A new test project in Norway looks to employ specialty software for the optimization of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) maintenance.

Lloyd's Register (LR) said it is using its RTAMO software to support AkerBP in an effort aiming to optimize maintenance activities for the Skarv FPSO infrastructure and equipment.

RTAMO, which stands for Real-Time Adaptive Maintenance Optimization, is a standalone cloud-based software-enabled service that uses predictive algorithms linking planned maintenance to economic and reliability outcomes. RTAMO uses data to optimize inspection and maintenance intervals to avoid unnecessary maintenance and inspection as well as avoid production shutdown due to equipment failure.

LR says RTAMO has been used on more than 20 offshore facilities for maintenance optimization projects involving Maersk, BG Group, Shell, Teekay and Centrica storage. For some operators, the software has been able to achieve up to a 40 percent reduction in operational maintenance expenditure, LR adds.

Alain Doumit, head of LR’s Stavanger office, says, “LR is delighted to be working with AkerBP over the next few months. It is the first time RTAMO software is to be used on fixed facilities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and the work will be supported by our technical experts based out of our offices in Stavanger and in Aberdeen, U.K.”

Saurabh Kumar, Project focal point from AkerBP, says, “The RTAMO tool looks promising and we have good expectations from the test project as it is aligned with our lean way of working which we are incorporating in our organization with a focus on simplification and efficiency.”

The Skarv field is located approximately 210 kilometers off the coast of Sandnessjøen, in 350-450 meters water depth. The field came on stream in December 2012 and has an expected field life of 25 years.