rp² recently delivered a high-impact After Action Review (AAR) workshop in Bulgaria following a two-well campaign in the Black Sea, bringing together operational teams, technical specialists, and service partners to capture lessons learned and strengthen future performance.
Facilitated by Duncan Mackay, rp² Performance Coach, the two-day workshop created a structured environment where participants could openly review operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and build alignment for future operations.
The session focused on turning field experience into actionable learning, helping teams strengthen performance, improve collaboration, and enhance readiness for future campaigns.
Driving Learning Through Open and Constructive Review
A key objective of the workshop was to create a factual, constructive, and completely no-blame environment where participants could openly discuss both successes and challenges from the campaign.
Through collaborative discussions and structured analysis, teams worked together to:
• Review operational readiness and execution performance
• Evaluate planning effectiveness and logistical coordination
• Identify causes of non-productive time (NPT) and performance barriers
• Strengthen safety practices and operational culture
• Improve coordination between onshore and offshore teams
• Capture lessons learned and opportunities for future improvement
This approach encouraged open dialogue and helped establish a shared understanding of key challenges, successes, and priorities moving forward.
Transforming Experience into Action
One of the most valuable outcomes of the workshop was the identification of practical actions that can be applied to future operations.
Across the two-day session, participants generated 132 actions, including both improvement opportunities and proven concepts that demonstrated strong performance during the campaign.
These findings will help support the standardisation of successful practices while addressing areas where further improvements can be made.
The workshop provided a focused environment where stakeholders could challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and contribute to solutions that will strengthen future operational delivery.
Supporting Continuous Improvement in the Black Sea
The AAR workshop reinforced the value of capturing learning while experiences remain fresh and relevant.
By reviewing performance in a structured and collaborative way, teams were able to move beyond individual issues and focus on broader operational improvements that can deliver long-term value.
Key outcomes included:
• Identification of 132 actionable improvements and proven concepts
• Enhanced understanding of operational readiness and execution performance
• Clearer visibility of NPT drivers and root causes
• Stronger alignment between onshore and offshore teams
• Improved collaboration across operational and service partner groups
• Practical recommendations to support future campaign success
These outcomes provide a stronger foundation for future operations and support a more efficient, informed, and proactive approach to well delivery in the region.
Building Operational Excellence Through Collaboration
In addition to the operational insights gained, the workshop highlighted the importance of transparency, teamwork, and shared ownership in driving performance improvement.
The open and collaborative environment enabled participants to contribute their expertise, challenge existing practices, and work together toward common goals.
By capturing lessons learned and converting experience into practical actions, the workshop helped strengthen readiness for future operations and reinforced a culture of continuous improvement across the wider team.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for their openness, expertise, and commitment throughout the process. This level of collaboration continues to be a key driver of operational excellence.
