The engagement required Velosi to manage and facilitate twenty-four (24) offshore platform studies, covering both electrified and non-electrified water injection platforms, SSS oil wellhead platforms (WHP), and oil tie-in platforms. The project was led by Velosi's HSEIA Planning and Coordination team based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Scope
Velosi delivered a full end-to-end SIMOPS and ERP programme specific to the Abu Safah Offshore Field. The key scope elements included:
- Development of formal SIMOPS plans covering all concurrent activities between NAWOD (New Arabian Wells and Operations Division) drilling activities and RTPD (Routine Turnaround and Production Department) operations within the SIMOPS boundary.
- Conduct of SIMOPS risk assessments to establish acceptable risk control measures using the Saudi Aramco Risk Management Matrix in accordance with SMG 06-007.
- Facilitation of structured SIMOPS workshops with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the appointed organizations to validate the standard design, identify requirement gaps, and assign risk rankings to each combination of operational activities.
- Development of site-specific SIMOPS matrices and plans tailored to each platform, addressing all potential concurrent operations involving H2S, particularly relevant to the Abu Safah field.
- Evaluation of safeguarding and layers of protection, including Blowout Preventers (BOP), High Integrity Protection Systems (HIPS), and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems.
- Preparation of Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) defining roles, responsibilities, and escalation procedures for all SIMOPS scenarios across each platform.
All studies were conducted in compliance with GI 6.033, SMG 06-007, and other Saudi Aramco-specified standards and specifications.
Process
Velosi employed a structured, risk-based approach to deliver this complex multi-platform programme on schedule and in full conformance with Saudi Aramco requirements.
SIMOPS Workshop Facilitation
Velosi’s experienced HSEIA facilitators led dedicated SIMOPS risk assessment workshops for each of the twenty-four platforms. Workshops were conducted with the participation of SMEs across all relevant disciplines, operations, drilling, HSE, and maintenance, to systematically evaluate every combination of NAWOD drilling activities against RTPD production operations. Typical RTPD activities assessed included production operations, planned and emergency maintenance, hot work, crane operations, chemical handling, scaffolding, and satellite platform activities. NAWOD drilling activities ranged from jack-up rig movements, BOP installation and pressure testing, cementing and stimulation operations, to the use of explosives for perforating and critical well control scenarios.
Risk Assessment & SIMOPS Matrix Development
Each activity combination was assessed using the Saudi Aramco Risk Management Matrix. An itemized breakdown of all potential risks was compiled in accordance with SMG 06-007. Site-specific SIMOPS matrices were developed for each platform, clearly defining the conditions and controls required to allow simultaneous operations. Special attention was given to H2S-related concurrent operation scenarios, given the presence of H2S in the Abu Safah field, and to the integrity of safety-critical safeguarding systems.
Emergency Response Planning
Dedicated Emergency Response Plans were developed alongside each SIMOPS study. These plans defined clear roles and responsibilities for all parties during emergency scenarios arising from simultaneous operations, including communication protocols, evacuation procedures, and escalation pathways aligned to Saudi Aramco’s operational and safety management framework.
Outcome
Velosi successfully completed the full SIMOPS and Emergency Response Plan programme for all twenty-four Abu Safah Offshore Platforms, delivering a comprehensive, site-specific safety framework that enables Saudi Aramco to manage the complex operational interface between drilling and production activities with confidence.
The studies produced robust, platform-specific SIMOPS matrices and risk-ranked activity registers that allow NAWOD and RTPD teams to plan and execute concurrent operations safely and in accordance with Saudi Aramco’s standards. All identified hazards were systematically documented with appropriate risk control measures, safeguarding recommendations, and action items to manage residual risks to ALARP.
The Emergency Response Plans delivered as part of this scope provide each platform’s personnel with clear, actionable guidance for responding to emergency scenarios arising during SIMOPS, strengthening the overall safety and resilience of the Abu Safah Offshore Field operations.
Saudi Aramco’s collated review comments were fully incorporated into the final reports, and all deliverables were submitted in PDF, native, and SIMOPS software formats as required.
Deliverables
Velosi successfully submitted the following project deliverables:
- 24 x SIMOPS Study Reports – Draft (one per offshore platform)
- 24 x SIMOPS Study Reports – Final with Actions Resolution Sheets (one per offshore platform)
- 24 x Emergency Response Plans – Draft (one per offshore platform)
- 24 x Emergency Response Plans – Final (one per offshore platform)
- SIMOPS Risk Assessment Registers (itemized, per SMG 06-007) for each platform
- Platform-specific SIMOPS Matrices defining activity conditions and required controls
- Full documentation of SME participant lists, workshop records, and study methodology