Description
From1998 to present, Shell has executed 15 projects (with 4 second phases) in the Gulf of Mexico by consistently using standard hardware components. Shell has also managed to apply continuous improvements and innovation to its standard designs through the effective usage of “management of change”.
The benefits of standardization include: efficiencies in engineering and manufacturing, flexibility, interchangeability, reduced cost and cycle time, and world class subsea availability. However, the biggest challenge has been “staying the course”. Over the nine year period since Shell first applied the standard in the GoM, there have been significant management and personnel turnover, differing and new project challenges in an ever changing project portfolio, and a large influx of new personnel into our deepwater organization to execute these projects.