DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT (SIM) FRAMEWORK FOR OFFSHORE PLATFORMS IN MALAYSIA

The subject of this study is the Development of An Integrated SIM framework for offshore platforms in Malaysia. The objective of this paper is to provide recommendation for the development, operation and exit strategy during the whole life span of a platform by reviewing the relevant standards for design of offshore structures, structural integrity management and life extension of existing aging structures, with focus on procedural gaps and limitation in design codes. This study will focus primarily on the Design and Integrity Strategy of the platform, however additional information will be provided for exit strategy. Further research and in depth study would need to be done on decommissioning as a way forward.

A review of the relevant data and experiences of Malaysia’s Oil & Gas industry are presented. Areas that were focused were 1) Development Strategy 2) Operational Strategy and 3) Exit strategy. An Integrated SIM will enable overall cost optimization in design and operation and better management of data and information related to the structure. Efficient data management will provide better indication of the risk ranking of the fleet and from that a proper inspection strategy can be developed. For ageing structures a SIM strategy would be able to protect the life safety of offshore personnel, protect the environment, protect business assets, and protect the company and industry reputation, and ensure the continued fitness-for-purpose. The SIM process has evolved over the last 25 years in the GOM due to hurricanes and extreme weather conditions. Therefore this SIM process is able to provide the industry a means to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of fixed offshore platforms around the world and specifically in Malaysia.