JIP33: Unlocking value through standardised procurement specifications
The JIP33 Journey
The Joint Industry Programme 33 (JIP33) can be traced back to a World Economic Forum (WEF) Oilfield Services Report in 2014. It identified persistent cost overruns and schedule delays in projects as being driven largely by systemic inefficiencies, particularly the extensive use of bespoke technical and procurement requirements. These practices fragment the supply chain and limit standardisation. JIP33 was established by 12 sponsoring IOGP Member companies to address unnecessary variation in equipment specifications.
During its development phase, JIP33 delivered a comprehensive portfolio of 58 standardised equipment procurement specifications across a wide range of equipment classes. These were developed collaboratively by operators, engineering contractors, and suppliers. Built on international standards and established industry practices, the specifications are technically robust, clear, and fit for use across diverse operating environments.
Today, JIP33 is a proven success, delivering cost benefits, shorter lead times, improved quality, and more predictable project outcomes through industry-wide alignment.
Strengthening consistency through further standardization
A major milestone in the programme’s evolution was achieved in 2025 with the removal of the remaining company-specific requirements, following an intensive and highly collaborative effort across participating companies. This work resolved inconsistencies between legacy company specifications and JIP33 standardised specifications, significantly improving alignment, clarity, and usability. The result is a coherent and harmonised specification set that better reflects common industry needs while reducing unnecessary variation.
Reflecting on this achievement, Frank Van Ewijk – IOGP Programmes Director commented:
“The removal of company-specific requirements in 2025 is a defining milestone, delivering truly standardised, consistent, and fit-for-purpose specifications that better serve the global supply chain.”
This milestone underscores both the maturity of the programme and the collective commitment of operators, Engineering, Procurement & Construction Contractors (EPCs), and suppliers to true standardisation, providing a stronger foundation for efficient procurement, predictable delivery, and long-term value creation across the industry.
JIP33’s Exciting New Phase
JIP33 has entered a new phase, having transitioned from being managed by the 12 sponsoring Member companies to participation now open to all IOGP Member companies. This provides long-term governance, transparency, and sustainability. It represents a strategic shift from specification development to large-scale adoption, maintenance, and continuous improvement, positioning JIP33 as a set of industry specifications that evolve with technology and operational experience.
Unlocking Value Through Supply Chain Adoption
For operators, EPCs, and suppliers/Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), JIP33 presents a significant opportunity. Adoption enables manufacturers and vendors to align products, designs, and qualification processes to a common set of requirements recognised by multiple operators. This reduces duplication, limits re-engineering, and streamlines engineering and quality processes, allowing suppliers to focus on innovation, reliability, and delivery performance.
Standardisation also improves procurement predictability. Clear and consistent requirements enhance bid quality, reduce technical clarification cycles, and minimise late-stage changes. For suppliers operating across regions and clients, JIP33 supports scalability through repeatable solutions, standard product lines, and faster time-to-market.
Crucially, JIP33 strengthens collaboration across the value chain. A shared technical language improves alignment between operators, EPCs, and suppliers from early project phases through execution and operations. This supports safer outcomes, improved quality, and reduced technical risk, aligning with industry priorities on cost discipline, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.
The strategic importance of JIP33 is increasingly recognised by our industry. Giovanni Cristofoli, Chair of the IOGP Board, noted: “The utilisation of JIP33 is really an enabler to make the next wave of projects viable from economic perspectives.”
This highlights the role of standardised procurement in improving efficiency and supporting the commercial viability of future developments.
Hear what the early adopters of JIP33 are saying about the specifications:
Alistair Hope, Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Projects Capability, Shell – “JIP33 is already delivering benefits and we are tracking it. We are seeing better lead times on key items of equipment that can be very important on a project or an asset for example, but we are also seeing cost benefits as well.”
Mazri Mohamed Ali, Head, Group Technical Solutions, PETRONAS – “We have adopted JIP33 in our equipment procurement on our projects to the tune of at least MYR250m and overall in terms of cost optimisation, we estimated about 10% – 15% and improvement in terms of equipment delivery times which ultimately impact our overall project delivery.”
Richard Mortimer, Vice President, Global Projects and Quality, bp – “Harmonising the quality requirements for subsea trees was a big success with massive reduction in the lead time it takes to buy trees for subsea equipment.”
JIP33 also provides a foundation for digitalisation. Consistent specifications support data standardisation, digital procurement workflows, and integration with engineering and asset information systems, enabling more connected and data-driven ways of working.
JIP33 has evolved into a powerful enabler of efficiency, quality, and innovation across the value chain. By reducing unnecessary complexity and aligning industry stakeholders around common requirements, JIP33 is helping to deliver more predictable, cost-effective, and higher-quality project outcomes.
Graham Henley, CEO of IOGP notes:
“JIP33 shows what our industry can achieve through collaboration; reducing complexity, improving cost and schedule performance, and building a more efficient, sustainable future for the energy industry.”
As adoption continues to scale, JIP33 will play an increasingly critical role in supporting industry competitiveness, digitalisation, and long-term sustainability, delivering enduring value for operators, EPCs, and suppliers alike.
How you can get involved
JIP33’s success demonstrates the value of industry collaboration and shared ownership, but its full potential depends on widespread and sustained adoption. Operators, EPCs, and suppliers/OEMs are encouraged to engage actively by familiarising themselves with the specifications, aligning internal standards and product offerings, and participating in IOGP-led governance and feedback processes.
All JIP33 specifications are freely available for download from the official website, ensuring access to the latest approved specification documents.
Please stay informed by joining the JIP33 mailing list and email feedback@jip33.org to provide feedback on published specifications for consideration in future updates.
Upcoming Webcast and Webinars
IOGP is planning to host a dedicated webcast for supply chain participants, providing insight into the structure and use of JIP33 specifications and their adoption within procurement and project delivery processes. Additional webinars will offer open forums for questions, experience sharing, and clarification as adoption scales. Details to be posted shortly.
