Expert PROFIBUS diagnostics restore North Sea drilling platform to full operation

Faced with a prolonged and costly production stoppage caused by a PROFIBUS network issue, an offshore platform operator turned to HMS Professional Services. Thanks to deep field expertise and rapid on-site support, the platform was brought back into full operation. 

Learn More About HMS Professional Services

The Challenge

An offshore drilling platform in the North Sea experienced a critical PROFIBUS network issue that was difficult to detect in its early stages. Although the platform was designed for high availability and included a redundant network architecture, underlying issues were not identified before they escalated into a major failure. 

When a valve responsible for regulating oil flow stopped functioning, the installation had to be switched to manual control to prevent safety risks. As a result, normal operations were halted, and the platform remained out of operation for nearly two weeks — costing an estimated €500,000 per day. 

Despite the availability of diagnostic tools, identifying the root cause proved complex, highlighting the need for deep expertise to interpret network signals and restore reliable operation. 

The Solution

HMS Professional Services was called in, and a Support Engineer arrived the same day to  work alongside the installer. Using deep PROFIBUS expertise and diagnostic analysis, the engineer was able to quickly identify the real cause of the problem: a defective valve controller. 

Beyond fixing the immediate issue, the engineer also identified a broader risk: the platform’s so-called “redundant” network was built using components that were not truly redundant, creating recurring hidden issues that could lead to future failures.

The Result

Once the faulty valve controller was replaced, the PROFIBUS network was restored and the platform returned to full operational status. 

Thanks to HMS Professional Services: 

• Costly downtime was stopped and production resumed 
• A critical fault was identified that had previously gone undetected 
• The platform owner gained a clearer understanding of network weaknesses 
• Future risks were highlighted, enabling more sustainable operations 

The customer continues to rely on HMS for fast and expert professional support to keep offshore operations running safely and reliably. 

Key Takeaway: Fast, expert PROFIBUS diagnostics not only resolve immediate issues but also help prevent costly downtime and strengthen long-term operational resilience. 

Learn More About Anybus ProfiTrace