Project Overview

An independent operator with a growing well portfolio engaged SPD to develop a complete suite of Well Standards and Guidelines. The operator had been running operations on individual well programmes and accumulated informal practice, but had no formal, company-owned standards. Ahead of a planned expansion and an upcoming regulatory audit, the operator needed documented standards that would codify best practice, ensure consistency, and demonstrate a robust technical governance framework.

SPD’s Approach

SPD began with a gap analysis of existing documentation against recognised industry standards and the applicable regulatory framework. A standards architecture was agreed before writing began. Each standard was developed through a three-stage process: SPD-authored first draft; structured review workshop with the operator’s technical team; and final revision incorporating agreed comments. Language was calibrated to be unambiguous in the field, using shall/should/may consistent with ISO drafting conventions.

Results & Value Delivered

✔ Regulatory Audit Passed — Completed standards suite accepted by the regulator in full, with compliance matrix providing clear documentary evidence.

✔ 12 Standards Delivered — Full suite from Well Design through Well Abandonment, including Well Control, Well Integrity, Cementing and HSE standards.

✔ Standards Actually Used — Collaborative development produced documents the operator’s team recognised, trusted and applied.