Optimizing the integrity of safety critical petroleum assets: A project conceptualization approach

The failure of safety critical petroleum assets (SCPA) is often accompanied by devastating safety consequences. The conceptualization, design, and construction of SCPA need to integrate factors that will maintain the asset's lifecycle integrity. In this paper, a risk-based assessment of a case petroleum pipeline asset in Nigeria was used to examine the project conceptualization phase of an asset. The paper adopts a case study method, semistructured interviews, and field observations, and drew on pipeline failure data. Key managerial issues that need to be considered in project conceptualization for SCPA were identified. These issues include consideration for risk receptors and the need to assess organizational capabilities with respect to owning, operating, and regulating SCPA. This paper contributes theoretically by providing a performance-based learning framework for the conceptualization of new SCPA.