Document No.

GP 43-47
Applicability Group
Date 28 September 2005

Guidance on Practice for

Pipeline Commissioning and Handover to
Operations

GP 43-47

BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
28 September 2005 GP  43-47
Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Commissioning and Handover to Operations

Foreword

This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 43-47. This Guidance on
Practice (GP) is not derived from any heritage documents.

Copyright  2005, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization
without the prior written permission of the Director of Engineering, BP Group, unless the
terms of such agreement or contract expressly allow.

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Table of Contents
Page
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Scope...................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Normative references.............................................................................................................. 6
3. Terms and definitions.............................................................................................................. 6
4. Symbols and abbreviations.....................................................................................................7
5. Commissioning scope............................................................................................................. 7
6. Commissioning planning......................................................................................................... 8
6.1. General........................................................................................................................ 8
6.2. Roles and responsibilities.............................................................................................9
7. Pre-line fill activities...............................................................................................................11
7.1. General...................................................................................................................... 11
7.2. Completions documentation.......................................................................................11
7.3. Interim Right of Way surveillance and integrity monitoring.........................................11
7.4. Operating manuals.....................................................................................................12
7.5. Operations and maintenance staff training.................................................................12
7.6. Emergency response systems...................................................................................12
7.7. Emergency exercise...................................................................................................12
7.8. Voice communications...............................................................................................13
7.9. Spares, repair equipment, and support contracts.......................................................13
7.10. Temporary commissioning facilities............................................................................13
7.11. Pipeline operation scheduling systems.......................................................................13
7.12. Notification to regulatory and fiscal authorities...........................................................13
7.13. Third party notifications (landowners).........................................................................14
7.14. Product accounting systems.......................................................................................14
7.15. Tax authorities/insurers..............................................................................................14
8. Line fill activities.................................................................................................................... 14
8.1. Line fill prerequisites...................................................................................................14
8.2. Risk assessment........................................................................................................15
8.3. Initial condition........................................................................................................... 15
8.4. Selection of first fill product and line fill methodology.................................................15
8.5. Soak test.................................................................................................................... 17
9. Post line fill activities............................................................................................................. 18
9.1. Handover process......................................................................................................18
9.2. Functional testing.......................................................................................................18
9.3. Emergency exercise...................................................................................................20
9.4. ESIA verification.........................................................................................................20

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9.5. Pipeline corridor reinstatement...................................................................................20

9.6. Bio restoration............................................................................................................ 20
9.7. Environmental monitoring...........................................................................................21
9.8. Community liaison......................................................................................................21
9.9. Post construction cathodic protection system monitoring...........................................21
9.10. Coating survey........................................................................................................... 21
9.11. Induced AC monitoring...............................................................................................21
9.12. Residual crop loss claims...........................................................................................21
9.13. Drainage claims......................................................................................................... 22
9.14. Landowner agreement management..........................................................................22
9.15. QA/QC documentation...............................................................................................22
9.16. Project documentation handover................................................................................22
9.17. Design and technical support in commissioning and early operation..........................22
9.18. Baseline ILI................................................................................................................23
Bibliography................................................................................................................................... 24

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Introduction

Commissioning of a pipeline system follows the same general principles applied to any other process
plant. However, with the geographically dispersed nature of a pipeline and its associated facilities, the
diverse range of potential interfaces and interested third parties introduces a number of additional
factors that shall be addressed to ensure safe commissioning.

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1. Scope

This GP provides guidance on practice for the commissioning of pipelines and their subsequent
handover to the operator for ongoing operations.

2. Normative references

The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.

BP
GP 32-20 Guidance on Practice for Site Inspection, Testing, and Precommissioning
of New Plant.
GP 43-04 Guidance on Practice for QA/QC for Pipeline Projects.
GP 43-06 Guidance on Practice for Responsibilities of a Pipeline Operator.
GP 43-24 Guidance on Practice for GIS and Mapping.
GP 43-46 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Pressure Testing and Pre-
commissioning.
GP 43-49 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management Systems.
GP 43-53 Guidance on Practice for Pipeline Intervention and Repair.
GP 48-01 Guidance on Practice for HSSE Review of Projects.

3. Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:

Commissioning
The range of activities after pre-commissioning to allow introduction of hydrocarbon or process fluid
and electrical power to prime movers to prepare the pipeline for handover to the pipeline operator to
assume normal operations

Commissioning Authority
The single point of authority responsible for managing the commissioning process and handover of the
pipeline system to the Operator

Handover
The processes enabling the transfer of responsibility for the pipeline asset from the project team to the
pipeline operator to assume ongoing operations

Mechanical Completion
The status of the pipeline system and associated mechanical, electrical, control, and instrumentation
systems at completion of pre-commissioning activities

Operator
The organisation assigned the role described in GP 43-06 that is normally responsible for leading the
management of pipeline commissioning

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Pre-commissioning
The range of activities (as described in GP 43-46) carried out by the project team to demonstrate the
completion status and structural integrity of the pipeline before introduction of hydrocarbon or process
fluid

Project
The organisation tasked with constructing and delivering the pre-commissioned pipeline asset ready
for commissioning

4. Symbols and abbreviations

For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:

CVP Capital Value Process

ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

gHSSEr Getting Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Right

ILI In line inspection

ROV Remotely operated vehicle

SCADA Supervisory control and data acquisition

QA Quality Assurance

QC Quality Control

5. Commissioning scope

a. The commissioning and handover process addressed by this document shall only
commence on successful completion of the range of activities described in GP 43-46 and
successful completion of a pre-commissioning PHSSER review in accordance with
GP 48-01.
b. Pipeline pre-commissioning and commissioning activities shall be carried out and
documented in accordance with GP 32-20.
c. Commissioning and handover of a pipeline system shall include, but not be limited to the
following:
1. Filling of the pipeline with hydrocarbon or process fluid.
2. Verifying the integrity and correct functioning of mechanical components including,
valves, valve actuators, flanges, pumps, pig trap end closures, etc.
3. Verifying the integrity and correct functioning of electrical components and power
supplies including motors, switchgear, transformers, etc.
4. Verifying the integrity and correct functioning of offshore and subsea components of
the pipeline system.
5. Calibration and functional verification of instrumentation.
6. Verification of the correct functioning of control systems and instrumentation
including the SCADA system, data communications system, local control facilities,
plant protective devices, and shutdown systems, etc.

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7. Verification of flow measurement system accuracy.

8. Testing of hydraulic performance to verify pipeline design capacity and throughput
requirements can be achieved.
9. Verification through reliability runs that downtime and availability requirements can
be achieved.
10. Verification of compliance with environmental discharge targets including but not
limited to noise levels, interceptor outfall water quality, CO 2 emissions, erosion
control measures, etc.
11. Verification of compliance with ESIA commitments.
12. Functional testing of leak detection systems to confirm that sensitivity targets are
achieved.
13. Assumption of responsibility by the Operator for management of the pipeline corridor
(e.g. bio-restoration, outstanding reinstatement, administration of landowner/occupier
agreements, liaison with fishing authorities, government, and local authorities etc.).

6. Commissioning planning

6.1. General
a. Planning for commissioning shall be considered throughout a pipeline project lifecycle
from early conceptual work (CVP Appraise/Select phases) through detailed design (CVP
Define/Execute phases) to ensure that necessary permanent and temporary facilities are
incorporated to facilitate safe and efficient commissioning.
b. The commissioning planning process shall be carried out in close cooperation with and
involvement of the pipeline operator.
c. The planning process shall deliver a comprehensive commissioning and handover plan
covering as a minimum the following key areas.
1. Overall management plan, procedures, and schedule for commissioning activities.
2. Detailed man-power plan including definitions of roles and responsibilities.
3. Regulatory and Permit to Operate (PTO) considerations.
4. Detailed procedures for functional verification of the various parts of the facilities.
5. Detailed procedures for filling the pipeline with fluid.
6. Mechanisms for recording the results and progress of the commissioning of the
facilities.
7. Lists of materials, consumables, spares, equipment, documentation, procedures, and
other resources necessary for safe and efficient commissioning of the pipeline.
8. Definition of interfaces, resources. and facilities required from third parties including
platforms, refineries, terminals, utilities, suppliers, etc.
9. Description of measures to ensure the safety of the general public and personnel
involved in commissioning.
10. Description of incident and emergency response plans for use during commissioning.
11. Communications systems and procedures.
12. Consideration of the impact of the commissioning process of any adjacent plant or
facilities.

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13. Consideration of the transition from construction work permit processes to operator
managed permit to work systems.
14. Identification of key risks and measures to mitigate or eliminate risk.
d. The commissioning plan and procedures shall be developed and be in place sufficiently in
advance of commencement of commissioning to allow procurement of any long lead time
items or key support contracts (e.g. oil spill response equipment/contracts, pipeline repair
equipment, safety support vessels, inspection equipment, etc.).

6.2. Roles and responsibilities

6.2.1. General
a. The commissioning planning process shall produce a clear definition of roles and
responsibilities for those parties contributing to the commissioning process.
b. The Operator shall be assigned a prominent role in both the planning and execution of
commissioning activities.
c. The Operator should be responsible for preparing both commissioning procedures and
normal operations manuals albeit that the overall coordination of the commissioning
process is normally carried out under the execution management framework applied by the
project team.

6.2.2. Operator role

a. Commissioning processes shall require the active participation of Operator staff in all
aspects of the commissioning programme.
b. The transfer of legal responsibility from the project organisation to the Operator
organisation should be recognised within the definition of the Operator’s role in the
commissioning process and be reflected in the consultation and decision making
procedures applied for commissioning.
c. Operator staff shall act under direct supervision of the commissioning authority until final
handover to operations.

6.2.3. Project team role

Key members of the project team, including the design engineers and technical authority, shall
provide an important role in the commissioning process by providing knowledge of the design
intent, as well as representing the formal contract link with the construction contractor and
specialist vendors.

6.2.4. Construction contractors role

The contractor’s role in commissioning shall be clearly defined in the construction contract.

6.2.5. Equipment vendors

a. Depending on the complexity of the pipeline, specialist vendor support shall be organised
to support commissioning and performance tests.
b. The purchase orders for equipment shall include provision of vendor services in pre-
commissioning and commissioning to ensure availability of vendor personnel to meet
programme.

6.2.6. Partners
The commissioning planning processes shall identify the role and any requirements for input
from BP partners in the project that may influence the overall pipeline commissioning process.

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6.2.7. Adjacent facilities/external interfaces

a. The commissioning planning processes and procedures shall identify any inputs required
from adjacent facilities (e.g. offshore platforms, processing plants, receiving terminals,
etc.) as well as other parties either interested in or affected by the commissioning processes
(e.g. regulators, planning authorities, local community groups, etc.).
b. A structured communications and liaison plan for interfacing with these parties during the
commissioning shall be included in the overall commissioning plan.

7. Pre-line fill activities

7.1. General
a. The following sections define the range of activities that shall be completed prior to
allowing introduction of first line fill product.
b. The commissioning planning process shall identify key systems, documents, facilities,
permitting, and services that need to be confirmed to be in place before commencement of
commissioning activities and introduction of process fluids.

7.2. Completions documentation

a. Construction completions and pre-commissioning processes shall follow a structured
completions certification process, such as the BP Guidance on Certification process and
result in a formal certificate at the end of Mechanical Completion (GoC MC1 or
equivalent) for acceptance by the commissioning authority before commissioning activities
commence.
b. Specific areas to be considered for a pipeline project within the handover to
commissioning process should include:
1. Basis of design (BoD) documents.
2. As built pipeline route and profile drawings, survey, and construction GIS records.
3. Construction records particularly for offshore or other difficult to access sections
including offshore crossing details, burial and trenching records, identified spans,
repairs.
4. Evidence of hydro-test results and gauge plate/calliper pig runs.
5. Evidence of cathodic protection (CP) status (temporary and permanent).
6. Evidence of agreed condition of pipeline at commencement of handover (i.e. dried,
inerted, etc.).
7. Evidence of satisfactory completion of construction QA/QC procedures (e.g. lower-
in, back fill and reinstatement certificates, non-destructive testing (NDT) records,
etc.).
8. Status of data communications systems and SCADA systems to allow safe and proper
operations in the commissioning phase.

7.3. Interim Right of Way surveillance and integrity monitoring

a. Immediately following successful hydro-test confirming the structural integrity of the
pipeline (or section thereof), pipeline corridor patrols shall be initiated to ensure pipeline
integrity is not compromised by third party activity, seismic, or other events in the period
following the hydro-test test before introduction of process fluids.

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b. Pressure of the inerting fluid in the pipeline shall be monitored between pre-
commissioning and line fill to confirm that no breach of containment occurs before
introduction of process fluids.
c. This key operational duty shall precede normal handover of responsibility to the Operator
and shall be specifically identified and allocated during the handover from pre-
commissioning to commissioning.

7.4. Operating manuals

Comprehensive operating manuals shall be provided and approved by the Operator before
completion of the handover from the construction management organisation to the
commissioning team.

7.5. Operations and maintenance staff training

Training of operations and maintenance staff required to be involved in the commissioning and
operation of the pipeline system shall be completed and their competence confirmed before
commencement of the commissioning process.

7.6. Emergency response systems

a. Emergency response procedures particularly including oil spill and/or gas leak response
systems and equipment shall be in place and verified to be fully functioning before
commencement of commissioning activities.
b. Emergency response systems during commissioning may need to address scenarios other
than those envisaged during normal operation.

7.7. Emergency exercise

Emergency response systems shall be verified by appropriate table top and/or field exercises
before commencement of commissioning. Exercises shall verify the response of any contracted
services, third party support, and mutual aid systems and test the links to wider BP Business
Unit emergency response systems and BP Crisis management systems.

7.8. Voice communications

Voice communications systems (VHF/UHF radio, cell pone coverage) shall be verified for
coverage and reliability before commencement of commissioning activities.

7.9. Spares, repair equipment, and support contracts

Necessary spares, repair equipment/materials and procedures, and related support contracts,
particularly vendors, required to support the repair strategy defined in accordance with
GP 43-53 shall be in place before commencement of commissioning activities.

7.10. Temporary commissioning facilities

a. Before commencement of line fill operations, temporary facilities shall be installed and
confirmed to be adequate.
b. These facilities should include:
1. Filtration or other facilities for handling any residual dust, debris, or contaminants
such as particulates, residual hydro-test water.
2. Venting/flaring facilities.
3. Temporary pig traps, if such facilities are not part of the permanent works

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c. Commissioning planning processes shall consider the requirement to isolate any

instrumentation or other facilities that may be sensitive to damage from the presence of
debris or particulates picked up by the process fluid on line fill and initial operation.

7.11. Pipeline operation scheduling systems

a. The procedures, systems, and communications channels for arranging the supply and off
take of process fluid shall be in place and verified as functional, with safety systems
operating correctly, before commencement of commissioning activities.
b. It is likely that a new pipeline will represent a new logistical link between new or existing
supply and distribution points or new parties to the distribution supply chain so new
logistical characteristics and communications links shall be addressed to allow efficient
provision and safe disposal of process fluid to support commissioning.

7.12. Notification to regulatory and fiscal authorities

a. Regulatory and fiscal authorities shall be notified and formal agreements and approvals
confirmed including issue of any Permits to Operate before commencement of
commissioning activities.
b. Provision should be made for fall back operating arrangements if commissioning activities
damage or otherwise render ineffective approved custody transfer or fiscal metering
systems.

7.13. Third party notifications (landowners)

Parties who will be affected by the commissioning activities shall be advised before
commencement of commissioning activities to ensure that they are aware of the change in status
of the pipeline from a construction mode to an operating mode with consequent change in risk
profile due to introduction of process fluid and are also aware of any other commissioning
activities that may affect them.

7.14. Product accounting systems

a. Product accounting systems and procedures for tracking and allocation of product between
shippers or partners shall be in place and verified to be functional before commencement
of commissioning activities.
b. The ownership arrangements for the line fill fluid shall be established before
commissioning as shall procedures for allocation of any losses, contamination, or
downgrading of fluid value resulting from commissioning activities.

7.15. Tax authorities/insurers

Any relevant tax authorities/insurers shall be informed in advance of commencement of
commissioning activities.

8. Line fill activities

8.1. Line fill prerequisites

No process fluid shall be introduced into the pipeline system unless:
a. Safe operating limits have been established to align with design requirements and test
results.
b. Appropriate safety, communication, and security systems, such as are necessary for
reasonably protecting people (on or adjacent to the pipeline right of way) and the
environment, are in place.

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c. Approved operating and maintenance procedures and management systems have been
established for the pipeline and associated facilities, and operating personnel are trained
and experienced.
d. Communications systems are in place and tested across the whole of the pipeline system.
e. Emergency procedures, personnel, vessels, and equipment are in place to deal with
accidental loss of fluid from the pipeline, discovery of a defect or damage to the pipeline,
or any other emergency affecting the pipeline.
f. A Management of Change (MOC) process is in use.
g. Approved commissioning and handover procedures are in place in full compliance with
gHSSEr.
h. Peer Reviews and PHSSER findings have been addressed and risk mitigation measures
taken to give BP full assurance that commissioning can safely commence.

8.2. Risk assessment

a. A detailed risk assessment shall be carried out and documented before completion of line
fill procedures to verify that foreseeable risks have been identified and mitigated or
eliminated before implementing the line fill process.
b. Key areas to address in the pre-line fill risk assessment should include:
1. Hazards introduced as a result of the temporary abnormal operating modes during
commissioning.
2. Hazards introduced as a result of introduction of non-standard fluids.
3. Hazards introduced through handling of pigs during commissioning.
4. Hazards associated with offshore and subsea activities, such as diving.

8.3. Initial condition

a. Before introduction of hydrocarbon or process fluid, the initial internal condition of the
pipeline shall be verified to ensure it aligns with that specified and that any risk of hydrate
formation, dust carry over, or product contamination can be managed, i.e. dried correctly
in the case of gas.
b. The conditioning of the pipeline to enable it to accept introduction of process fluid shall be
carried out in accordance with GP 43-46.

8.4. Selection of first fill product and line fill methodology

8.4.1. General
a. The selection of first fill product and fill methodology shall form a key part of the risk
assessment outlined in clause above.
b. In pipelines transporting a range of products, options may be exercised to make a selection
that significantly reduces safety risks or product contamination risks associated with the
line fill process.
c. If permanently installed process pumps or compressors are used to propel line fill fluids,
operation shall take place within the specified operating envelope for the unit.
d. No permanent damage shall be introduced to seals or rotating shafts due to temporary
process operating conditions or presence of abnormal levels of contaminants.
e. The need for further cleaning of the pipeline and its components in addition to that
performed immediately after pipeline installation shall be considered particularly if there

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may have been significant delay between completion of pre-commissioning and

commencement of commissioning.
f. Spare pump/compressor seals should be provided as items critical to the success of
pipeline commissioning.
g. Pigs used to segregate process fluid/inerting fluid interfaces should be fitted with tracking
devices, particularly on longer pipelines in which interim location of the pig is required to
confirm effectiveness of the clearance process or if location and retrieval of a stuck pig
would be a problem.

8.4.2. Liquid/liquid
a. Liquid/liquid line fill methodology in which a liquid process fluid displaces a liquid pre-
commissioning inerting fluid may be encountered when there is a short period between
hydro-test and line fill and hydro-test water is left in the pipeline and water contamination
of the process fluid is not an issue.
b. Line fill procedure in this case, shall specifically address:
1. Receipt, storage, and disposal of pre-commissioning water, meeting gHSSEr and
ESIA requirements.
2. Impact of passing test water through downstream processing equipment or filters or
sprung pipe hangers designed for lighter hydrocarbon service.
3. Potential for exceeding pipeline MAOP due to increased static head from higher
density water.
4. Receipt and disposal of the water/product interface.
5. Insertion of a separating pig between the process fluid and displaced test water.
c. The location of any discharge point for displaced test water shall be reviewed with respect
to groundwater hydrology, environmental impact, or impact on water courses to confirm
that the discharge rate and water quality will have minimum impact on the surrounding
environment.

8.4.3. Liquid/air or nitrogen

a. This methodology may be applied if there is a significant delay between hydro-test and
line fill or if contamination of the process fluid with water is not acceptable (e.g. Aviation
fuel, high specification chemical feedstock, gas pipelines).
b. Nitrogen shall be used instead of air if an explosive mixture would be generated between
the process fluid and air.
c. If it is impractical or not cost effective to inert the entire pipeline during pre-
commissioning with nitrogen and explosive mixture would result between air and the
process fluid, a volume of nitrogen shall be injected into the pipeline before injection of
process fluid.
d. A high performance separation pig shall be inserted in the air/nitrogen interface and a
further high performance separation pig shall be inserted in the process fluid/nitrogen
interface.
e. Line fill procedure in this case shall specifically address:
1. Venting arrangements for gas at receipt points with particular regard for control and
monitoring of noise emissions, dust carry over, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
or other contaminants, inert gas dispersion, oxygen content, and limiting the release
of process fluid.

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2. Temporary venting and containment arrangements at intermediate locations along the

pipeline to minimise spillage in the event of pipeline breach releasing process fluid.
3. Reconciliation of injected process fluid volumes to tracked pig position to:
a) Confirm integrity of segregation pig.
b) Confirm interim volume balance leak detection.
c) Allow calibration of pipeline volume against construction records.
4. Customs and excise or other fiscal authorities may require calibration of line fill
volumes for royalty or other tax purposes during the line fill process.
5. Injection of process fluid volumes in excess of that calculated form tracked pig
position may indicate the presence of a pipeline leak involving process fluid.
6. Acoustic monitoring of pig passage at appropriate above ground locations to identify
any process fluid bypassing the pig indicating segregation pig seal breakdown.
7. Tracking by ROV with transponders on the pig in the case of subsea pipeline.

8.4.4. Gas/gas
a. Line fill procedure shall particularly address the venting of displaced gas and initial flaring
of the gas interface, the objective to be to minimise or ideally prevent flaring.
b. If the pre-commissioning completion condition provides a pipeline containing air and the
interface of air with the process fluid would create an explosive mixture then a volume of
inert gas shall be inserted to form the interface with the process fluid.
c. In general, procedures shall address the key areas identified in 8.4.3 above.

8.4.5. Pig tracking

a. Phase separation pigs used during line fill activities shall be fitted with tracking devices to
facilitate accurate monitoring of line fill progress and accurate location in the event of
stuck pig.
b. Reconciliation between pig position and injected fluid volumes shall be carried out
throughout line fill operation to identify any potential breach of containment or failure of
the separation pig.
c. Pigs shall be monitored at above ground locations and as close as reasonably possible to
major road, rail, or river crossings.

8.5. Soak test

a. Soak test may be required in the case of high specification refined hydrocarbon products
(e.g. aviation fuel), high purity chemical feed-stocks, or food grade product pipelines. The
objective is to confirm that the pipeline cleanliness or pipe material or internal linings do
not have a detrimental effect on product quality.
b. In the case of aviation fuel, soak test shall always be applied to pipelines from product
storage tanks containing tested and certified fuel for transfer directly in to aircraft or where
insufficient facilities are available at the final storage site to allow blending or dosing of
off specification fuel and subsequent re-test before transfer to aircraft.

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9. Post line fill activities

9.1. Handover process

a. Operational activities from commencement of line fill are normally under the control of the
Pipeline Operator, therefore a formal handover process to transfer responsibility from the
project to the Pipeline Operator to execute commissioning shall be applied.
b. Handover of pipeline assets and facilities shall be controlled using a structured handover
certification process, such as the BP Guidance on Certification, that results in a formal
System Handover Certificate (GoC SH1 or equivalent).
c. With the extended nature of the project close out process normally experienced with
pipeline projects, particularly onshore pipelines (i.e. seasonal requirements for pipeline
corridor reinstatement, bio-restoration, offshore weather conditions, erosion control
effectiveness, functional testing of all operations modes in complex systems, etc.), a clear
definition of responsibilities and allocation of funds to support such work shall be
addressed in the commissioning and handover plan.
d. Such funding shall be estimated as part of the project budget in the CVP Define stage, to
ensure that the sanction budget is complete, including the agreed surplus to be made
available at handover to the Operator.

9.2. Functional testing

9.2.1. General
a. In addition to the pre-commissioning tests, functional testing shall be implemented
following line fill to confirm that the overall pipeline system can be operated in accordance
with the design, operating, and maintenance (O&M) philosophy and operations manuals.
b. The initial priority should be on the calibration and testing of the key instrumentation,
process isolation, and emergency shutdown valves required to maintain the safety and
structural and operational integrity of the pipeline system.
c. A detailed test plan shall be defined before commencement of testing with clear test
procedures and acceptance criteria.
d. The test plan shall be approved by the Operator. A suitable senior operator’s representative
shall be identified for sign off of test results.
e. Due to the geographically dispersed nature of most pipelines test plans shall address the
processes to provide a centralised record of test status for all sites to ensure potential
interaction of tests is fully understood.
f. Protective devices including safety critical instrumented systems shall be confirmed and
recorded as fully functional and calibrated before commencement of any pipeline function
tests.

9.2.2. Start-up
Functional test to confirm that the pipeline can be successfully started up in accordance with the
operations manuals shall be carried out.

9.2.3. Shutdown
Functional test to confirm that the pipeline can be successfully and safely shut down in
accordance with the operations manuals shall be carried out.

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9.2.4. Route change

For pipelines with multiple ingresses or egresses, functional test shall be performed to confirm
that changes in ingress or egress can be carried out in accordance with the operating philosophy
(O&M) and operating manuals.

9.2.5. Pump/compressor change

For pipelines with multiple pump/compressor stations or multiple pumps/compressors at a
single station, functional tests shall be carried out to confirm changes to the number or operating
configurations of pumps or compressors can be carried out in accordance with the operating
philosophy( O&M) and operations manuals.

9.2.6. Pressure surge effects

Effects of pressure surge when carrying out the above functional tests on liquid or multi-phase
pipelines shall form key acceptance criteria in these tests.

9.2.7. Hydraulic performance

a. Hydraulic performance of the pipeline shall be verified against the pipeline process design
basis as part of the pipeline functional tests. This shall confirm that design flow rates can
be achieved and the agreed process design boundary conditions with upstream and
downstream facilities can be met.
b. Hydraulic performance tests may need to be witnessed by contractors or other third parties
to verify compliance with contract agreements.
c. The methodology for extrapolating test results to demonstrate overall throughput design
compliance shall be agreed before commencement of commissioning if initial installed
pump/compressor capacity or if offshore/onshore drilling is not yet at a point where
reservoir full flow is possible and therefore is not sufficient to achieve ultimate design
capacity.

9.2.8. Reliability/availability tests

a. Functional tests to verify the design reliability and availability targets for operation of the
pipeline shall be carried out after successful completion of other functional tests and when
defect levels have reached a level at which their occurrence is unlikely to affect test
acceptance.
b. Clear criteria shall be agreed between contracted parties (e.g. project team, construction
contractor, Operator, system users, etc.) for commencement of the tests, suspension and
restart of the test period, and test acceptance before tests are commenced.
c. Such criteria should be stated in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) philosophy to
reflect the Basis of Design.
d. If data communications services are provided by third parties that are key to the reliability
of pipeline operation then service levels on the relevant contract agreement shall be the
subject of verification during reliability testing.

9.3. Emergency exercise

a. In the absence of a more stringent regulatory requirement, a full emergency exercise
involving deployment of emergency response and repair equipment to a representative
location on the pipeline and liaison with mutual aid partners, local emergency services, and
other resources, as appropriate, should be planned with the support of the project team.
b. This exercise should be carried out within the first 12 months of line fill.

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9.4. ESIA verification

During handover to operations, the status of ESIA commitments shall be reviewed and
responsibility for ongoing delivery of such commitments shall be formally handed over to the
Operator.

9.5. Pipeline corridor reinstatement

a. As part of the handover to operations process, the status of pipeline corridor reinstatement
shall be reviewed, including landfall and onshore sections of the offshore pipeline, and a
clear transfer on responsibility shall be agreed with the Operator for monitoring of
reinstatement performance including management of the construction contractor’s liability
and defect rectification.
b. The status of an offshore pipeline and its corridor shall be reviewed and the transfer of
responsibility agreed.

9.6. Bio restoration

a. Plans for the long term onshore pipeline corridor bio-restoration shall be provided by the
project team and agreed with the Operator as part of the handover process.
b. The Operator shall ensure that appropriate funding is included in operating budgets to
deliver the original project objectives on bio-restoration.

9.7. Environmental monitoring

The handover to operations process shall ensure effective transfer of responsibility for
environmental monitoring from the project team to the Operator.

9.8. Community liaison

Processes for handover to operation shall ensure that the Operator assumes responsibility for
managing ongoing community liaison plans from the project organisation and ensuring that
these plans are reviewed and developed to address any additional liaison required during the
operating phase.

9.9. Post construction cathodic protection system monitoring

Responsibilities for post construction monitoring and tuning of cathodic protection systems
shall be defined as part of the handover to operations process.

9.10. Coating survey

Responsibilities for post construction coating survey, including construction contractor liability,
shall be defined as part of the handover to operations process.

9.11. Induced AC monitoring

For pipelines in which the possibility of induced AC has been identified as a risk, a clear
process shall be defined for immediate post construction monitoring of induced AC levels.

9.12. Residual crop loss claims

a. Any existing or known potential future claims and clear responsibilities and processes for
dealing with claims shall be documented as part of the handover to operations process.
b. Handover process shall ensure that appropriate funding is included in the operating
budgets to address such claims.

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9.13. Drainage claims

Handover process shall ensure that appropriate funding is included in the operating budgets to
monitor effectiveness of post construction draining of the pipeline corridor and address claims
from landowners for impact of construction work on land drainage systems.

9.14. Landowner agreement management

a. The handover to operations process shall ensure a clear definition of outstanding issues
related to agreements with land owners to ensure that this critical operational interface is
effectively managed during early operations phase.
b. The project land acquisition team shall ensure that the Operator has a clear summary of the
status of outstanding actions to conclude outstanding landowner agreements.

9.15. QA/QC documentation

a. The plan for handover to operations of construction QA/QC documentation, including
inspection and test plans, shall be clearly defined as required in GP 43-04.
b. Electronic means of storage shall be considered as a means of retaining a record of original
installed integrity to provide a baseline and reference for future integrity management
processes and evidence of original structural integrity. See GP 43-24.

9.16. Project documentation handover

a. The handover to operations process shall ensure that project as-built drawings,
documentation, and procedures are produced and verified for accuracy.
b. As-built documentation verification processes during handover to operations shall
particularly ensure the accuracy of as-laid route and profile and major crossing drawings.

9.17. Design and technical support in commissioning and early operation

a. Handover to operations process shall ensure the competence of key discipline engineers
responsible for technical integrity within the operating organisation is assessed as
satisfactory before completion of final handover to operations. If this is not the case, an
alternative source of competent technical support shall be secured.
b. Provision shall be made in commissioning plans for access to original design support as
necessary to provide interpretation of designs and advice during the commissioning phase.

9.18. Baseline ILI

a. Handover to operations shall ensure that clear definition of responsibility for the
completion and timing of implementation of any baseline internal ILI survey to ensure this
is completed to align with any construction contract defect rectification liabilities.
b. The timing of baseline ILI shall be aligned with the risk assessment carried out to underpin
the Pipeline Integrity Management System (GP 43-49). If risk assessment identifies a need
for baseline ILI, it shall be completed within two years of introduction of process fluid.

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Bibliography

BP
[1] GP 06-32 Guidance on Practice for Cathodic Protection of Onshore Pipelines.

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