From Production to Sales: Supporting LNG Operations Across the Value Chain

Our client commissioned a large-scale infrastructure project to facilitate the production
and sale of LNG from a site in West Africa. A software solution was required to support
extensive functionality across multiple operating facilities, a wide variety of business
processes and a set of complex commercial arrangements.

During a multi-year implementation, a team from Accord led the design and system
implementation activity to deliver a solution using the client-selected platform,
EnergySys.

Working collaboratively with client staff and other contracting companies, the team
built the system, tested and transitioned to live operation, which commenced in 2024.

Implemented functionality includes:

• Production Reporting for Upstream FPSO
• Interactions with the FLNG Operator for delivery planning, capture of
measurements and daily reporting
• Environmental reporting for upstream FPSO and LNG facility
• Interaction with LNG Buyer and FLNG Operator
• Administration of LNG cargo scheduling
• Capture of LNG cargo quantities, quality and lifting events
• Generation of cargo documentation
• Pricing of LNG cargoes
• Creation of invoices for lifted product
• Administration of Production Sharing Contracts (PSC)
• Recording costs and cost types for deduction in invoices and PSC usage
 

The system is used to calculate LNG availability and administer the details of the long term SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement) with the LNG buyer. Annual contractual quantities are calculated using LNG availability, scheduled maintenance events and year-on-year contractual balances to determine the buyer delivery obligation for the year.

EnergySys is used as the co-ordination tool between the buyer, the delivery co-ordinator and the LNG facility operator. Iterative communication between these parties results in an agreed annual LNG delivery schedule.

EnergySys captures actual measured data via data historian and external surveyor reports. For each interface, extensive validation rules are configured to assess the quality of data received and notify the user of potential issues.

From the latest recorded production values, the system re-calculates the projected stock inventory levels and validates the agreed LNG delivery schedule to assess whether adjustments to the plan are required.

Short-term cargo lifting planning requires the management of various data points, including cargo details, vessel information, and documentation requirements. Additional data such as cargo measurements, timesheet events, and unexpected issues are recorded during and after the lifting process.

EnergySys is used to plan for each cargo lifting and record the quantities lifted. The required cargo document set is generated and distributed to the vessel for signature.  Contractual buyer balances are re-calculated and the impact, and applicable charges, of unexpected events such as Demurrage are determined.

New and sophisticated infrastructure, together with multiple stakeholders and shared ownership across multiple countries, introduces a high degree of complexity within commercial and allocation agreements.

Accord brought their experience of designing and implementing complex data
structures and calculations to deliver a model that is flexible and extendible, meeting the detailed specifics of the agreements.

The EnergySys platform offers a fully auditable repository and clear visibility into calculation logic, which is a significant benefit for complex implementations.
 

Iterative business processes between multiple stakeholders, such as agreeing a LNG delivery schedule, can become a time-consuming task. The implementation of a workflow process automation module in this system delivered an effective way for users to execute, track and complete essential tasks.

On-screen visualisation of the workflow steps, together with colour coding of progress, helps the user to quickly assess the completion status of essential business workflows.

In large, multi-year projects involving new infrastructure and external parties it is often necessary to commence the creation of the software system well in advance of the live operations date.

The ability of the experienced project team to adapt to changing requirements as time progressed was a key factor of project success. Continuity between team members from system design and throughout build and user acceptance testing resulted in a stable and successful delivery.