AREMAT Group
BIM Basics
January 6, 2025
How BIM is Transforming the Oil and Gas Industry
The Oil and Gas (O&G) industry, characterized by large-scale, capital-intensive projects, is increasingly recognizing the need for digital transformation to maintain competitiveness, especially in an era where renewable energy solutions are growing.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a critical technology that is transforming project delivery in this sector, driving improvements in design precision, reducing construction risks, and significantly optimizing operational workflows.
BIM provides a structured, data-rich environment that enables stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and manage every aspect of a project across its lifecycle. This capability has particular resonance in the oil and gas sector, where the scale and complexity of operations demand unprecedented precision and coordination.
The Role of BIM in Large-Scale Oil & Gas Projects
O&G projects, whether refineries, offshore rigs or processing facilities are structurally and logistically complex. Each project is unique, often situated in challenging environments, with stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Historically, managing these intricate projects with traditional methods has led to delays, unforeseen expenses and a high risk of errors, as identified in McKinsey's 2017 Global Institute report.
Compared to other sectors, productivity in oil and gas has lagged, largely due to outdated project management practices and reliance on disconnected workflows that can hinder seamless collaboration and error detection.
Historically, managing these intricate projects with traditional methods has led to delays, unforeseen expenses and a high risk of errors, as identified in McKinsey's 2017 Global Institute report.
Compared to other sectors, productivity in oil and gas has lagged, largely due to outdated project management practices and reliance on disconnected workflows that can hinder seamless collaboration and error detection.
BIM addresses these challenges by offering a collaborative, integrative framework that spans from initial design to facility management.
This model-centric approach enables companies to analyze all project elements within a digital space before ground-breaking even begins, ensuring that design, engineering, and construction are closely aligned. For O&G companies, this leads to increased efficiency and significant cost savings, as the potential for rework, traditionally a major cost driver, is greatly reduced.
This model-centric approach enables companies to analyze all project elements within a digital space before ground-breaking even begins, ensuring that design, engineering, and construction are closely aligned. For O&G companies, this leads to increased efficiency and significant cost savings, as the potential for rework, traditionally a major cost driver, is greatly reduced.
Challenges Addressed by BIM in the Oil and Gas Sector
Tatyana Gotsulenko, CEO of BIM Leaders LTD, states, “In 2024, the value of BIM in the oil and gas industry is not something we need to justify – it is a necessity. Today, companies must leverage the expertise of professional teams that bring not only technical mastery of BIM but also innovation, a streamlined approach to project management, and a deep understanding of industry-specific requirements. BIM models integrate all essential data – visual, structural, commercial, environmental, and operational – into a single 3D model, accessible to every stakeholder involved.
This comprehensive integration not only prevents costly clashes and rework but also enables precise planning, minimizes material waste, and builds a dynamic, accurate data repository that drives efficient asset management well into the operational phase.
By prioritizing skilled BIM professionals and robust project management, the oil and gas sector can ensure that each project not only meets but exceeds modern standards for efficiency and sustainability.”
This comprehensive integration not only prevents costly clashes and rework but also enables precise planning, minimizes material waste, and builds a dynamic, accurate data repository that drives efficient asset management well into the operational phase.
By prioritizing skilled BIM professionals and robust project management, the oil and gas sector can ensure that each project not only meets but exceeds modern standards for efficiency and sustainability.”
Key Advantages of BIM in the Oil & Gas Sector in 2024
Mykola Yarynovskyi, Head of the Design Group, AREMAT, whose team of experienced engineers manages numerous international projects in the oil and gas sector, emphasized, “In 2024, BIM has proven indispensable for the oil and gas industry. Our projects operate on increasingly tight schedules and require accuracy and coordination at every stage. BIM delivers this precision by providing an integrated platform that consolidates all project data – from design specifications and engineering calculations to material inventories and operational data – in a dynamic 3D model. This enables us to identify and resolve conflicts early, drastically reducing rework and costly delays.
Beyond the design phase, BIM also optimizes project timelines by improving coordination and streamlining communication among all teams involved. Our engineering team can collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location and work from the most up-to-date information. The model’s comprehensive data also supports accurate budget forecasting and real-time adjustments which are crucial in managing the large capital investments typical of O&G projects.
The real advantage lies in BIM's value across the entire project lifecycle. During operations, the model becomes a reliable digital twin, guiding maintenance and performance optimization. This lifecycle approach saves time and resources, minimizes downtime and ultimately extends asset life. As companies in the O&G sector increasingly adopt BIM, it’s clear that working with expert BIM teams who understand both technology and industry nuances is no longer optional – it’s essential for sustainable project success.”
Beyond the design phase, BIM also optimizes project timelines by improving coordination and streamlining communication among all teams involved. Our engineering team can collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location and work from the most up-to-date information. The model’s comprehensive data also supports accurate budget forecasting and real-time adjustments which are crucial in managing the large capital investments typical of O&G projects.
The real advantage lies in BIM's value across the entire project lifecycle. During operations, the model becomes a reliable digital twin, guiding maintenance and performance optimization. This lifecycle approach saves time and resources, minimizes downtime and ultimately extends asset life. As companies in the O&G sector increasingly adopt BIM, it’s clear that working with expert BIM teams who understand both technology and industry nuances is no longer optional – it’s essential for sustainable project success.”
Our Expertise in Oil and Gas
Explore our projects in Oil and Gas
We are covering all three categories of the oil and gas industry: upstream, midstream and downstream. And at the same time, we are working on land, on water and on air as a Daimler-Benz.
We work with onshore and offshore areas, airports. We have experience in the oil and gas fields, pipelines with Pumps Station, refineries, CS and underground gas storage; railway, truck and airplane loading; all aspects of the LNG technology and regasification, design of LNG carriers, FSRU and LNG terminals.
We designed single turbogenerator by GE for oil field in Gabon and New Safe Confinement of Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in Ukraine.
We work with onshore and offshore areas, airports. We have experience in the oil and gas fields, pipelines with Pumps Station, refineries, CS and underground gas storage; railway, truck and airplane loading; all aspects of the LNG technology and regasification, design of LNG carriers, FSRU and LNG terminals.
We designed single turbogenerator by GE for oil field in Gabon and New Safe Confinement of Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in Ukraine.
How BIM is Transforming the Oil and Gas Industry
- Enhanced Accuracy in Project Design and Planning. BIM allows engineers and designers to create highly detailed, three-dimensional models that provide a comprehensive understanding of each aspect of a facility. This increased accuracy in planning mitigates errors that would otherwise emerge during the construction phase. By utilizing clash detection and automated error reporting, BIM enables stakeholders to identify and resolve conflicts within the design phase. This pre-emptive approach is especially crucial in O&G, where design flaws can lead to costly delays and safety hazards.
- Reduction in Project Costs through Proactive Error Detection. Cost overruns are a persistent issue in O&G projects, largely due to unexpected design changes and material reallocation during construction. With BIM, design modifications are immediately updated in the digital model, allowing all stakeholders to stay informed and adjust accordingly. The use of real-time data and predictive analytics further helps in making informed decisions, minimizing the need for rework. According to industry studies, up to 30% of construction costs in large-scale projects are related to rework, a burden that BIM can dramatically alleviate.
- Improved Project Timelines and Risk Mitigation. BIM’s ability to integrate data from multiple sources provides a single point of truth, allowing teams to monitor timelines closely and proactively manage potential risks. This is particularly relevant in O&G, where lead time is extensive and projects are subject to variable conditions such as personnel turnover, regulatory changes and environmental challenges. With BIM, timelines are not only optimized but risks can also be anticipated through simulation tools, such as those modeling the structural behavior of offshore rigs under variable load conditions.
- Enhanced Collaboration and Communication. BIM's collaborative framework enables seamless information sharing between multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest project data. This aspect is crucial in O&G, where engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams often work in different locations and time zones. The BIM environment facilitates effective remote collaboration, enabling teams to address issues as they arise, minimizing delays related to miscommunication, and ensuring that all project elements align with the latest design standards.
- Safety and Environmental components. The BIM model allows to work out in all details the dams of equipment if needed, the service safety zones, operational and evacuation walkway, routes, fire protection zones in accordance with the requirements of safety standards, locations of Safety Shower Eyewash, primary firefighting equipment, hydrants and fire monitors, places for fire trucks and other firefighting equipment.
The BIM model simplifies the study of the risks of man-made accidents, taking into account the placement of high-risk equipment in the space of the future industrial site, the ways of complex laying of technological, utility, electrical and control cables.
BIM for the Full Lifecycle: From Design to Operation
Beyond its impact on project execution, BIM also delivers significant value in the operational phase of O&G facilities.
BIM models serve as comprehensive digital twins, capturing all structural, mechanical, and operational details, enabling efficient maintenance and asset management.
Digital twins make it possible to simulate maintenance activities and predict equipment wear and tear, reducing downtime and extending the operational life of assets. As the industry increasingly seeks to optimize long-term asset performance, BIM's role in post-construction phases becomes indispensable.
BIM models serve as comprehensive digital twins, capturing all structural, mechanical, and operational details, enabling efficient maintenance and asset management.
Digital twins make it possible to simulate maintenance activities and predict equipment wear and tear, reducing downtime and extending the operational life of assets. As the industry increasingly seeks to optimize long-term asset performance, BIM's role in post-construction phases becomes indispensable.
Challenges and the Path Forward in 2025
Despite its evident advantages, BIM adoption in the O&G sector is not without its challenges. Barriers include the need for specialized training, high initial costs, and resistance to change within established workflows. However, as more O&G companies observe the transformative impact of BIM on project outcomes, these barriers are likely to diminish. For companies embarking on new capital projects, BIM represents a strategic investment that pays dividends by minimizing rework, enhancing design precision, and driving sustainable cost savings over the project lifecycle.
In conclusion, BIM is not just a technological enhancement for the oil and gas industry; it is an operational necessity. By integrating BIM into their project delivery frameworks, O&G companies can achieve unparalleled levels of precision, efficiency, and collaboration. The shift toward BIM-driven methodologies positions the industry to meet its productivity challenges head-on, providing a pathway to safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable project outcomes. For new stakeholders considering capital investments in O&G infrastructure, BIM represents a proven approach to not only enhance project delivery but also to future-proof their assets in an evolving energy landscape.
However, remember that BIM is only a tool – it’s the expertise of seasoned professionals that truly brings it to life. For the most effective results, reach out to AREMAT to discuss your project. Our team, with over 10 years of experience, can demonstrate how BIM can specifically benefit your project, backed by our portfolio and the scale of projects we've completed. We used to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling. Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the model, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
This proven approach is why our clients become long-term partners, trusting us across all their projects. Our regular customers have given us a characteristic name: "emergency team" for our quality and fast performance.
You’ll see the productivity gains that BIM brings to your business with our approach: We plan, we lead, you build.
In conclusion, BIM is not just a technological enhancement for the oil and gas industry; it is an operational necessity. By integrating BIM into their project delivery frameworks, O&G companies can achieve unparalleled levels of precision, efficiency, and collaboration. The shift toward BIM-driven methodologies positions the industry to meet its productivity challenges head-on, providing a pathway to safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable project outcomes. For new stakeholders considering capital investments in O&G infrastructure, BIM represents a proven approach to not only enhance project delivery but also to future-proof their assets in an evolving energy landscape.
However, remember that BIM is only a tool – it’s the expertise of seasoned professionals that truly brings it to life. For the most effective results, reach out to AREMAT to discuss your project. Our team, with over 10 years of experience, can demonstrate how BIM can specifically benefit your project, backed by our portfolio and the scale of projects we've completed. We used to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling. Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the model, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
This proven approach is why our clients become long-term partners, trusting us across all their projects. Our regular customers have given us a characteristic name: "emergency team" for our quality and fast performance.
You’ll see the productivity gains that BIM brings to your business with our approach: We plan, we lead, you build.
Contact us at info@arematgroup.com or book a meeting in our calendar.
FAQs About BIM in Oil and Gas
What is BIM in the Oil and Gas industry?
O&G industry is a complex structure that needs constant monitoring and research. BIM is a tool that in experienced hands helps the oil and gas industry solve these current issues and sometimes cut the Gordian knot of problems that arise even when designing new facilities and especially when renovating existing enterprises in a limited workspace as world operating standards are becoming more stringent.
Why is BIM important for the Oil and Gas sector?
Oil and gas industry is of great importance in our everyday life. However, let’s not forget that it is also hazardous for the staff and for the environment.
Therefore, nowadays any action in O&G industry is impossible without comprehensive 3D modeling by a team of experts of any speciality, who contribute their parts of the project into one “piramid”.
Each “brick” is important itself. But only thanks to the BIM model we can see future capacities in the complex, find bottlenecks, possible intersections between the components of this model, find the possibility of reducing the length of the pipe and cable networks and prevent the possibility of man-made accidents.
Therefore, nowadays any action in O&G industry is impossible without comprehensive 3D modeling by a team of experts of any speciality, who contribute their parts of the project into one “piramid”.
Each “brick” is important itself. But only thanks to the BIM model we can see future capacities in the complex, find bottlenecks, possible intersections between the components of this model, find the possibility of reducing the length of the pipe and cable networks and prevent the possibility of man-made accidents.
How does BIM differ from traditional CAD drawings?
Conventional 2D modeling cannot fully cover all issues of the present time. For instance, it is impossible to immediately see the intersections between the parts, for this extra time should be spent to make additional drawings where all the parts of the project will be present. There is a need for additional views/sections for working out these places. All this requires extra time. And time is money.
Despite the relatively young age of our team all specialists have extensive design experience. We’ve managed to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling. Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the models, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
Despite the relatively young age of our team all specialists have extensive design experience. We’ve managed to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling. Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the models, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
What role does 3D laser scanning play in BIM for Oil and Gas?
In rather harsh conditions, when the world operating standards become more stringent, the O&G industry always needs modernization, replacement of outdated equipment or entire technological lines with a more modern one. In this case 3D Laser Scanning allows you to get an ultra-accurate point-cloud image of existing equipment with its pipe binding, existing process and utility networks of piping, cable high-voltage networks and instrumentation networks.
When we have to gain every centimeter/inch of the distance to the dangerous zone during the BIM modeling of the reconstruction of the existing enterprises in the condition of compressed working space, this is a very important help in solving urgent needs. This greatly speeds up the design process itself because it allows not to model existing zones but to load their digital image into the current BIM model.
When we have to gain every centimeter/inch of the distance to the dangerous zone during the BIM modeling of the reconstruction of the existing enterprises in the condition of compressed working space, this is a very important help in solving urgent needs. This greatly speeds up the design process itself because it allows not to model existing zones but to load their digital image into the current BIM model.
What are the main software programs used for BIM in Oil and Gas?
The competitiveness of the department is enhanced by the use of the latest design methods and the world’s best software. The main software used in daily work depending on the design scope are Hexagon 3D modeling systems: CADWorks, PDS3D, Smart3D, including CAESAR II stress analysis software which is an integral part of the design of process piping and support.
As part of BIM modeling there is complex 3D model with the integration of the corresponding P&ID created in Hexagon programs: CADWorx P&ID, PDS P&ID, Smart P&ID.
How can BIM reduce costs in oil and gas projects?
BIM model in the complex not only optimizes the design time frame reducing the probability of intersections of the project’s parts and accordingly, further alterations during construction but also the risks that can be predicted with the help of modeling tools.
All this reduces the prices of the project as a whole. In addition to impacting project execution BIM also provides significant savings in the operational phase of the oil and gas facilities. BIM models serve as comprehensive digital twins that cover all structural, mechanical and operational details, enabling efficient maintenance and asset management. Digital twins allow you to simulate maintenance and predict equipment deterioration, reducing downtime and extending asset life. As the industry strives to optimize the long-term performance of assets, the role of BIM in the post-construction stages becomes indispensable.
All this reduces the prices of the project as a whole. In addition to impacting project execution BIM also provides significant savings in the operational phase of the oil and gas facilities. BIM models serve as comprehensive digital twins that cover all structural, mechanical and operational details, enabling efficient maintenance and asset management. Digital twins allow you to simulate maintenance and predict equipment deterioration, reducing downtime and extending asset life. As the industry strives to optimize the long-term performance of assets, the role of BIM in the post-construction stages becomes indispensable.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a BIM company?
Here are the main areas to focus on:
1. Experience and Expertise
2. Quality of Models and Data
3. Team and Talent
4. Technology and Software
5. BIM Standards and Compliance
6. Communication and Collaboration
7. Pricing and Contract Terms
8. References and Reputation
9. Scalability and Long-Term Support
By paying attention to these factors, you can find a BIM partner who not only meets your current project requirements but also aligns with your long-term objectives for quality, efficiency, and collaboration.
1. Experience and Expertise
2. Quality of Models and Data
3. Team and Talent
4. Technology and Software
5. BIM Standards and Compliance
6. Communication and Collaboration
7. Pricing and Contract Terms
8. References and Reputation
9. Scalability and Long-Term Support
By paying attention to these factors, you can find a BIM partner who not only meets your current project requirements but also aligns with your long-term objectives for quality, efficiency, and collaboration.
Why AREMAT Group is the best choice for BIM in Oil and Gas?
For the most effective results, reach out to AREMAT to discuss your project.
Our team, with over 10 years of experience, can demonstrate how BIM can specifically benefit your project, backed by our portfolio and the scale of projects we've completed.
We used to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling.
Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the model, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
This proven approach is why our clients become long-term partners, trusting us across all their projects. Our regular customers have given us a characteristic name: "emergency team" for our quality and fast performance. You’ll see the productivity gains that BIM brings to your business with our approach: We plan, we lead, you build.
Our team, with over 10 years of experience, can demonstrate how BIM can specifically benefit your project, backed by our portfolio and the scale of projects we've completed.
We used to work in archaic 2D and were among the first to master 3D modeling.
Currently, we are deepening the cooperation of departments on the model, turning a simple 3D modeling into a full BIM process.
This proven approach is why our clients become long-term partners, trusting us across all their projects. Our regular customers have given us a characteristic name: "emergency team" for our quality and fast performance. You’ll see the productivity gains that BIM brings to your business with our approach: We plan, we lead, you build.
