Lessons Learnt in Executing Human Factors Engineering in FLNG Projects

Abstract

Human Factor Engineering (HFE) addresses interactions in the work environment between people, a facility and its management. FLNG projects bring new HFE challenges with more equipment items that are often larger and often more sophisticated than previously deployed offshore. Deployment of HFE is most cost efficient when started in the early design stages. Timely application of HFE can bring many benefits such as:Designing to allow operation and maintenance throughout the facility’s life considering every single task requiring handling of mechanical components and verification of the FLNG operation and maintenance teams’ resources.Holistic material handling system designBetter construction planning This paper will present the findings and lessons learned from engineering and construction of recent offshore LNG facilities by TechnipFMC. The perspective of operation and maintenance teams is considered in the HFE process to ensure that experiences and needs are incorporated in the new design. The findings and lessons learned are summarized under keywords for further discussion and recommendation. Codes, standards and guidelines that are relevant to HFE and material handling are discussed to establish if there is adequate coverage of the requirements for the design, construction and operation of FLNG. Although the discussions of human factors are based on case studies from offshore facilities such as FLNG and large gas processing platforms, the observations and recommendations could be extended to other types of oil and gas facilities.