Neptune Energy Group Holdings Ltd.

06/10/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2021 02:33

Neptune Energy pilots VR technology developed for astronauts on G…

10/06/2021

Neptune Energy today announced the successful completion of a virtual reality pilot on its operated Gjøa platform in the Norwegian North Sea, enabling teams to make highly realistic virtual visits to the facility. The technology, developed by PaleBlue and used to train astronauts travelling to the International Space Station, will reduce the need for offshore travel, lower costs and associated emissions and support safe operations.

It is the first time PaleBlue's technology has been applied to an offshore installation of such complexity. Using a VR headset, offshore workers interact with a realistic 3D model of the Gjøa platform from onshore.

Martin Borthne, Director of Operations in Neptune Norway, said: 'The new virtual reality solution allows employees and contractors to build up knowledge and awareness of the complex multi-level facility without the need to travel. Planning work operations will be safer and more efficient.

'The initiative will together with other projects see an estimated reduction of 30 offshore trips per year. We expect this to grow in the years ahead as digitalisation further enhances collaboration over distance, bringing immediate access to expertise and enabling preparation of activities to be carried out from onshore.'

As a first step, Neptune will use the technology for familiarisation and safety training, but the scope will be expanded to other complex operational activities such as simulations related to HSE events or to better understand how platform modifications will appear before they have been carried out. In addition, expansion to a multi-user function will enable offshore personnel to meet onshore personnel in the virtual world.

Egil Thomas Andersen, Account Director at PaleBlue, said: 'The restrictions and all the consequences of COVID-19 have introduced challenges to operations for many companies. By doing the familiarisation training in a virtual world, even from home, companies can overcome travelling restrictions, save time, costs and emissions, and will be 100% prepared with crucial knowledge of the facility when they physically arrive offshore.'

Digitising operational assets to improve safety, efficiency and reduce environmental impacts is a key component of Neptune Energy's digital strategy. The company has created digital twins of platforms in the Norwegian, UK and Dutch sectors of the North Sea, enabling offshore site inspections and planning work to be carried out onshore. Neptune also uses laser scan technology to carry out detailed engineering work for subsea productions developments which will be tied back to Gjøa.

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For media inquiries:
Neptune Energy
Liv Jannie Omdal
+ 47 97 66 71 37
[email protected]


PaleBlue
Egil Thomas Andersen
+47 909 39905
[email protected]

About Neptune Energy Group
Neptune Energy is an independent global E&P company with operations across the North Sea, North Africa and Asia Pacific. The business had production of 142,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020 and 2P reserves at 31st December 2020 of 601 million barrels of oil equivalent. The Company, founded by Sam Laidlaw, is backed by CIC and funds advised by Carlyle Group and CVC Capital Partners.
More information: www.neptuneenergy.com

About Neptune Energy Norge AS
Neptune Energy Norge is a subsidiary of Neptune Energy. The company is the operator of the Gjøa field in the North Sea. It has two operated development projects: Fenja and Duva. In 2020, the company made the Dugong discovery, which is now being considered for development. The Company is a partner in several producing fields: Bauge (under development), Brage, Draugen, Fram, Gudrun, Hyme, Ivar Aasen, Njord and Snøhvit. Neptune Energy Norge is a participant in a total of 81 licences. For the full year 2020, Neptune produced 55 kboepd in Norway.

About PaleBlue
PaleBlue is the leading provider of immersive technologies and training solutions. The company's focus is on achieving excellence by delivering value-driven solutions enabled with AR and VR technology. PaleBlue 3D simulators are built for the real world and help businesses worldwide better prepare for real-life situations and emergencies.