Energy | Equinor

Norway's first onshore control room: Equinor

As part of its commitment to innovation and safety in offshore oil and gas operations, Equinor, in partnership with Init, embarked on a pioneering project to develop Norway’s first Onshore Control Room for the Martin Linge field.

This project introduced a new level of operational efficiency by enabling primary control of offshore activities from an onshore location, ensuring both regulatory compliance and enhanced safety for operators.

Aspiration

To revolutionise offshore operations with onshore control

Equinor aimed to innovate offshore oil and gas operations by establishing a groundbreaking Onshore Control Room (OCR) for the Martin Linge field. This initiative was designed to improve operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with Norwegian offshore regulations.

 

The vision was to mirror offshore control operations onshore, creating a seamless and integrated control environment.

Solution

Human-centered design for enhanced safety and efficiency

Init played a crucial role in the design and implementation of the Martin Linge Onshore Operation Centre (OOC) and Central Control Room (CCR). By applying a human-centered design approach in compliance with ISO 11064 and NORSOK standards, Init ensured that the project met strict safety and regulatory requirements. The solutions included:

  • Human factor (HF) optimisation: Init executed comprehensive HF analyses to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
  • Systematic design and implementation: Detailed layouts for the OOC and CCR, including mock-ups of control rooms and operator consoles, were created to ensure ergonomic and efficient working environments.
  • Cross-disciplinary coordination: Init coordinated efforts between architects, HF experts, and technical teams to deliver a fully compliant, human-centered control suite.
  • Technology integration: A robust follow-up system for action items and issues was established to ensure continuous improvement.

Result

Norway’s first fully operational Onshore Control Room

The project successfully delivered Norway’s first fully functional Onshore Control Room (OCR), allowing Equinor to manage offshore operations from an onshore location. The human-centered design ensured an optimised work environment that enhanced operator performance, safety, and efficiency.

 

This innovative approach to integrated operations supports Equinor’s goals for efficient, compliant, and safe field management, setting a new standard for offshore control in the oil and gas industry.

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