“If we need to construct new platforms we will not hesitate to get in touch with FORCE Technology again.”

An unusual assignment for FORCE Technology but inestimable benefits for DONG - such words may be rightly used to describe the secondment of a highly qualified FORCE Technology employee, Ejgil Krog, who has been acting as construction supervisor on the extension work on the SIRI platform in the North Sea.

When DONG wished to take on Ejgil as construction supervisor for a 12-month project intended to upgrade its production facilities by expanding the field with two satellite platforms NINI and CECILIE, some consideration was required both by Department Manager Ejgil Krog and Vice President Niels Aage Giversen of FORCE Technology in Esbjerg.

Out and out management task

Firstly, the department in Esbjerg would have to function without its ordinary manager – and secondly, the assignment lay outside what Force Technology would normally take on. “It was an out and out management and problem-solving assignment of a type that would normally lie outside FORCE’s area of expertise”, says Ejgil Krog. “On the other hand we have always aimed to put the customer first, free up resources and provide service where the need is.

And the challenge of constructing a complex processing plant with the least possible disruption to daily oil and gas production was simply too important and too interesting to refuse.”

The great value of having FORCE Technology on the job

During the 14 months that extension work proceeded, the supervisory work at times required up to six fulltime posts, where two construction supervisors worked together in teams in day and night shifts which were typically 13 to 14 hours long. Construction Manager Finn Ewert Christensen says on behalf of DONG that he was happy to take responsibility for the fact that Ejgil, his colleagues and FORCE Technology took one of the supervisory posts.

He knew Ejgil from his previous career when they were both working for another offshore operator and thus was familiar with Ejgil’s professional and personal qualities. “I knew that Ejgil had held a similar post and it therefore only seemed natural to get in touch with FORCE to obtain his expertise for the assignment”, says Finn, who nevertheless had to use all his powers of persuasion to get FORCE to release Ejgil for such a long time.

“I realise that it is not easy to manage without a departmental manager with so much experience under his belt – but FORCE was also able to see the potential of having a man in on the central construction work on the platform. And we have obtained great benefits by having a FORCE man in on the job.

Guided the process through to successful completion

Ejgil and his two colleagues were, as the primary supervisory team, involved in guiding work on this major extension, which involved many stressful tasks and a number of different suppliers, such as for example scaffolders, welders, painters, electricians, mechanics and external specialists. The work was divided between a period of two weeks offshore with long working days, but despite the harsh conditions Ejgil discovered a common motivation. “It was a pleasure to be among people who together carried out the project. As the man with the overall view I was able to tell everyone where we were, where we were going and how far we were from the target.”

Expensive shutdowns on schedule

The greatest challenge came from the costly shutdowns when the whole platform had to shut down. “When it came to these, the staff showed such great dedication and determination that we managed to keep to our tight deadlines and we completed the work – often before time. This was the case when we received the large 450-ton compressor module. A six-day shutdown had been scheduled – which we managed while at the same time carrying out several unscheduled activities during the time allocated. Together with “first oil”, i.e. the very first oil and gas received on SIRI, this was our greatest moment,” says Ejgil.

Gains for the project

Finn Ewert Christensen, DONG, is in no doubt as to what having FORCE Technology involved in the form of Ejgil Krog and his colleagues has meant for the project. “We had several people to choose between from several companies, but it was clear that Ejgil, via FORCE, was the one whose assistance we wanted. And Ejgil was capable of managing all of his responsibilities in every way. His experience and expertise and calm approach were of great benefit to the project,” said Finn who also chose Ejgil as the final supervisor.

“Through Ejgil’s day-to-day work at FORCE we realised he was the obvious candidate to round the project off. His broad knowledge helped him in carrying out his responsibilities and act as the point of contact for all the professional groups. When dealing with people, who in addition are as different as they are on such a project, you need understanding, breadth of view and that little extra energy, especially in stressful situations. It is stressful to be at sea and you’re under pressure from land, but Ejgil managed it all with great distinction,” says Finn.

If it ever comes up again….

The extension project on the SIRI platform was so comprehensive that he does not expect a repeat in the near future. “But you never know – one day they might decide to build a platform next to it. And if we are in a position where I am involved, I definitely wouldn’t rule out going back to FORCE and asking for Ejgil,” Finn says in conclusion.