Simultaneous Operations for ADCO and Al Hosn at Shah Field

Abstract Al Hosn Shah Gas (AHG) Development Project on-ground activities commenced in Shah Field during last quarter 2011. Some of the major activities of AHG Project in Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO)-controlled 40 km2 areas were: Initial demarcation and handover of the AHG well pads (eight locations)Movement of rigs, etc. to AHG well padsLaying of more than 50km length 16" & 20" diameter pipelines between the AHG pads and to the main Gas PlantProvision of Right of Way and berms for various pipelinesProvision of 11kv transmission linesConstruction of a new 25 km black top roadConstruction of Etihad Rail line, crossing ADCO Main Oil Line and Rig Route Numerous ADCO live flow lines, 33kv and 11kv overhead transmission lines and underground network of communication and instrumentation cables were already present in these areas of AHG activities. The mere safe handling of transporting men, machines and materials through all the above-mentioned live networks to various sites was an achievement in itself. It was a big challenge to protect and keep in service all the ADCO facilities throughout the AHG project. The main AHG project activities spanned a period of almost two and a half years. A big logistical and social exercise of re-locating ADCO Shah and relevant service contractor personnel from ADCO Shah Camp was carried out in order to protect them from potential exposure to H2S and SO2 during flaring for AHG wells cleaning. ADCO Shah Full Field Development (FFD) Project also took place in the same time frame. FFD was implemented in the locations where previous live facilities were already in operation. Apart from upgrading the Process Stations, instrumentation on most of existing wells was included in the FFD scope. The simultaneous supervision of these projects in brown fields is a testimony to the remarkable vigilance and hard work by ADCO Operation personnel. This paper summarizes the ways and means through which the Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) management has resulted in a safe and smooth handling of all these activities, while outlining the plans for future parallel operations of the two OPCOs.