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Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

The road to integrated operations

Shawn Fernando A *
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A Woodside Energy, Perth, WA, Australia.

* Correspondence to: shawn.fernando@woodside.com.au

The APPEA Journal 63 S60-S63 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22261
Accepted: 27 March 2023   Published: 11 May 2023

© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.

Abstract

Woodside Energy is in pursuit of integrated operations. This is achieved by connecting all aspects of the value chain from the reservoir to our customers. The approach is multi-faceted requiring a digital and organisational transformation. At the heart of this transformation is the Pluto Remote Operations Centre, Moorditj Danjoo. This name, chosen in collaboration with our Noongar Traditional Owners and Elders, means Stronger Together. The family friendly ‘live where you work’ lifestyle for operators in the centre has also improved inclusion and diversity in roles that have traditionally been Fly-in-Fly-out (FIFO). In past conferences, Woodside Energy presented our advances in data science, analytics and robotics as part of our innovation strategy. Our partners in innovation have included AWS, NASA and Boston Dynamics. We are now ready to share how these areas of innovation are supporting integrated operations. This paper shares why the transformation is essential, how we are staging the milestones and the associated benefits. Some experiments have already delivered value to the business, and all have provided essential learning. These include ‘Condition-Based Maintenance’ programs as well as autonomous inspections of equipment reducing both cost and risk.

Keywords: complexity management, digital, integrated operations, organisational transformation, remote operations, technical transformation, training, workforce diversity.

Shawn Fernando is the Remote Operations Manager for Woodside Energy. He has over 20 years of industry experience spanning the military, aerospace and the resource sector. At Woodside, Shawn held roles including Engineering Team Leader, Offshore Installation Manager, Head of Robotics and Operations Manager. He has a BSc (Hons), BE (Hons) and an MBA (Distinction) from the University of Western Australia. Shawn is a Chartered Professional Engineer, Engineering Executive and Fellow of Engineers Australia. Shawn also sits on the Resources Advisory Board for AROSE (Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth).


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