Fleet Optimization in Oil and Gas Logistic Operation at Mahakam Delta: Success Story of Integrated Shipment Consolidation and Action Research Framework Implementation

Abstract Block Mahakam, East Kalimantan, has been a major contributor to national oil and gas production since 1974. By 2020, it was considered a mature field with a significant production decline. Logistics, as one of the highest budget spenders, must contribute by innovating more efficient operations. Personnel transportation in the swamp area, which involves 110 boats (6–12 passenger capacity) serving four production sites, is the focus of this project. The project began by reviewing the 110-boat configuration that with 49% allocated as dedicated (assigned to specific users) and 51% as pooling (shared among users). A shipment consolidation method was introduced to shift passengers from dedicated boats to pooling boats, enabling a reduction in the number of dedicated boats. To ensure operational feasibility in live operations, an iterative approach was applied. The Action Research Framework, comprising four steps: diagnosing, planning action, taking action, and evaluating action, was applied across five cycles. Each cycle started with careful calculation, followed by user engagement to adjust the plan, field implementation, and evaluation to ensure safety and gather input for the next cycle. A gradual five-cycle reduction over six months was the key to managing technical, contractual, and societal challenges. This structured approach minimized operational disruptions, disputes, and crew resistance. Integration of shipment consolidation and the action research framework (iSCARF) achieved 25% fleet reduction, optimizing from 110 to 83 boats, with a revised configuration of 36% dedicated boats and 67% pooling boats. This study demonstrates a proven and successful implementation of iSCARF, a novel and systematic approach for logistic optimization in live operations. It contributes significantly to support the company’s efficiency initiative and the sustainability of Block Mahakam operations.