NOV Inc Advocates Early Collaboration with OEMs at African Energy Week
November 08, 2024
In a presentation at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2024, Cobie Loper, SVP, Operators and Geographical Sales at NOV Inc detailed the company’s extensive portfolio, which includes advanced drilling tools, completion systems, and innovative subsea technologies. He further expanded on how this portfolio helps companies to overcome challenges faced by the global maritime industry.
Maintaining operational uptime in Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units and Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facilities is critical, especially given the substantial financial implications of delays. “For instance, FPSOs entering projects in Brazil can incur costs nearing $4 billion if projects are delayed. Thus, developing tools for scheduling certainty and operational efficiency is paramount,” said Loper.
The offshore environment also poses inherent risks to personnel. Reducing human presence in high-risk areas through the company’s automation solutions not only enhances safety, but also contributes to cost savings. “The deployment of robotics on offshore rigs is revolutionizing, as they are being deployed to perform inspections and routine tasks traditionally done by personnel, reducing human error and exposure to danger,” he added.
With increasing pressure to lower emissions, operators are also exploring AI-driven solutions to optimize energy use during production processes. This includes smarter drilling practices that reduce energy consumption and emissions. “AI algorithms analyze operational data to predict equipment failures before they occur, allowing for timely maintenance that minimizes unscheduled downtime and enhances vessel availability,” noted Loper.
As the industry navigates these challenges, collaboration among industry stakeholders is essential. “We believe that our role extends beyond providing equipment; we aim to be a trusted partner throughout the lifecycle of our clients’ projects,” said Loper. “By collaborating early, we can help our clients navigate challenges more effectively and achieve their operational goals.”
