Transforming Offshore Operations to Control Room Operations - An ENERGYai Initiative

Abstract

Abstract Recognizing the fact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a pivotal driver of ADNOC's ongoing ENERGYai vision and transformation, a Team in ADNOC Offshore re-evaluated their critical routine operations and successfully developed ideas to convert these physical operations in Offshore into autonomous processes managed from the Control Room. This shift not only saves on logistics and reduces GHG emissions but also eliminates human exposure to hazards. Further, these initiatives demonstrate that implementing AI in the oil and gas industry doesn't always have to be complex. By taking a rational approach of re-examining and remodeling routine operations, we can unlock AI's potential. In line with ADNOC Offshore priorities on embracing Artificial Intelligence, a team in ADNOC Offshore presented a groundbreaking idea during 2025 to convert all Downhole Safety Valve Physical PMs to an Autonomous operation from Control Room. The idea was not only virtually evaluated but also successfully piloted & implemented in Field. As part of the Preventive Maintenance of HSECES Equipment, Periodic Testing/PM is an essential part of ensuring the Integrity of Downhole Safety Valves (a Well HSE Critical Equipment).It is carried out with 6-monthy or yearly frequency with above 4700 activities (work Orders) to be completed per year. However, attending these PMs physically poses huge challenges; such as (i)Human Exposure(ii) GHG emissions (iii) High Cost (iv) Weather restrictions may cause delays. Hence, to convert this Offshore Operations to Control Room, a task force was formed within ADNOC Offshore who worked rigorously for almost 6- months evaluating all P&IDs, cause and effect diagrams, HSE consequences and finally conducted successful test during 2025 in Offshore. The whole operation of DHSV PM/Test was programmed in DCS and SCADA system so that all the steps can be performed without human intervention (including Control Line and related equipment) without any presence of personnel at site. ADNOC offshore requires 4700 DHSV PMs per year (with existing well inventory). This demands 28200 manhours annually. Hence, with this initiative(converting physical operation into autonomous one) would save these manhours equivalent toaround$5.55 Million per year2)Sustainability: Total GHG reduction per year due to initiative = 2237 TonsCO2 Eq(since, One imperial Gallon of Diesel=0.0119 tons CO2eq emissions and Total transportation Hours required per year to perform 4700 PMs = 2350 hours)3)100% HSE - Zero Human Exposure:4) Non-Weather Dependent Operation - No delays in performing critical PMs. This first of its kind initiative is not only new within ADNOC Group of companies but also for the whole region and with great pride, we can say that all steps, from visualizing the idea to execution, were carried out purely by ADNOC Offshore employees (A model initiative for other organizations to adopt).