ConocoPhillips – Ekofisk Centre – Communications Systems

The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has carried out an audit of ConocoPhillips and its communications systems at the Ekofisk Field Centre. The audit was conducted from 8 May to 28 June 2023 in collaboration with the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom).

Objective
The objective of the audit was to verify how ConocoPhillips complies with regulatory requirements and its own requirements within barrier management, operation and maintenance of communications systems. We also wanted to verify how the role of “communications manager” is catered for. Nkom wanted to verify the use of licences they had granted, and general frequency use.

Result
Four non-conformities were identified, concerning:
Appointment of person responsible for communications
Barrier management
Activities for condition monitoring and correction
Ignition source control of telecoms equipment

In addition, two improvement points were identified, concerning:
Management system for competence of operations managers in towers
Planning of training and exercises

What happens next?
We have asked ConocoPhillips to report to us by 18 September 2023 on how the non-conformities will be addressed, and to give us their assessment of the improvement points observed.