In a concerted drive to find smart solutions to safely reduce complexities and cost in the North American oil and gas industry, DNV GL is leading seven new joint industry projects (JIP) from the region in 2016. The initiatives will support overall efficiency efforts in the pipelines, wells and subsea, umbilicals, risers, and flowlines (SURF) sectors.

Key focus areas for DNV GL in 2016 will be centered around solving challenges around standardisation, operations (OPEX services), safety, environment, regulations and performance.

“Our collaborative projects are pivotal in strengthening the industry throughout the Americas and helping it move forward and out of the difficulties we are currently facing,” says Peter Bjerager, Executive vice president, Oil & Gas – DNV GL Region Americas. “As an independent third party we are uniquely positioned to provide a neutral ground for collaboration.”

DNV GL is inviting industry players to take part in the following JIPs:

• Extended application of corrosion resistant alloys
• Guidance for qualifying materials in compliance with API 17TR8 HPHT design guidelines for subsea equipment
• Increased consistency for sour service testing and assessment
• Sour HPHT fatigue testing for clad subsea components
• Prediction of internal flow induced vibration of complex subsea pipework
• Jumper VIV instrumentation and field measurements - expanding ongoing JIP
• Safe assessment of embedded flaws in sour pipelines

According to a recent research report published by DNV GL1, one-third of North American respondents are concerned that they do not have a strategy in place to maintain innovation in a declined market. However, 31% see greater involvement in JIPs as a priority over the next 12 months, while four in ten want to increase collaboration with other industry players (40%).

The report also found that six out of ten (60%) respondents agreed that operators will increasingly push to standardise their approach globally- up from 42% in 2015. Only 9% expect an increase in spending in R&D and innovation, a figure that has been cut by more than half in two years, from 20% in 2014.

“Like the global oil and gas industry, companies in North America are braced for an extended period of lower oil prices, which is leading to continued pressure on cost management. However, it is encouraging that there is still enthusiasm to work together and drive greater standardisation and reduce inefficiencies. The success of our collaborative approach has seen the introduction of new industry standards and practices which help advance innovation and reduce complexity,” continues Peter Bjerager.

In total, 43 DNV GL-led JIPs have been initiated globally this year, in addition to the launch of a new Step Change innovation program to help customers leverage opportunities from digitalisation.

DNV GL’s Technology Outlook 2025 report predicts and showcases technology trends across a number of industries. For oil and gas, key developments include digitalisation, connectivity, automation and remote operation.

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