Drilling Operations

Stena Forth
Photo of a Stena Drilling ship at sea
Courtesy of Stena Drilling

The ongoing investment that Drilling companies have made in increasingly sophisticated, software-based control systems to optimise the operations of their assets has brought both advantages and challenges.

The management processes, procedures and systems required to effectively manage this investment in state-of-the-art hardware and software have not always kept pace with adoption of these new systems. The result? Many companies do not meet their regulatory and compliance obligations and are at increased risk of extended downtime due to poor software management.

Global connectivity is key. Drilling companies must be able to synchronise files remotely from bases onshore with those located on offshore rigs and vessels. In today’s Drilling industry, the project manager in Houston must be using the same files and data as those used by its vessels, whether they are operating in the Gulf of Mexico or the North Sea.

With its ability to ensure compliance, safeguard process control software assets, and speed disaster recovery, Asset Guardian is the answer.

At AGSL, we know the Drilling industry

Semi Sub drilling rigWorking over the years with major Drilling service companies, such as Stena Drilling Ltd, Dolphin Drilling AS, and others means that we offer expertise gleaned from experience.

The Drilling and associated Marine industries are increasingly aware of the potential of corruption to process control software, especially risks associated with Cybersecurity. What is less recognised is the risk of software corruption caused unintentionally or maliciously by “insiders.” Reports estimate this to be as high as 43% of all incidents.

Asset Guardian provides a proven solution that assists companies to minimise disruption and safely restore operations to their pre-attack status.

Why Drilling companies rely on AGSL

  • Extensive industry knowledge and experience
  • Used by Drilling and major Oil and Gas operators
  • Assists Drilling companies comply with industry standards, codes and regulatory obligations, such as IEC 61508, 61511, DNV- ISDS and ISO 9001
  • Manages and secures process software used to control processes that affect projects and operations
  • Intuitive and easy to learn
  • Scalable to meet a wide range of applications including the requirements of other, non-process control-related disciplines such as Electrical, Mechanical and others
  • Field-proven = low risk

Services

With its years of experience, AGSL has extensive knowledge of process control systems and provides its global “blue chip” client base offers complete customer support, including:

Onshore-based services

  • Supply and installation of Asset Guardian software
  • System configuration support
  • Software customisation to meet individual requirements
  • Assisting with data migration from existing electronic systems to Asset Guardian
  • Software “hosting” and system management
  • Training in the classroom and/or online via computer-based training (CBT)
  • Auditing of corporate procedure and processes (GAP analysis)
  • Ongoing maintenance and support of Asset Guardian

Onboard services

  • Compilation of Asset Register
  • Software validation/verification
  • System software back-up of installed process software
  • Ongoing maintenance and support of Asset Guardian