Emergency and Backup Power Systems for Offshore Platforms

It’s a lot harder to call in backup when you’re miles out at sea as opposed to on dry land when surrounded by power grids. What happens if the power cuts out in the dead of night, or during a pivotal moment in production? 

Fixing the problem pronto is easier said than done, especially when “fixing it” might involve bringing out ships from the nearby coastline.

This is why it’s vital (and we mean absolutely vital) to sort out your emergency and backup power systems before disaster strikes. Remember, when you’re out at sea, you’re a lot more vulnerable to nasty storms and hostile weather conditions. This means you’re at a higher risk of power cuts or unexpected outages. 

Dealing With Offshore Conditions

Offshore production platforms need to be self-sufficient. And, from the construction and commissioning stages right through to production, stacking, and decommissioning, there is always a beady eye on the cost of efficient power, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. 

There’s a lot to think about, you see. Temperature and humidity control is need

ed to deal with highly corrosive offshore conditions. And then there are the living quarters of the workers, too. These need to be safe, warm, and adequately powered. 

How to Plan Ahead in Case of Emergency

Renting out temporary generators, HVAC units, and supporting equipment is cheaper than buying it outright thanks to high operating costs and low oil prices, so renting mobile equipment is a good start. 

What you need here is a system of mobile generators that can flexibly scale the power supply you need during the production cycle. The most effective options include heating and dehumidification solutions that alter output depending on what your processes need at any specific time.

It’s not enough to just rent out equipment and hope for the best, though. Maintenance is a huge part of making sure your production process is running as smoothly as it can be. 

If you sidestep this crucial task, your costs can spiral out of control as you end up paying through the nose for equipment that’s operating at sub-par levels. You put your platform at risk of surprise breakdowns, too, which means your production line could come grinding to a halt in seconds, losing you thousands in revenue. 

Offshore production platforms are specifically designed to operate around the clock for lengthy periods of time. But things do (and will) go wrong from time to time. 

Safely installing and providing emergency and backup power systems mean advanced planning, temporary generators, and HVAC units that can pick up the slack when other equipment goes down. 

Because your platform is in an isolated spot, it’s worth choosing a power supplier that offers remote monitoring, too. This picks up on faulty equipment and potential hazards before they become a nasty reality. 

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