Generation and load life-cycle cost optimisation study at an offshore hub platform

Operators of aging offshore platforms that require lifespan extension often undertake revamp and rejuvenation projects to replace or repair existing aged or obsolete platform equipment with newer ones that may also utilise newer technology. Although power generation technologies such as unmanned thermoelectric generation (TEG), photovoltaics, microturbines, gas generators and low energy lighting such as LEDs have existed for several decades, commercial implementation is still in principal subject to cost-benefit studies performed as part of revamp and rejuvenation projects. A recurring challenge in such studies is to estimate and compare capital, operations, maintenance, logistics, manning and reliability costs while keeping an eye on what level of upfront capital expenditure is reasonable, given project budgets. This paper summarises such considerations taken during a revamp and rejuvenation project at an aging pipeline network hub platform. A decision on whether to install new equipment and technology or recondition and retain existing ones could then be taken in terms of optimal life-cycle cost, reliability and available project budgets.