Maersk Contractors Norge awarded kongsberg a contract for delivery of a customised operator training simulator (OTS) for the Alvheim FPSO project. The customised OTS will allow process training to take place before, during and after first oil production. This powerful tool is expected to assist in delivery of first year operability targets. It will include real Kongsberg AIM operator stations, and the control system logic which have been configured for the Alvheim FPSO project.

The OTS will consist of a comprehensive customised dynamic process model based on ASSETT simulation technology. The ASSETT process model will be configured based on the project specific data from the Alvheim FPSO project. The market for dynamic process simulation is currently very strong. It seems that the market is now seeing the advantage of using dynamic process simulation for engineering studies, test of control system logic and for operator training. There are at least three main areas where the OTS may deliver significant production benefit:

• Reduced unplanned shutdowns during start-up
• Reduced unplanned shutdowns during routine operations
• Improve ability to manage the field during shutdowns