Offshore energy logistics provider Peterson, together with founding partners Maersk Oil, Petrofac and Dana Petroleum have launched a new North Sea vessel-sharing scheme.
Operating out of Waterloo Quay in Aberdeen the vessel pool operates two weekly sailings serving four assets; Maersk Oil’s Gryphon and Global Producer III (GPIII) FPSOs, Dana’s Triton FPSO and the FPF-1 of which Petrofac is duty-holder.
A steering group of representatives from each of the partners sets the high level pooling strategy and ensures each operator is fully and equally represented to ensure their needs can be properly planned into the port schedule. There is also an operations committee to manage routine operations.
The pool members are already experiencing many benefits including maximising efficiency through combining volumes, distance and capacity, increased flexibility in schedules, minimising exposure to the environment by dramatically reducing sailing distances and vessels while delivering costs savings. Vessel sharing also allows for a uniform approach delivered through one standard level agreement, this means maximised safety through standardised processes.
Chris Coull, Regional Director, Peterson, comments: “We are delighted to be working with like-minded, visionary companies who see the value in sharing resources and are pleased to be acting as pool facilitators and enabling the principle of a shared-ship pool to come to reality.
“We are looking forward to expanding our offering and have built our model in a way that we can easily expand as the market demand increases to include more pool partners. Other companies are watching the progress of this initiative with great interest and we trust we will welcome more forward-thinking organisations on board in the future.”
Les Mills, Corporate Logistics Superintendent, Petrofac, added: “Reducing the cost of North Sea operations is a collective industry responsibility and we are absolutely committed to playing our part.
“Reducing the number of vessel voyages has many advantages. Fewer vessel movements minimises safety risks, reduces emissions and lowers costs for the vessel charterer and share partners.
“As established and new entrant operators seek to extend field life in the North Sea, logistics sharing provides an effective way to meet operating requirements, while reducing costs when compared to dedicated resources.”
8 Jan 2018
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