Vulnerability assessment
Equipment, system and alarm performance, obsolescence, integrity, asset stability, and vulnerability analysis.
Digital Delivery
F&G System Vulnerability Assessment
A structured F&G system vulnerability assessment converted obsolescence, supportability, and migration uncertainty into clear upgrade options ranked by cost, complexity, and operational risk.
The Challenge
Obsolescence needed a clear answer
Large parts of the fire and gas system on a UK offshore installation had been assessed as obsolete, with limited options for technical support and a rising failure rate across key components.
The client needed more than a simple replacement recommendation. The system formed part of a live operating asset, so any upgrade route had to consider the condition of existing equipment, the practical limits of supportability, and the feasibility of migration while production remained online.
The challenge was to build a clear, evidence-led view of system vulnerability that could separate immediate risks from longer-term lifecycle concerns. That meant looking beyond individual parts and understanding how architecture, communications, operator interfaces, power supplies, and field device interfaces interacted as a complete system.
ICSS was engaged to assess the available options and define a cost-effective path that gave the client confidence ahead of project initiation.
Our Scope
Evidence-led upgrade options
ICSS completed a structured assessment of the F&G system condition and vulnerability in sufficient detail to establish credible upgrade options. The review covered the system architecture, logic solvers, I/O subsystem, marshalling cabinets, operator display units, matrix panels, power supplies, and field detection device interfaces.
Our engineers combined site survey evidence with document review and technical analysis to describe how the existing system was built, how it was being operated, and where vulnerability was concentrated. This created a single view of hardware condition, lifecycle exposure, support constraints, and operational dependencies.
A key part of the scope was reviewing the communications infrastructure, protocols, and system interfaces. This was needed to understand whether migration could be staged safely and executed with production online, without introducing unnecessary operational disruption or avoidable temporary risk.
The assessment translated technical findings into practical options, giving the client a clear basis for comparing cost, complexity, implementation risk, and the level of vulnerability reduction each route would achieve.
The Result
Confidence to move forward
The installation survey documented and described all key aspects of the existing F&G system, giving the client a clearer understanding of the current system condition and the practical implications of continued operation.
Following analysis of the survey findings, ICSS completed a vulnerability assessment for each key subsystem. This identified where obsolescence, component failure trends, support limitations, and interface dependencies created the greatest exposure.
Upgrade options were then developed on a sliding scale of cost and complexity, allowing the client to compare proportionate interventions rather than defaulting to a single high-cost replacement route.
The findings and options were presented to the client's management and technical assurance teams, providing a clear basis for project initiation, investment planning, and risk-informed decision-making.
Digital Delivery
Deeper insights. Better decisions. Streamlined delivery.
We optimise engineering activities and work management using advanced tools and techniques. We reduce human error through automation, identify hidden vulnerabilities through deeper analysis, and enhance value through better decision-making across the asset lifecycle.
Engineering automation
Control and safety system application verification, auto generation, and auto test from requirement specifications.
Start Here
Need help with digital delivery, automation, or vulnerability assessment?
Tell us what you are trying to understand, automate, or transform across greenfield projects, brownfield upgrades, or late-life assets. We will help shape the scope, de-risk the decision, and define a practical route to better delivery.