Energy Project Management for Oil and Gas Projects | EPC Coordination and Engineering Support
Our team supports the project management of complex energy and oil and gas projects as well as EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) coordination for projects in Hungary and across the region.
Our professionals have several decades of proven experience in projects for major participants in the Hungarian hydrocarbon industry, including assignments connected to MOL Plc., Hungarian Gas Storage Ltd. (MFGT) and ASPECT Energy.
Our activities cover the entire project lifecycle: from concept and feasibility phases (Pre-FEED / FEED), through detailed engineering and construction, to commissioning and handover processes (Mechanical Completion, Pre-Commissioning, Commissioning and Start-Up).
We flexibly support our partners in independent project management roles (Owner’s Engineer / PMC), as well as through comprehensive EPC coordination, tailored to project complexity and client requirements.
Why Does Project Management Become Critical in Complex Energy Projects?
Project Success
In complex energy and oil and gas projects, success is not determined solely by the individual technical tasks.
Full Lifecycle Coordination
The entire project lifecycle – from concept and feasibility phases (Pre-FEED / FEED), through detailed engineering and construction, to commissioning and handover – requires the coordinated performance of several interdependent professional disciplines.
Multidisciplinary Cooperation
The coordination of different disciplines, suppliers, contractors, permitting processes and operational requirements can significantly affect schedule, technical compliance and successful delivery.
Structured Project Management
The purpose of structured energy project management is to ensure transparent monitoring of project processes, support multidisciplinary cooperation, and align technical, scheduling and client requirements throughout the entire project lifecycle.
In Which Project Phases Do We Provide Support?
In complex energy and oil and gas projects, success often depends on how effectively the individual phases are coordinated and sequenced.
Chess Energy can provide project management and EPC coordination support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial preparation through commissioning and final handover.
Concept Development and Feasibility (Pre-FEED / FEED)
During the early phases of a project, we support concept development, feasibility assessments and the preparation of preliminary technical decisions, taking into account the project’s technical and operational requirements.
Detailed Engineering and Multidisciplinary Coordination
During the detailed engineering phase, we support cooperation between the disciplines involved, monitor design processes and align project requirements.
Construction Support and Project Coordination
During construction, particular emphasis is placed on schedule monitoring, coordination between disciplines and transparent management of project processes.
Commissioning and Start-Up Processes
During commissioning, we support coordination of the tasks required for start-up, from preparation through to system handover. (Pre-Commissioning → Commissioning → Start-Up)
Handover and Project Close-Out
During the closing phase of the project, we support handover processes (Mechanical Completion), together with the associated coordination and documentation tasks.
In Which Technical Areas Do We Have Project Management Experience?
In complex energy and oil and gas projects, success often depends on how effectively the individual phases are coordinated and sequenced.
Chess Energy can provide project management and EPC coordination support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial preparation through commissioning and final handover.
Surface Process Facilities
We have extensive experience in the design coordination and construction supervision of well sites, gathering stations, gas and oil treatment systems, compressor stations, gas metering stations, and pressure-containing and safety systems.
Our projects cover greenfield developments, capacity expansions and reconstruction projects. We also have expertise in monitoring HAZOP, LOPA and SIL studies and managing process safety documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs.
Pipeline Construction
Our experience includes projects involving hydrocarbon transmission and distribution pipelines, gas gathering networks, process piping and high-pressure pipeline systems.
Our responsibilities include coordination of route selection, management of SZTFH permitting procedures, integrity management and supervision of the related documentation.
Mechanical Engineering
We support the technical coordination of rotating equipment, pressure equipment and piping systems, including evaluation of supplier bids and supervision of vendor inspections and FAT/SAT processes.
Electrical Systems
We support our partners with experience gained in projects involving high- and medium-voltage systems, transformer substations, UPS solutions, hazardous (Ex) environments and electrical infrastructure.
Our experience also includes the management of Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test documentation (SAT).
Control and Automation Engineering
We have experience in design coordination, commissioning and vendor management for SCADA, DCS and SIS systems.
Our projects have also involved the coordination of instrumentation documentation, SIL-rated systems and ATEX/IECEx environments.
Gas Storage Facilities
Our experience in developments and reconstruction projects related to underground gas storage facilities in Hungary covers surface technologies, gas treatment systems and technical management aligned with operational requirements.
Which Project Management Methods and Tools Do We Use?
In complex energy and EPC projects, structured project management plays a significant role in project monitoring, resource planning, risk management and multidisciplinary coordination.
In Chess Energy projects, planning, scheduling and coordination tasks are supported by standardised processes and dedicated project management tools, tailored to project complexity and client requirements.
Project Planning and Scheduling
Structured scheduling and resource planning support the coordination of project phases, milestone tracking and more transparent monitoring of project delivery. MS Project- and OmniPlan-based scheduling
Resource planning
Master Schedule (L3/L4)
Milestone tracking
Project Governance and Core Documentation
Project initiation and execution documentation defines the project’s operating framework, responsibilities and the basis of execution processes.
PEP (Project Execution Plan)
PMP
HSEP
Project initiation documentation
Risk and Change Management
Monitoring project changes and risks in energy projects can support more transparent decision-making and stronger control of project processes.
Change Management
Risk Register
Risk tracking
Management of project changes
Multidisciplinary Coordination and Supplier Management
Coordinating cooperation between different disciplines, suppliers and contractors can play a significant role in aligning project phases and supporting construction processes.
Tender coordination
Interface Management
Subcontractor coordination
Supplier collaboration
Project Reporting and Decision Support
Regular reporting and performance monitoring support transparency regarding project status and ensure that decision-makers have access to the information they require.
Stakeholder reporting
Gate Review
Monthly/weekly reports
Board Summary
EVM-based performance measurement
HSSE and Commissioning Management
Coordination of safety, permitting and commissioning processes can support more structured management of project handover and start-up phases.
HSSE processes
PTW systems
System Handover
ITR / punch-list
RFSU / RFC
Commissioning Management
Which Standards and Industry Requirements Do We Follow?
n complex energy and oil and gas projects, technical compliance, authority requirements and client requirements all play a decisive role.
Project management often involves not only supporting scheduling and coordination, but also ensuring that the documentation and execution of project processes comply with the applicable regulatory environment.
Chess Energy professionals have extensive experience in applying the internal project management and technical governance systems of MOL Group, FGSZ Ltd. and Hungarian Gas Storage Ltd. (MFGT), as well as in providing engineering support in a range of domestic and international compliance environments.
To support controlled operations and project requirements, we apply an Integrated Management System that contributes to consistent documentation processes, auditability and the management of compliance expectations.
Integrated Management Systems and Corporate Governance Requirements
Integrated operating systems support the consistent management of quality assurance, environmental protection and occupational safety requirements.
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety
Authority and Permitting Environment
Different authority procedures, permitting processes and regulatory requirements can also play a decisive role in energy and industrial projects.
SZTFH – Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs
BFKH – Government Office of the Capital City Budapest (formerly responsible for MKEH functions)
Support for permitting and compliance processes in energy projects
Client and Industry Frameworks
In our projects, we regularly adapt to client-specific operating systems, project requirements and documentation expectations.
MOL Group project and technical frameworks
FGSZ Ltd. regulatory and operational requirements
MFGT Ltd. project environments and compliance expectations
In complex projects, success often also depends on how consistently technical, authority and client requirements are integrated throughout the entire project process.
Why Do Clients Choose the Chess Energy Team for Complex Energy Projects?
In complex energy and oil and gas projects, project management often extends beyond administrative coordination.
Aligning different disciplines, construction environments and client expectations frequently requires deeper technical and industry experience.
Engineering and Project Management Experience in One Team
Our team members combine engineering design, site construction and project management experience, enabling us to provide technical decision support alongside project coordination.
Knowledge of the Hungarian Energy and Hydrocarbon Industry
Our experience covers the specific characteristics of energy projects in Hungary, including authority procedures, the subcontractor environment and the operating processes of major operators.
Representing the Client’s Interests Through an Owner’s Engineer Approach
We perform our assignments according to Owner’s Engineer principles, simultaneously considering technical, financial and scheduling aspects while representing our clients’ interests throughout the entire project process.
Flexible Adaptation to Project Phases
Depending on project complexity and client requirements, we can assume complete project management functions or provide support for individual critical disciplines and targeted project support tasks.
Planning a Complex Energy or Oil and Gas Project?
Let’s discuss how energy project management, EPC coordination or targeted engineering support can support the next steps of your project.
Further questions about the project management process, milestones or the roles of individual disciplines are addressed in the FAQ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Project Management
When should project management support be involved in an energy project?
Project management support should ideally be involved during the preparation and design phases, particularly in complex energy projects.
Early involvement can help prevent coordination and technical issues that might later lead to costly delays or additional expenditure.
Support is particularly valuable when several suppliers, subcontractors or authorities are involved in the project.
Which projects may require EPC coordination?
This type of coordination is typically required when engineering, procurement and construction are delivered within a single contractual framework.
In such cases, independent technical monitoring and coordination of the EPC contractor’s work can be important.
For energy infrastructure developments – such as gathering stations, geothermal systems or process industry facilities – this can significantly reduce client-side risks.
Does Chess Energy provide standalone project management services, or only participate in EPC projects?
Yes, we also provide standalone project management services and do not participate exclusively in EPC projects.
We can support clients in an Owner’s Engineer or PMC role as well as coordinate smaller or non-EPC projects.
The form of support is always tailored to the needs of the specific project.
What is the difference between project management and EPC coordination?
Energy project management focuses on organising, scheduling and coordinating the complete project process, regardless of the contractual structure.
EPC coordination is a more specific task: it involves monitoring and technically supervising the delivery of a project in which engineering, procurement and construction are integrated.
It typically supports representation of the client’s interests and control of project processes.
What role does an Owner’s Engineer or PMC perform during a project?
The Owner’s Engineer acts as the client’s technical representative during the project. They supervise design and construction processes, identify deviations and support the enforcement of the client’s interests.
A PMC (Project Management Consultant) performs a similar role but places greater emphasis on coordinating project progress, scheduling, risk management and project controls.
At which project phases can Chess Energy become involved?
Chess Energy can provide support at almost any stage of a project.
We can become involved in feasibility studies, permitting preparation, design processes, construction coordination, handover and commissioning.
The most effective cooperation is generally achieved when we are involved from the preparation phase.
What benefits does energy project management offer the client?
One of the most important benefits of energy project management is that it supports delivery on time, within budget and in accordance with the defined quality requirements.
For a major energy project, sufficient internal capacity or a dedicated specialist may not always be available to coordinate the project comprehensively.
Chess Energy’s project management and project support services help ensure transparent management of project processes, monitoring of risks and coordination of the different participants.
The client also benefits from independent technical representation and more predictable project delivery throughout the complete project lifecycle.
