One team against covid-19
When the pandemic hit the world in spring 2020, Aker BP had to respond quickly to prevent infection offshore. Drastic measures and rapid action prevented outbreaks of covid-19 on Aker BP’s installations.
Aker BP reacted promptly when covid-19 developed into a rapidly-evolving pandemic. The main priority was to protect employees from contracting the virus
and to maintain production from all of the company’s assets. It was therefore crucial to prevent virus outbreaks offshore.
A response team was established and tasked with identifying and creating sufficient barriers. The team represented a broad range of disciplines from across the Aker BP organisation, many of which are members of Aker BP’s emergency preparedness team.
Testing, quarantine hotel and chartered flights
At the same time as office staff were ordered to work from home, a number of barriers were being established. Aker BP booked a hotel as a quarantine venue for
workers who had to use public transport to get to the heliport. After sufficient time at the hotel without symptoms, they were allowed to travel offshore.
Aker BP also decided at an early stage to purchase its own equipment for covid-19 testing. Testing is now done at the hotel, in Brønnøysund and on all the installations.
Aker BP was the first operator on the NCS to test all personnel before travelling offshore. In addition, an airplane was chartered and used to transport people from several cities to the heliports at Sola and Brønnøysund. This made it easier to avoid
exposure from other travellers.
Clear communication of the established rules and instructions is essential to enforce the barriers. The response team use the Aker BP social channel Workplace to keep
the rest of the company informed about the status of and changes in regulations or procedures. Workplace is also used to stream frequent digital town hall meetings
where the executive management team shares information and answers questions from the employees. Staff from suppliers comply with the same rules as Aker BP’s
employees, which is another reason for the successful virus prevention on Aker BP’s offshore installations.
