Maintenance of subsea petroleum production systems: a case study

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss maintenance challenges and maintenance practices for subsea petroleum production systems. Design/methodology/approach - Maintenance challenges, current practices and factors that influence the maintenance and support practices were identified by a literature review and by using a case study conducted in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The case study was based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a number of experts working in the subsea systems' design, installation and support services in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. Findings - The paper identifies and discusses subsea petroleum production system failures, maintenance, inspection, modification and support practices. Findings from literature are validated, and new challenges are identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications - The research is based on a case study in the Norwegian petroleum industry, but may be applicable in other countries as well. The subsea production systems are critical production systems, and failures may result in long downtime and costly maintenance, inspection and support services. Hence, inspection, maintenance and modification intervention support services requires careful project planning, implementation and execution, taking into account all influencing factors. Originality/value - The identified challenges can be used by decision makers in offshore maintenance projects.