Tananger supply base digitalisation - democratisation of information
The offshore sector has long relied on manual, fragmented logistics processes that limit real-time visibility, slow down operations, and create avoidable delays. These inefficiencies also contribute directly to higher Scope 3 emissions for customers.
Recognising this industry-wide challenge, we set out to lead the way at our Tananger offshore supply base. We secured a NOK 21 million (£1.6 million) government grant to modernise the Tananger base and build an integrated, data-led supply chain designed to cut delays, reduced environmental impact, and replace traditional silos with a smarter, more connected operation.
Client
All major offshore operators using ASCO’s Tananger supply base
Type
Digitalisation, Logistics, Materials Management
Location
Tananger, Norway
Duration
2019–2021 (pilot 2020, full rollout 2021)
At a glance
- End-to-end digital overhaul of Tananger’s supply base, replacing slow, manual processes with a real-time, data-led operating model.
- iLMS 2.0 unified tracking, workflow, and resource planning to speed up flow, cut emissions, and eliminate paper-heavy bottlenecks.
- Leaner processes, major time and CO₂ reductions, and millions in annual operational savings.
Approach
We rebuilt the operating model from the ground up. Using Lean Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and root-cause analysis, we stripped away legacy processes and designed end-to-end flow from vendor dispatch to offshore delivery. The focus was simple: visibility, speed, accuracy, and less paper.
We drew inspiration from best-in-class industries, such as Uber for smart forklift allocation, airline baggage systems for tracking, IKEA for warehouse logic, Amazon for orchestration, Google for image recognition, and hotel room-allocation algorithms for resource planning.
These insights were consolidated into one intuitive platform, iLMS 2.0, translating complex offshore logistics into a clear, real-time dashboard for all stakeholders.
A six-month pilot in 2020 with Repsol, Halliburton, and Swire proved the system’s impact: faster flow, cleaner data, and instant visibility across the chain. That success accelerated rollout to all operators using the base by the end of 2021.
Impact
The digitalisation of Tananger has fundamentally changed offshore logistics for every operator using the base.
- Full supply-chain visibility with real-time tracking for all stakeholders
- 66 tonnes CO₂ reduction per month, directly supporting customer Scope 3 targets
- 80% decrease in truck waiting and processing time
- 20% reduction in vessel lay time
- Higher safety performance, driven by cleaner processes and better control
- Up to £3 million annual operational savings across the base
Paper-based processes have been replaced with live, automated data. What was once fragmented and slow is now coordinated, transparent, and fast. The project earned strong customer feedback and a commendation from the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Environment. Its success led to similar transformation at our Hammerfest, Sandnessjøen and Farsund bases.
Testimonial
“It is exciting to see technology being implemented in cargo handling at a terminal. In my view, it is long overdue for this part of the paperwork and manual registrations to be replaced with digital operations, and this shift also opens up new opportunities. The project at ASCO is a good example of this, while we also recognise that it will still take some time before all efficiency gains are fully realised. I both hope and believe that we have only seen the beginning of this type of interaction between the various stakeholders in the logistics chain.”
— Sven Martin Tønnessen, Department Director, Norwegian Coastal Administration