The Alliance between AkerBP, Aker Solutions and Subsea 7 is based on a few simple but fundamental principles. Some of these are early engagement, openness and information sharing, working together in integrated teams and sharing of commercial upsides and downsides. In practical terms this means that a joint project team is established already at DG1 and works together to maximize the value of the project through the Select, Improve and Execution phases and all parties benefit from finding and developing the overall most cost effective solutions.

This close collaboration allows for maximizing the value of a field development considering the initial development cost, operation and decommissioning. By combining the competence and experience of operator, SURF and SPS suppliers early in the project phase, before key decisions are made, the impact of alternative solutions on both CAPEX and OPEX can be better assessed. The intent of continuity through pre-FEED, FEED and into execution also allows the suppliers to present their overall best solutions without reservations and without a concern that technology and intellectual property will be disclosed to others. Last but not least, a combined team allows for much better optimization and reduced interface risk between SPS and SURF scopes.

Certain techniques can be used to map the value stakeholders and specific elements can add to a field development from design to end of life and give valuable insight into opportunities for creating value.