GE, Maersk Drilling to collaborate on data analysis project

The two companies are working together to deploy SeaStream Insight, US-based GE’s latest innovation in marine asset performance management, which is powered by its Predix software platform for the collection of data from industrial machines. The pilot project will be carried out on one of Maersk Drilling’s XLE rigs and last twelve months. It has already reached its first milestone, with data collected from the rig currently being processed and analysed online.
“Digital capability will be one of the key enablers for Maersk Drilling, and we embrace this industrial transition,” said Jesper Hansen, CIO of Copenhagen-headquartered Maersk Drilling.
Operational sensor data from critical equipment are connected to a historian, a specialised server that stores the data needed to model the blueprint of the drilling operation. By building this “digital twin”, the digital software can then help compare assets to assets and provide access to vessel performance against the ideal state. "Big data" are also translated into clear dashboards with a holistic view of a vessel, which can help operators make more informed decisions.
Thanks to what GE says are advanced algorithms and a strong data-processing capability, SeaStream Insight will also be able to predict the future state of critical asset health, therefore spotting inefficiencies or detecting potential failure earlier, up to weeks ahead. Operators are given early warnings to mitigate potential problems in advance, which help reduce unplanned downtime and increase drilling productivity.
In addition to enhanced productivity, SeaStream Insight will also allow operators to maintain equipment in a more efficient manner, according to GE, which describes itself as a "digital industrial company". As the “predictivity” allows transition from prescriptive (calendar-based) to predictive maintenance, it can help reduce excessive maintenance and significant costs for Maersk Drilling.
“With the fast-paced changes of globally connected economies and shifting regional opportunities, marine operators need to transform themselves to be efficient, predictable and nimble. Drawing critical insights from operational data is a crucial first step,” said Tim Schweikert, president and CEO of GE’s Marine Solutions. “With the present period of prolonged energy price instability, we believe data analytics tools provide the right technology that will help the industry going through the current down cycle and maintain sustainable growth for the future.”