Optimising the integrity of safety critical petroleum assets: A project conceptualisation approach

The failure of safety critical petroleum assets (SCPA) is often accompanied by devastating safety consequences. The conceptualisation, design and construction of SCPA need to integrate factors that will maintain the asset’s lifecycle integrity. In this paper, a risk-based assessment of a case petroleum pipeline asset in Nigeria was used to examine the project conceptualisation phase of an asset. The paper adopts a case study method, semi-structured interviews, field observations and drew on pipeline failure data. Key managerial issues that need to be considered in project conceptualisation for SCPA were identified. These issues include consideration for risk receptors and the need to assess organisational capabilities with respect to owning, operating and regulating SCPA. The paper contributes theoretically by providing a performance-based learning framework for the conceptualisation of new SCPA