Moving the Oil, Gas Industry Forward in a Digital Age
While phrases like Big Data, cybersecurity and autonomous workers are being thrown around the oil and gas industry frequently these days, it may be time to decode what these things really mean for the future workforce.
Rigzone caught up with leaders from Lloyd’s Register during the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston to discuss how the industry will have to adapt to account for enhancements in its technology.
“For me, the data itself is what’s the game-changer,” Teril Smith, director of energy operations for Lloyd’s Register, told Rigzone. “There are sensors on everything and the analysis of that data is what’s important and going to change the workforce.”
Darley stresses the importance of cybersecurity with today’s technological capabilities.
“When people think of cybersecurity, they immediately think of somebody hacking into their data and doing something malicious, but what people don’t appreciate is that there’s actually another critical risk which is the interdependencies of the systems on board,” Darley said. “You’ve got hundreds of pieces of equipment onboard manufactured by different manufacturers who don’t necessarily talk to each other. What we have seen is that interdependency between systems having a critical impact and shutting other systems down unexpectedly.”
Smith explained the dichotomy of the industry shifting from a more mechanical worker to a technological worker.
“You need that mechanical worker to pass on the knowledge even though data will fill some of that knowledge gap,” he said. “We can’t change the fact that the oilfield is changing to be more technologically savvy with training available today in virtual reality and autonomous innovation and robotics. So not only is there a need to go from a mechanical person to a digitally capable person, you may go from a mechanical person to a mechanical arm.”
This transition changes the dynamic of the individuals who are leading the industry today.
“Are they capable of leading machines? I think that’s the biggest shift in our industry – to an autonomous and digitally savvy worker,” said Smith. “Then shifting the leadership from leading people to leading machines. Besides data, training is the gap-filler. And how we get there is by being smarter with data, smarter with training and bringing that knowledge and putting it into the worker.”
Worker of the Future
Ricky Eaton, global well intervention manager for Lloyd’s Register, said the company is continuing to hire people to stay ahead of the curve.
“We have the inside track on technologies and are supporting the newer operations being used today,” Eaton said. “Our experts come from the decommissioning and intervention field with 20 years of experience. But just because they have 20 years of experience doesn’t mean they are continuing to evolve.”
Eaton said that Lloyd’s Register does not have a rigid stance when it comes to new technologies and he believes the use of robots in the oilfield shouldn’t worry workers who fear being replaced.
“I think it’s more so robots assisting with critical tasks than replacing workers,” he said. “We already have an iron roughneck and things like that in place to take people out of the more dangerous situations. I don’t see robots replacing workers, but I do see robots stepping in to do the heavy lifting or more critical/dangerous work. Essentially, robots are making for a safer workplace.”
Smith said that historically, the industry hasn’t done a great job of educating the younger generation about the benefits of working in oil and gas. But he’s noted a shift in the right direction the past few years, namely in recruiting practices.
12
View Full Article
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.
- ExxonMobil Racks Up Discoveries in Guyana Block Eyed by Chevron
- Oil Market Sentiment Has Improved Significantly
- EU, US Eye Collaboration on Nuclear Materials
- USA Driving Activity to Increase to All-Time Highs
- EU Electricity Export to Ukraine Up 94 Percent in Two Years
- China Coal Output Falls for First Time since Government Ordered More
- TC Energy to Sell Prince Rupert Gas Pipeline Project to First Nation
- BP Pulse Buys One of Europe's Largest Truck Stops
- UK CCUS Plans Outdated: Think Tank
- I Squared Eyes Full Ownership of Europe Gas Storage Firm
- Norway Regulator Blasts Proposal to Halt New Oil and Gas Permits
- Chinese Mega Company Makes Major Oilfield Discovery
- EIA Drops 2024 Henry Hub Gas Price Forecast
- EIA and Standard Chartered Offer Up Latest Oil Price Predictions
- Red Sea Region Sees Another Watershed Incident
- Chevron Oil Project in Kazakhstan to Cost $48.5B
- OPEC Voices Encouragement after IEA Affirms Support for Oil Security
- Biden Govt Bares Strategy for Freight Charging, Hydrogen Fueling Infra
- Ukraine Hits Third Russian Refinery In Escalating Drone Strikes
- Rystad Looks at the Buzz Around White Hydrogen
- VIDEO: Missile Attack Kills Crew Transiting Gulf of Aden
- Norway Regulator Blasts Proposal to Halt New Oil and Gas Permits
- Chinese Mega Company Makes Major Oilfield Discovery
- What Is the Biggest Risk to Offshore Oil and Gas Personnel in 2024?
- Is Peak Oil Demand Close?
- Vessel Sinks in Red Sea After Missile Strike
- JP Morgan, Standard Chartered Reveal Latest Oil Price Forecasts
- Exxon Rights in Stabroek Do Not Apply to Hess Merger with Chevron: Hess
- Rystad Forecasts Net Production of Top Permian Producers in 2024
- Analysts Reveal Latest Oil Price Outlook Following OPEC+ Cut Extension