-approved RBI plan provided our client and Lloyds Register with a deeper understanding of the specific risks to the asset, delivering tangible cost, risk, and availability benefits.
- Implementation of tailored inspection scopes and frequencies.
- An extensive, clearly documented evidence base for future reference.
- Increased asset availability and significantly reduced operational risks and costs.