Published on December 16, 2024

BSP has recently marked a milestone with its West Asset being honoured with the Shell SEAM Q2 2024 Asset Award. This accolade is in recognition of the asset's remarkable initiative in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through innovative and sustainable flaring processes.  

Historically, venting has been a significant contributor to GHG emissions in the West asset. Fluctuations in BSP’s Offshore West Asset’s GHG emissions were a pressing concern, demanding urgent and effective solutions. The team responded with groundbreaking efficiency, tackling emission variability through sheer dedication and strategic interventions. At the heart of this success was the execution of smart engineering solutions that ensured increased flare lit days, achieved zero venting, increased gas sales, which led to substantial cost savings by sidestepping both Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) maintenance. 

Understanding the root causes of failure in systems can provide insight for strategic resolutions. In this scenario, a multidisciplinary team embarked on an exhaustive investigation to unearth these failures' origins.  

Offshore West - Project team at Ampa-9

Armed with these insights, they embarked on bold field trials aimed at pinpointing the minimum additional gas volume required to maintain sustain flame. They experimented with gas flow reductions until flaring was obliterated, and consequently reigniting the flare. These trials allowed for an understanding of the minimum flow required, thereby significantly slashing GHG emissions from venting as methane was now combusted instead of being vented. 

However, achievements did not stop with these initial successes. Driven by relentless desire to further minimise emissions and conserve sales gas utilised, the team pursued an unconventional route. They analysed the piping configuration, exploring all aesthetic and technical possibilities. Innovatively, they combined two flare systems into a single efficient setup, subsequently allowing one flare to be retired without compromising safety. Process safety assurance confirmed the potential of maintaining continuous flare without needing additional gas input. 

This strategic manoeuvre yielded impressive outcomes: flare lit days achieved 100% consistency, venting from the flare was eradicated entirely to 0%, and the asset's overall venting emissions saw a staggering decline by 75% and a 63% decrease in methane emissions. Significantly, these results were achieved without major operational expenses or capital investment.  

An essential element in this triumph was the collaborative spirit nurtured within the asset team. A mindset focused on challenging norms and constantly seeking improvement fuelled this success. The team’s ability to think beyond conventional methods facilitated their groundbreaking innovations, paving the way for this impressive environmental accomplishment.  

BSP's West Asset exemplifies how determined innovation paired with a collaborative spirit can lead to substantial environmental impact reductions in the oil and gas sector. Embracing fresh perspectives, challenging established norms, and persisting in sustainable practices have firmly placed BSP on a trajectory towards enhanced environmental responsibility and efficiency. 

Onshore project team involved in the GHG reduction fo Ampa-9