Aveva acquires engineering software rights from Shell

UK-based engineering, design and information management software specialist Aveva has acquired the intellectual property rights to Shell International Exploration and Production’s electronic document delivery (EDD) and PDMSi software.

The acquisition of the engineering design database and design productivity software will allow Aveva to further enhance the software both for Shell and other operators by building upon its 3D visualisation and digital data management expertise.

Shell designed the EDD solution tool to improve project efficiency by automating design processes, thereby resulting in reduced time and cost.

According to Aveva, the PDMSi application layer has helped bring down drawing production time by up to 85% on past Shell Deepwater projects.

Shell Engineering and SMART vice-president Bert Natalicchio said: “Collaboration between world-class companies is crucial if we are to drive innovation in the oil and gas sector and create a safer and more efficient industry.

“Aveva’s entire software portfolio can be used by engineering, procurement and contracting companies (EPCs) on Shell Capital and operational projects and may be used within the Shell ProjectVantage ecosystem platform.”

Plant operators and the EPCs that serve them are expected to benefit from the EDD and PDMSi improvements, as well as efficiency gains that will be incorporated in Aveva’s software portfolio.

Aveva chief revenue officer Steen Lomholt-Thomsen said: “The majority of Shell’s upstream offshore and downstream operating assets were designed using AVEVA technology.

“Now, we are building on our strong foundations of proven project success and increased operational efficiency by extending our shared capabilities further still.”

Shell and Aveva have been working in partnership on the research and development of 3D design solutions and intelligent visualisation software in a bid to create, manage and maintain physical assets.