Bouri Offshore Field Environmental and Safety Turn-Around

A major oil and gas production site off the coast of Libya, Bouri Offshore Field, recognised the necessity of integrating advanced sustainability and safety practices into its operations. To achieve these goals, the Offshore Field engaged Qabas to lead the full implementation of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, aiming to enhance environmental management and occupational health and safety across the site.

The Situation

Bouri Offshore Field faced a critical need to elevate its operational standards to meet international best practices. Despite a strong operational history, several critical areas demanded immediate attention to ensure the field’s long-term sustainability and safety:

1. Environmental Impact
2. Workplace Safety
3. Regulatory Compliance
4. Operational Efficiency
5. International Best Practices

Our role was to develop and implement sophisticated management systems adhering to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, ensuring sustainable and safe operations at Bouri Offshore Field. This strategic overhaul was crucial for maintaining the field’s operational integrity and securing its future as a leader in the oil and gas sector.

Our Approach:

1. Needs Assessment: Conducted an in-depth gap analysis to identify deficiencies in environmental management and occupational health and safety practices, specifically targeting offshore operational challenges and aligning with international standards.
2. Development of Management Systems: Developed a tailored EMS for waste management, emissions control, and marine pollution prevention, and established an OHSMS prioritising risk assessments, emergency preparedness, and injury prevention protocols.
3. Employee Training and Engagement: Implemented extensive training programs to ensure all employees were versed in new environmental and safety standards, with workshops and seminars to foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility.
4. Process Standardisation and Optimisation: Standardised operational procedures to integrate environmental and safety considerations into daily operations, introducing new protocols and revising existing ones to enhance compliance and effectiveness.
5. Establishment of Performance Metrics: Established KPIs to monitor the effectiveness of the EMS and OHSMS, conducting regular audits and reviews to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.
6. Continuous Improvement Mechanisms: Implemented mechanisms for continuous improvement, allowing adaptation and refinement of processes based on evolving challenges and incorporating feedback from audits and employees.
7. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement: Maintained transparent communication with all stakeholders, including employees, regulatory bodies, and the local community, ensuring alignment with sustainability and safety objectives.

Results

The implementation of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards at Bouri Offshore Field resulted in significant advancements in both environmental management and workplace safety. The enhanced environmental management system led to a measurable reduction in the field’s environmental footprint, showcasing the site’s commitment to sustainability. Improved safety protocols and rigorous training programs resulted in a substantial decrease in workplace incidents and injuries, fostering a safer working environment.

The full-approach to sustainability and safety optimised operational performance and reinforced our client’s reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking operator, positioning the field as a benchmark for environmental and safety standards within Libyan offshore operations.