The Role of Integrated Logistic Support in Oil & Gas
Oil and gas projects are large, complex, and often take place in tough environments. To keep them on track, teams need more than just good design and skilled workers. They need smart planning for how systems will be supported over time. So, what is the role of Integrated Logistic Support in oil & gas and why does it matter?
Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) helps plan for the tools, training, parts, and people needed to keep things running. It covers the full lifecycle of a product or system, from build to Disposal. In oil and gas, this means increased uptime, decreased downtime, and lower costs, both during the project and long after it is finished.
Quorum has over 20 years of experience with Supportability and ILS. We have worked on major projects across industries including aerospace, oil and gas, and defence. Keep reading to learn how good ILS can make the difference between a project that struggles and one that succeeds.
What Is Integrated Logistic Support?
ILS is a way to plan support for a product or system from the start, and throughout its lifecycle. It helps make sure everything runs smoothly. In oil and gas, this means planning for tools, people, training, spare parts, documentation and repairs early in the design. The goal is to lower costs, avoid delays, and keep things working.
ILS looks at the full lifecycle of the system. It asks:
- What will break and how often?
- What tools and skills will be needed to fix it?
- How can we make repairs fast and simple?
- What can be done to stop things from breaking at all?
By asking these questions early, teams can avoid last-minute fixes. Good ILS saves time, money, and stress later. It also helps people work safer and smarter in tough places like offshore rigs
Key Components of an ILS Plan
A good ILS plan covers everything needed to support a system during its lifecycle. It brings together design, people, tools, and info to keep things running with less waste and fewer delays. Each part of the plan plays a role in making sure support is ready before problems happen.
Key parts of an ILS plan:
- Supportability
- Reliability and Maintainability (R&M)
- Training and Training Equipment
- Provisioning
- Human Factors (HF)
- Technical Documentation (TD)
- Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T)
- Disposal
These parts work together to give teams what they need, when they need it. When planned early, they help avoid downtime and cut long-term costs. A strong ILS plan supports the system from start to finish, often called throughlife support. This makes the project easier to run and maintain from day one.
The Benefits of ILS in Oil and Gas Projects
ILS helps oil and gas teams plan how to support key equipment, including drills, pumps, diggers, and other tools that keep the job moving. By building support into the design stage, teams can avoid delays, cut costs, and work more safely.
With ILS, spares, tools, and skilled people are ready before problems happen. There is no last-minute rush. Crews can focus on their tasks instead of chasing parts or waiting for repairs. That keeps projects on time and within budget.
ILS also supports the lifecycle of this equipment. Many systems run in harsh places for years. Good planning helps them stay reliable. It also makes it easier to train new teams, track changes, and plan for upgrades. This kind of throughlife support adds real value after the build is done.
Real-World Examples
Revolution Pipeline Explosion (USA)
In 2018, the Revolution Pipeline in Pennsylvania exploded following a landslide. Despite warnings about unstable ground, construction proceeded without adequate mitigation. An ILS framework emphasising environmental risk assessments and maintenance planning could have addressed these issues proactively.
Shell Brent Spar Decommissioning (North Sea)
Poor planning for disposal led to public backlash and project delays. An ILS approach would have included throughlife support and end-of-life planning from the start. Early risk analysis and clearer disposal planning would have avoided negative press and rework.
Choose Quorum Supportability Consultants for Your Oil & Gas Project
Quorum has over 20 years of experience in supportability for complex systems. We help clients plan how to keep key equipment, like drills, pumps, and vehicles working well over time. Our work focuses on clear planning, risk reduction, and results.
We support project and design teams early so that maintenance, training, and supply needs are ready from the start. This helps avoid delays, improves safety, and makes handovers easier. We know the demands of both offshore and remote sites.
Quorum doesn’t just build plans; we help deliver long-term support. From first install to final upgrade, we help teams stay ready. That’s why clients trust us to keep their critical systems running.
Book an informal chat with Shaun for a free consultation and discover how ILS can propel your operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness to new heights.
