How do you ensure that a complex infrastructure like Aramis functions as intended from day one? By conducting an OMAR: a structured session where all the parties involved collaboratively review the design to determine whether it will perform in real-world conditions. Operations Readiness Lead Mark Workum explains why this approach is essential.

Can you tell us about your role as Operations Readiness Lead?
“My job is to make sure that what we are building will actually work. That might sound obvious, but in large projects, the focus is often on design and construction. However, I look at what comes next: will it do what it’s meant to do? And will it still be doing it in 30 years from now?”

The term ‘OMAR’ doesn’t give much away. So, what is it, exactly?
“OMAR stands for ‘Operating Mode Analysis Review’. It’s a structured session that brings together the project team and all other parties involved. Step by step, we go through the systems operations on paper—from completion and delivery of the trunkline to the injection of CO₂. Who does what, when and how? The goal is to be absolutely certain it will work as intended before the final investment decision is made. This helps avoid costly and complex changes later on.”

Is it similar to a risk assessment or safety study?
“It might seem that way, but the emphasis is quite different. A safety study like a HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) is about whether the system stays safe should something go wrong. An OMAR is all about functionality. Does the system work as intended? Does it do what it is supposed to do, both under normal and abnormal conditions? That’s what we are trying to find out.”

What does an OMAR session look like?
“In our case, the session lasted four days and brought together more than 20 people from all six projects within the Aramis initiative, including representatives from the emitters. With a facilitator guiding the process, the group worked through the entire system one step at a time, using technical diagrams as our reference. We covered every scenario—from initial launch to normal operations and possible disruptions. The diagrams were printed on large posters and pinned to the walls, making the discussions tangible and more hands-on for everyone involved.”

What happens with the information from the session?
“Every step is carefully documented. Any uncertainties, questions or gaps are recorded as clear action points to be followed up. The list is then prioritised. Minor improvements can be addressed by individual parties, but anything critical—anything that could affect the system as a whole—is always handled collectively. Because the Aramis initiative consists of separate sub-projects with their own responsibilities that will ultimately form a single integrated value chain, joint follow-up is crucial. And that’s exactly what the OMAR enables.”

Can you give an example of what constitutes a critical action point?
”We realised that additional simulations were required to fully understand what happens when one link in the chain fails. Suppose the outflow of CO₂ stops, but the inflow remains the same—this changes the pressure in the pipelines. CO₂ sometimes behaves differently in a pipeline than natural gas does, and it’s vital to understand those differences. How quickly should the system respond? Is that response time sufficient? Are any adjustments required? We are currently working on effective answers.”

What outcome surprised you the most?
“What stood out to me most was the value of working through the process as a team. Each party had already held a similar session on its own, but it was only when we looked at the full picture as a group that we realised how important it is to align expectations. Sometimes, the person next to you has a completely different view of the same step in the process. Talking through those expectations and assumptions builds the mutual understanding a system like this depends on.”

What do you think the wider public should understand about the OMAR approach?
“We are not delivering a stand-alone project; we are building an entirely new industry. This involves both private and public investment and contributes directly to achieving climate targets. That’s precisely why it’s so important, from a public perspective, that the system works as intended from day one—and that’s what the OMAR is for. People need to be able to trust that what we are building is not only safe but also effective at keeping CO₂ out of the atmosphere—it does what it’s meant to do.”