Plan vs. Actual: a critical metric in the Energy Sector

18/03/2025

In the ever-evolving energy sector, staying ahead isn’t just about having a strategy - it’s about ensuring that what happens in the field aligns with your plan. The gap between “plan” and “actual” can mean the difference between efficiency and costly disruptions. At Sercel, we recognize the importance of this metric, especially when operating far out at sea.

  • Offshore
  • offshore marlin

    • The Challenge of Offshore Operations

    Managing offshore assets comes with a unique set of challenges. Harsh environments, unpredictable weather, and logistical complexities make it difficult to maintain efficiency. Without a clear view of what’s happening in real-time, companies risk inefficiencies, safety hazards, and financial setbacks.

    In Figure 1, we tracked an Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) from the moment it set sail, monitoring its journey through in-field operations. While the vessel departed on schedule, an unexpected deviation occurred within the first hour - rather than maintaining its planned course, it fell 11 nautical miles behind schedule. This delay was not due to adverse sea conditions or currents, as both were favorable. Instead, only through Marlin’s real-time monitoring was this deviation detected, given the vessel's distance from shore.

    Figure 1

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    To compensate for lost time, the vessel later increased its velocity, consuming significantly more fuel. While the remainder of the voyage followed the original plan, another delay occurred when an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) unit postponed the vessel’s acceptance to come alongside. From the onshore operations room, where Marlin was deployed, the situation was monitored and managed, allowing for real-time negotiation between the FPSO and the vessel. This helped minimize further delays and mitigate potential knock-on effects on other scheduled deliveries.

    Despite these seemingly minor setbacks, the impact was substantial - fuel consumption increased by 27% compared to the planned usage. This case highlights how real-time monitoring and operational oversight can help identify inefficiencies, allowing for better decision-making and fuel optimization in offshore logistics.

    Bridging the Gap with Marlin Solutions

    We empower energy companies with cutting-edge technology to bridge the gap between planned operations and real-world performance. Our real-time insights give you the clarity and control needed to optimise efficiency, enhance safety, and make data-driven decisions.

    With our Marlin solutions, you can: 

    • Monitor Offshore Assets in Real Time - Gain instant visibility into offshore operations, ensuring your assets are performing as expected. Marlin acts as your eyes beyond the horizon.

    • Boost Operational Efficiency - Identify discrepancies between plans and execution to streamline workflows, minimise downtime, and cut unnecessary costs. Marlin helps clear the roadblocks to success.

    • Enhance Risk Management - Strengthen safety protocols with live data, enabling proactive responses to potential issues before they escalate. Marlin keeps your operations one step ahead.

    • Leverage Digital Twin Technology - Create a virtual replica of your offshore operations to simulate, analyse, and predict outcomes for smarter decision-making. Marlin is your digital twin for seamless vessel management.

    Turning Challenges into Opportunities

  • Digital Twins

    • Remote operations don’t have to mean uncertainty. With our various Marlin Solutions, you have the power to make smarter decisions based on actionable data, no matter how far offshore your operations take you. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we help ensure your projects run seamlessly and profitably.

    Are you ready to take your offshore operations to the next level? 

    Let Sercel be your partner in success.

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