Peculiarities of Offshore Unconventional Fields Development Project Management

Abstract:

The development of offshore unconventional petroleum fields, including gas hydrates, shale, and coalbed methane, presents significant technological, environmental, and strategic challenges. While advances in drilling, completion, and enhanced recovery technologies have improved operational efficiency, structured project management tailored to these unconventional resources remains underexplored. This study analyzes the state-of-the-art approaches for offshore unconventional field development, emphasizing the integration of technical innovation, environmental management, and project governance. Key methodologies include adaptive/agile project management, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and risk management with contingency planning. These approaches enable iterative decision-making under high geological and operational uncertainty, optimize resource allocation, and ensure environmental safety. The study further examines the innovative use of existing gas transmission systems for CO₂ transport and methane production from marine hydrate deposits, highlighting the dual economic and environmental benefits. Results demonstrate that combining lifecycle-based project management with technology-specific strategies and sustainability-oriented planning enhances project resilience and efficiency. The proposed integrated framework provides a structured methodology for managing offshore unconventional petroleum projects, addressing uncertainties, minimizing risks, and aligning with national energy security goals. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical knowledge by bridging gaps between technological innovation and strategic project management in complex offshore environments.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 172)
• Pages: 144-152
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-h47lcA
• Online since: January 2026
• Authors: Olha Ovetska, Serhii Ovetskyi*, Yaroslav Yakymechko
• Keywords: Offshore Oil Fields, Project Management of Oil Field Development, Unconventional Petroleum Fields

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