Aker BP transforms its data and operations with Microsoft Azure Data Manager for Energy

One of the largest independent energy companies in Europe, Aker BP is engaged in the exploration, field development, and production of oil and gas on the Norwegian continental shelf. As an energy industry leader, the company places operational excellence at the core of all its endeavors, recognizing that a robust operational framework lays the foundation for growth and empowers employees to do their best work. To improve processes and develop digital tools, Aker BP chose to work with Microsoft to reach the full potential of its data to meet its operational excellence goals, facilitate informed decision-making, and experience transformative impact. In harnessing the power of Azure Data Manager for Energy to analyze vast amounts of energy-related datasets, applications, and cloud services, Aker BP will gain valuable business insights to increase operational efficiency and reduce data evaluation time.

“In the heart of energy transformation, there's a drive to innovate and to build things. We've found the key lies in the power of data, while understanding that data requires discipline and commitment.”

Kjetil Nes, Chief of Concept Development, Aker BP

Charting an industry-leading course with vision and commitment

In the energy industry, data is a key to business success. Energy companies invest vast amounts of financial and human resources into every new hydrocarbon extraction, so it is essential that all aspects of planning are based on accurate information to increase the chance of a safe and successful operation. Aker BP strives for recognition as an innovative technology leader in this challenging industry while creating value from shared energy resources in an efficient and responsible manner.

Generating more than 450,000 barrels of oil daily, Aker BP understands that efficient data management can streamline operations, reduce costs, amplify production rates, and enhance safety. For this reason, the company has set a goal to become the first truly data-driven company in the energy industry. Additionally, Aker BP is proud of its efforts to diminish its environmental impact and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Paula Doyle, Chief Digital Officer at Aker BP says emissions currently register at less than a fifth of the global industry average and fall below the norm for operators on the Norwegian continental shelf.

“Today, we aren’t just an oil company; we have built an ecosystem of partners and data that enable us to reach our mission by pushing boundaries and innovating in remarkable ways,” says Doyle. “With vast amounts of data now at our fingertips, our teams can operate in ways we only dreamed of a decade ago."

Harnessing Azure Data Manager for Energy to transform operations and data utilization

Aker BP has a proven track record of success using data analytics, productivity, and workflow tools to help its data scientists, developers, and geoscientists increase operational efficiencies and do their best work. When Aker BP first learned about Azure Data Manager for Energy and grasped the technology’s potential to reshape the company's data operations, it took a proactive step by becoming an early adopter prior to the general availability of the product.

Manually overseeing more than 150 applications in its field development process, Aker BP understands that breaking down data silos and integrating energy datasets and applications in the cloud can unlock the full potential of its data. It sought a foundation to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate industry collaboration while being adaptable to developers' needs and found that Azure Data Manager for Energy—an open, enterprise-level, cloud-based OSDU Data Platform service—could function as a trusted and interoperable data layer.

The adaptability of Azure Data Manager for Energy enables third-party applications that Aker BP uses—such as well planning, geological modeling tools, and productivity and analytics solutions—to work seamlessly with this data layer to boost the company’s operational efficiency. The goal is to evolve the company’s datasets from mere elements and entities into adaptable assets, accessible and continuously updatable across these applications, resulting in valuable insights and improved efficiency. This newfound transparency can facilitate a clear understanding of data origins and result in significant error reduction, thereby fostering Aker BP employees’ confidence in the company’s data integrity.

“In the heart of energy transformation, there's a drive to innovate and to build things,” says Kjetil Nes, Chief of Concept Development at Aker BP. “We've found the key lies in the power of data, while understanding that data requires discipline and commitment.”

The collaboration between Aker BP and Microsoft, underpinned by Azure Data Manager for Energy, stands as a prime example of the transformative power of technology and data. “To gain actionable insights and improve operational efficiencies, we're moving away from traditional data management thinking to thinking of data as a product,” says Arnfinn Grøtte, Drilling & Wells Digitalization at Aker BP. By embracing these cutting-edge technologies, the company fosters collaboration, ensuring tangible business value while promoting data-driven decisions. This positions Aker BP for the future, as it saves invaluable time on manual data search and entry in its well planning and development activities.

Effectively tackling difficult computational tasks and allowing its teams to collaborate more efficiently has led to streamlined operations and better-informed decision making for Aker BP. The adoption of Azure Data Manager for Energy has paved the way for further groundbreaking levels of data collaboration between Aker BP and industry partners. The synergy between Aker BP, its partners, and Microsoft illustrates how the use of state-of-the-art technology boosts the company's global scalability and strengthens its leadership role in the energy industry.

"Azure Data Manager for Energy has the potential to further improve efficiency across the board,” says Doyle. “It's a testament to the power of combining traditional industry knowledge with cutting-edge tech."

Innovating for tomorrow while boosting data efficiency today

The oil and gas exploration ethos involves safely pushing limits and tackling challenges while reflecting a mix of desire, daring, and determination. It's also about having a deep respect for nature's complexity and a mindful approach to utilizing its energy resources.

In this adventurous and forward-thinking mindset, and while navigating the ever-changing landscape of energy exploration, Aker BP has developed innovative business strategies that have yielded impressive results and moved the company closer to its low cost and low-carbon goals. Now that it has a digital platform that’s part of a larger, digital ecosystem, the company can automate much more of its manual work, which leads to quick decision-making and improved operations. With the help of Azure Data Manager for Energy, the company is combining energy data with applications to reduce its data evaluation time.

“For every bolt, every well, and every ounce of energy, we believe in understanding the story they tell us through data,” says Kjetil Oegreid, IM&T Manager Data Foundation at Aker BP. “As the world shifts, so does the energy industry. At Aker BP, we're harnessing the strength of data to lead that change.”

Find out more about Aker BP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Azure Data Manager for Energy has the potential to further improve efficiency across the board. It's a testament to the power of combining traditional industry knowledge with cutting-edge tech.”

Paula Doyle, Chief Digital Officer, Aker BP