3.7.2Group Technical Standards
A key driver for the cost of new projects is the technical standards to be applied in addition to the local regulatory requirements. Typically, these standards fall into three categories – customer standards, contractor standards or a hybrid set of customized standards. In the current climate of severe cost-pressure, there is a logical push in the industry towards wider acceptance of contractor standards. By leveraging its expertise – notably through its Fast4Ward® program – SBM Offshore can minimize project customization and efficiently deliver more standard products, with significant cost and schedule savings.
To support this approach, the Company has, over the years, established its own Group Technical Standards (GTS) by integrating key elements of its accumulated project execution and fleet operational experience. The GTS consist of a set of minimum technical requirements applicable to Company products provided to customers on a Lease and Operate basis. They ensure a consistent design approach, optimized from a lifecycle-cost perspective and integrating the Company’s policies and standards with respect to personnel safety, environmental protection and asset integrity. Additionally, all GTS documents are formally reviewed and approved by Classification Societies acting as independent third parties.
To date, the Company has executed over 24 major projects using its GTS as the basis of design since they were established in 2003. GTS are now digital and available through a Requirement Management Software since Q1 2022, providing new features for GTS users and the team in charge of GTS development. The main benefits are time-saving, enhanced search and filtering functionalities, data re-use capacity, improved overall quality and multi-support availability.
The GTS are maintained by a team of internal technical authorities and experts covering all key technical aspects of Company products, providing assurance over GTS application during project execution and integrating operational feedback as part of GTS continuous improvement.
In 2023 SBM Offshore started the development of the GTS for its renewable product line and will continue in 2024. The main benefit will be the standardization of requirements for the development of wind farms.
In 2024 SBM Offshore will start improving the quality of the GTS’ requirements using Artificial Intelligence, benefits being clearer requirements that are easier to implement for project teams and vendors.