Current Status and Innovative Trends of Asset Integrity Management (AIM): Products & Services in the Norwegian Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Owing to commercial opportunities in the Norwegian Oil & Gas (O&G) sector, there is a growing demand for new products and services for Asset Integrity Management (AIM). In general, the market demands greater degree of innovation in the field of AIM seeking means to simplify complex work processes and at the same time to have a better understanding and awareness of inherent risks. The trends for innovative AIM products and services can always be challenged due to such factors as cost, organizational capacity, technological capacity as well as underlying business growth potential of the innovation. Other barriers may arise from financial constraints, regulatory requirements, non-proven technology and clients’ conservative perspective to invest in new and revolutionary products. Keeping such challenges in mind, this paper attempts to map the current status and future trends of Asset Integrity Management (AIM) products and services in the Norwegian O&G industry. This paper highlights the status and gaps through a thorough literature and market survey to identify the type of AIM services and products within AIM for Norwegian O&G assets. It also highlights new emerging trends from AIM contractors/service providers to align their products to match with the new asset integrated operational environment, such as Integrated Operations (IO).Interestingly, there appears to be less innovation in the industry despite the fact that the age of the industry is increasing. Some of the reasons include limited knowledge and competencies, operators and regulatory bodies’ conservative attitude towards new technologies. This attitude regulates the development and deployment of AIM due to its sensitivity in terms of managing asset related uncertainties and vulnerabilities.