Operations Professional Transforms Supply Base Efficiency Through Data-Driven Optimization

By Ugo Aliogo

Supply base operations represent critical nodes in offshore logistics networks, where materials, equipment, and supplies transition from shore-side facilities to vessels for offshore delivery. Inefficiencies at this interface—whether from delayed processing, poor coordination, or suboptimal workflows—cascade through entire supply chains, increasing costs and potentially impacting offshore production. Conversely, optimization at supply bases generates multiplier effects improving downstream operations.

Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju achieved such transformative improvement during his role as Integrated Logistics Scheduler with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company. Through systematic analysis and process redesign, Bayeroju reduced vessel turnaround time at the company’s supply base from over 120 hours to 33 hours within six months—a nearly four-fold improvement with substantial operational and financial implications.

The improvement required understanding root causes behind extended turnaround times rather than accepting delays as inevitable features of offshore logistics. Bayeroju’s analysis revealed that bottlenecks arose from multiple sources: fragmented communication between supply base personnel, vessel operators, offshore platforms, and contractors; inefficient material staging and loading sequences; inadequate visibility into material status and priorities; and reactive scheduling responding to immediate pressures rather than optimizing across activities.

Addressing these issues demanded integrated solutions spanning process redesign, data systems enhancement, and stakeholder coordination. Bayeroju developed optimized vessel scheduling protocols coordinating material movements across multiple offshore assets—deep water platforms, drilling rigs, work vessels, and drill ships—ensuring that vessel capacity was fully utilized while material movements aligned with offshore operational requirements. This systematic scheduling replaced ad-hoc approaches where vessels sometimes departed partially loaded or made unnecessary trips.

Material staging processes were redesigned to minimize vessel loading time. Rather than gathering materials after vessel arrival, improved forecasting and pre-positioning ensured materials were ready for immediate loading. Warehouse coordination improved through better information flows, reducing time spent locating or verifying materials. These seemingly mundane operational details accumulated into substantial time savings when systematically addressed.
Critically, Bayeroju recognized that supply base efficiency depended on coordination extending beyond the facility itself. He established regular interfaces with asset teams, security personnel, finance functions, regulatory authorities, and community stakeholders ensuring that supply base operations aligned with broader operational priorities and constraints. This stakeholder management prevented external factors—security clearances, payment delays, or regulatory complications—from derailing otherwise efficient operations.

The turnaround time improvement generated multiple benefits. Reduced vessel utilization directly lowered transportation costs, faster material delivery improved offshore operational efficiency, decreased vessel waiting time reduced demurrage expenses, and improved predictability enhanced planning quality across the supply chain. Cumulatively, these impacts contributed to significant cost savings while improving service levels.

Beyond efficiency metrics, the improvement program addressed safety and reliability—dimensions where faster doesn’t necessarily mean better. The systematic scheduling and staging processes reduced rushed activities and last-minute changes often associated with errors or accidents. Better coordination with security teams ensured appropriate clearances and protocols in the challenging Niger Delta operating environment. Improved data tracking enhanced material accountability reducing losses or misplacements.

Bayeroju also developed key performance indicator reporting systems tracking turnaround times, vessel utilization, material processing volumes, and other metrics providing ongoing visibility into supply base performance. These dashboards enabled continuous monitoring identifying emerging issues early while documenting improvement progress. The data-driven approach created feedback loops supporting sustained excellence rather than temporary gains.

The work demonstrated principles applicable well beyond this specific context. Complex operational systems often harbor hidden inefficiencies arising from fragmented processes, poor coordination, or inadequate data visibility. Systematic analysis identifying root causes, integrated solutions addressing multiple dimensions simultaneously, stakeholder engagement ensuring alignment, and continuous monitoring maintaining gains represent universally relevant approaches to operational improvement.