Projects
Read about some of the challenges we've helped our clients with.
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Investigating cost saving P&A technologies
A North Sea operator was in the early stages of planning the decommissioning of one of their assets. In order to improve the economics of the well plug and abandonment, the operator wanted to know what new technologies might be available for abandoning the well. OTM carried out a review of new P&A technologies, applying them to the operator’s proposed P&A plans to calculate their cost saving potential, as well as highlighting additional technical development and infrastructure requirements.
Modelling potential performance
A service company was considering developing a new product for monitoring their subsea power and control cables. They had some knowledge of existing techniques but required more in-depth analysis of these methods (and others) and an understanding of their performance in a real system. We screened ten techniques based on a number of weighted criteria; and three of the most promising ones were modelled to demonstrate their potential performance in an actual cable. The client then used the results to plan the next stage of product development.
Management of technology testing
We initiated and managed a 5 year joint industry project focused on the development and demonstration of large diameter steel riser technology for floating production applications in deepwater harsh environments. Clients: 2H Offshore Engineering plus 17 participants including BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Eni, Enterprise Oil, ExxonMobil, Marathon, Norsk Hydro, Petrobras, Shell, Total, Acergy, FMC, Halliburton, Sofec, SBM, Technip Offshore.
EOR sector review
For a super major, we undertook an EOR sector overview. This provided a snapshot of the market size and emerging trends, identification of current and potential competitors, and analysis of emerging technology and mapping investment activities across the industry. Our report enabled the client to make an informed investment decision.
Deployment process improvement
A regional unit of an international oil company wanted to consider how it might improve its approach to technology deployment. We were commissioned to carry out benchmarking research and analysis of deployment processes and schedules across the sector. We proposed new technology deployment procedures, which were subsequently adopted by the client.
R&D/Qualification programme development
As part of launching a Joint Industry Project to drive risk out of a novel facilities technology, OTM worked with the oil company participants to understand the technology applications, identify the key technical risks and develop a refined R&D and qualification plan. This was then implemented by the project and resulted in an accelerated route to market for a high-impact technology.
Well stimulation trend survey
We were approached to identify technological developments in well stimulation technologies and their uses. We carried out an interview analysis programme where we engaged with 31 industry experts – including 16 operators, 13 service companies and two universities.
Well abandonment technology roadmap
We designed and delivered a well plugging and abandonment roadmap and supporting R&D programme for a top independent. The project was based on understanding of the current and future needs of the company, development of the technology roadmap, a feasibility study and determination of an accurate timeline based on close collaboration with vendors and developers. We then developed tailored research scope, stage-gate processes and key performance metrics.
Technology needs identification across multiple assets
An IOC was concerned that ad hoc and inconsistent technology needs gathering between assets was leading to poor understanding of company-wide challenges and a short term focus. We analysed requirements across multiple assets generating a comprehensive list of technology needs for each asset, grouped by criteria including urgency, timeframe, technology theme and relative importance. This enabled a gap analysis and detailed roadmap to be developed and subsequently implemented.
Technology commercialisation planning
A Norwegian company developing a novel water treatment technology was looking for help in creating a route-to-market strategy and execution plan. We facilitated engagement with more than 10 oil companies worldwide; confirming market demand and needs, and highlighting field trial opportunities.
Unconventional gas plays state-of-the-art review
A major IOC wanted a high level sector overview of advanced new technologies associated with unconventional gas from a venturing/private equity perspective. We provided them with an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies used in development of low quality unconventional gas plays in the US. This included a full review of 10 shale gas, tight gas and Coal Bed Methane plays and a discussion of the reasoning behind the technical development of the plays. The report provided the client with an understanding of who is currently playing in North American low quality unconventional gas and what they are doing to make these plays a viable business.
Trend survey on optimisation of well design and well placement for tight reservoir
Following our delivery of a SOTA review of petrophysical technologies and techniques for tight reservoirs, the client requested a second review focused on optimisation of well design and well placement for tight reservoir. We carefully selected 17 interviewees with the right expertise to provide a comprehensive view on the industry status when combined with in-house expertise. The in depth study covered the elements required to optimise operations in unconventional basins from day one. The output was integrated into a framework, providing state-of-the-art information for designing and placing wells in different tight reservoir environments.
Competitor benchmarking
We helped an international operating company to define their medium to long term business and R&D plans by benchmarking them against peers and "best in class" companies in several technical areas including EOR, Arctic, subsea drilling, seismic modelling and subsea technologies.
Market entry strategy
The developer of an innovative produced water treatment system wanted to understand better the market opportunities associated with conventional and unconventional operations. We identified the most profitable segments and facilitated face-to-face meetings between the client and potential end users. This helped define a go-to-market strategy and assisted the client in raising further investment funding.
GTL technology opportunity analysis
Following the development of a new GTL technology, a client asked OTM to identify the most suitable fields for application of the technology. We produced a shortlist ranked according to a range of parameters, enabling the client to efficiently target their GTL technologies in areas with the greatest potential impact.
CO2 separation market penetration strategy
A small technology company with limited experience in the oil and gas market wished to gain a more analytical understanding of the potential of their CO2 separation membrane in the natural gas processing market. Based on our experience and contacts in the market, we profiled the applicability and attractiveness of the client’s technology, identifying prospective customers and setting up initial contacts for short, medium and long term opportunities.
HPHT trend survey
Our client commissioned us to perform a trend survey on early gas kick detection and fast data telemetry technologies to address drilling requirements in challenging conditions such as ERD, HPHT and ultra-deepwater wells. We performed a systematic review of different technologies by using public domain information and interviewing industry experts. The findings of the trend survey were supplemented by patent analyses, highlighting leading technology developers and the pace of innovation. The trend survey findings and recommendations are now being used in the client’s R&D programme, with the output also used by Japanese oil & gas companies to push technology development.
UK shale gas technology roadmap
Innovate UK (formerly The Technology Strategy Board), the UK Government’s Innovation Agency, asked OTM to map the UK shale gas supply chain and identify the areas with the most opportunity for innovation. The study examined a number of shale related challenges including subsurface characterisation and the unique logistical and environmental challenges to the UK and European shale developments. Our analysis provided a clear breakdown of the technology needs specific to UK shale exploitation. The results of the study have since been published and used to support a publicly funded initiative to stimulate the development of shale gas technologies in the UK.
Commercialisation workshop
An oil sands processing technology provider required support in effectively penetrating the Canadian oil sands market and developing a go-to-market commercialization plan. We conducted direct market engagement with potential oil company clients in Calgary and facilitated workshops with end users and a materials handling plant to fully understand the technical challenges and develop field trial opportunities. Following market analysis, we developed a go-to-market plan, including strategies for supply chain, manufacturing and field trials, as well as technology value analysis and business cases. This enabled the client to forge relationships in a new market, refining the technology offering to deliver maximum impact to end users. The technology was successfully trialed in the Canadian market with a clear path to commercialization.
LNG technology management
We helped an oil and gas company to develop a technology plan for their LNG hub. We enabled the client to capture the top potential challenges in relation to the application and development of LNG in existing and new projects. We then prepared roadmaps detailing the action plans to tackle these challenges covering all angles from "routine" to "breakthrough thinking".
Floating systems (FPSO turret swivel) supply chain stimulation
For a major IOC we carried out a review of current FPSO turret swivel technology and vendor capabilities, covering fluid swivels, optical swivels, HV electrical swivels and disconnectable turret systems. They used this review to understand what their technical requirements over the next 10 years would be ,and to define what it would take to increase swivel capabilities (for example from 300 bar to 700 bar rating) and the possible emergence of a gap that might put future FPSO projects at risk.
Technology implementation benchmarking study
For an IOC, we carried out a study to benchmark the industry in a number of technology areas including HP/HT Drilling, Ultra Deep Drilling and Arctic. Adopting our proprietary STUDIO method and leveraging a combination of in-house and public domain information, we produced an assessment of global levels of technology implementation. We identified industry leaders and profiled the operator’s R&D organisations to support technology advances. This project helped the client to understand their competitive position and provided clear recommendations that could be used by the management team for internal R&D activities.
Technology due diligence
Plexus commissioned OTM to carry out an in depth technical and commercial assessment of their patented POS-GRIP technology applications. Through an in depth technical assessment of POS-GRIP technology and the five key competitors, concluding that it would be the BAST solution for all offshore wellheads, providing they had the backing of a big player. By constructing a market model, OTM identified favourable areas of growth and potential revenues for the next five years, focussed on frontier applications, supported by interviews with industry experts to gain insight into the key drivers behind wellhead selection. OTM provided an independent review of the technology against its competitors, with market analysis that armed Plexus with the required information and strategy to break into new markets, as used in their recent collaboration with Jereh Oilfield Services.
Analysis of high temperature polymer requirements for subsea
The client, a specialist in polymer materials, commissioned us to enable them to understand the requirements for high temperature polymers in the subsea environment. They wanted to understand the needs and challenges in subsea processing systems and related components (e.g. coil windings, active magnetic bearings, power electronics, etc). Following an initial period of research and project scoping both we and the client concluded that the area of subsea technology was not a large enough market to pursue at this time. Instead we suggested looking at downhole tools for HPHT wells.
Global subsea compression technology strategy
We conducted a review of a major operating company’s global gas portfolio to assist them in understanding the specific challenges in relation to gas compression and subsea power supply. The work included an intensive period of engagement with asset managers, technical personnel and thought leaders across the IOCs operational and R&D divisions. Workshops were held to analyse the information from interviews and this was used to define the IOC’s 5-10 year technology development plan and commercialisation strategy for subsea gas compression technology. This topic is very pertinent at the moment given the recent news around the start-up of the world’s first subsea gas compression system on Statoil’s Asgard field.
Technology Readiness and Maturity study supporting field development concept selection process
An independent oil company wanted to understand the status of specific subsea technologies to enable them to easily assess opportunities (and potential risks) in using proven subsea technologies in their first operated deepwater (1,400m WD) development. We completed a subsea Technology Readiness and Maturity (TRAM) study focused on the analysis of nine core subsea technology areas found within a deepwater field development.
Technology strategy to increase competitiveness
A major NOC wanted to overhaul its technology strategy to accommodate operational challenges and address capability gaps which were threatening competitiveness. We worked with senior technology managers and strategic advisors to design an enhanced technology strategy and to implement new technology planning and external engagement processes.
R&D portfolio optimisation
A major IOC wanted to review its R&D portfolio in one of its highest investment areas. We worked with R&D theme leaders across the technology area to develop and implement a standard process with which to review the R&D project portfolio. We analysed the portfolio, identified high-value gaps and delivered a refined portfolio with clear story on the value it adds to the business and how it will deliver this.
Technology research landscape
We were asked by a number of operators to advise on where they should invest the research and development levy imposed on oil production by the Brazilian government. We undertook primary and secondary research to understand how 50 Brazilian research groups compared against other similar organisations around the world and recommended which activities were most attractive and should receive funding.
Market assessment and entry strategy
A global oilfield services company had innovative technology solutions but had experienced limited success in key regions. We modelled different markets to assess size and attractiveness, providing in-depth profiling of countries offering maximum potential. This enabled the client to enact a new market entry strategy against aggressively short timescales.
Consulting
OTM can help you to understand the landscape you operate in today, decide your future strategy, then develop and deploy the technologies to get there successfully.
Sectors
We have extensive knowledge of upstream and midstream domains and related technologies, based on more than 22 years’ experience and 400 projects worldwide.