SUBSEA 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | 20
VALIDATING NEW SUBSEA TECHNOLOGIES
DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR SUBSEA FIELD OF THE FUTURE
FIELD DEVELOPMENT FLOWLINE PIPELINE DEEPWATER RISER LIFE OF FIELD GROUP SYSTEMS BUNDLES VERSATILITY ACCELERATION Demonstrating the value Setting new standards Innovative dynamic New free-hanging riser Enabling predictive of new technologies in thermal performance temperature control to configuration eliminates digital Asset Integrity through digital screening and corrosion resistance extend production life buoyancy modules Management
1 CONTENTS 06 CAPEX CAPEXCAPEX CAPEX CAPEX CAPEX FIELD DEVELOPMENT GROUP Using digital screening tools to deliver OPEX OPEXOPEX OPEX OPEX OPEX costed alternative field architecture designs based on new technologies. ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT 06 FLOWLINE SYSTEMS UPTIME ANDUPTIME RELIABILITYUPTIME ANDUPTIME AND RELIABILITY RELIABILITY UPTIMEAND RELIABILITY ANDUPTIME RELIABILITY AND RELIABILITY New pipeline technologies to meet the ADDITIONALADDITIONAL RECOVERYADDITIONALADDITIONAL RECOVERY RECOVERYADDITIONAL RECOVERYADDITIONAL RECOVERY RECOVERY challenges of cost constraints, thermal performance and corrosion resistance. ACCELERATEDACCELERATED ACCELERATEDRECOVERYACCELERATED RECOVERY RECOVERYACCELERATED RECOVERYACCELERATED RECOVERY RECOVERY 10 PIPELINE BUNDLES New dynamic arrival temperature system allows active control and adjustment of the production fluid 10 arrival temperature. 14 JOURNEY DEEPWATER RISERS Award-winning Gimbal Joint Riser allows cost-effective free-hanging THROUGH rigid riser configurations. 20 THE PAST DIGITALISATION “Data is our lifeblood”: major digitalisation programme by i-Tech 7. PRESENT 24 AIM 2010 AND FUTURE Leading the industry transformation towards data-driven digital Asset 14 2020 Integrity Management (AIM). 2000 26 SUBSEA AUTONOMY
Relocalisation technologies enable 1990 close subsea structure inspection with no risk of collision. 28
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES 1980 32-39 26 Editorial Team: VICE PRESIDENT STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY Thomas Sunde HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY GROUP Olivier Lodeho STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY MANAGER STANDARDISATION & MODULARISATION FUTURE Neil Brown TECHNOLOGY COUNTRY MANAGER GULF OF MEXICO Paul Hughes TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Hilary Collins June 2020
2 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 3 ARTICULATING THE VALUE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Our commitment to developing our new technology products and “With our clients, effective new technologies in key demonstrate their quantifiable economic we derive great areas of subsea field development and environmental value when satisfaction from continues to gain momentum. compared with ‘traditional’ market-ready During the last year alone, we have solutions. seeing these brought to market ground-breaking Based on early client engagement, WELCOME TO technology innovations in high-performance heated FDG has developed robust and propositions flowlines, free-hanging deepwater risers, convincing business cases for a number dynamic thermal management systems of our pioneering energy lifecycle DEEP 7 realise value.” and digital Asset Integrity Management. solutions, most notably Electrically Heat The scope of the technological Traced Flowlines (EHTF). developments described in this EHTF is now in its project delivery Olivier Lodeho magazine – and the pace at which they phase in both the North Sea and the are being successfully commercialised Gulf of Mexico, and we can demonstrate HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY GROUP – is based on our willingness to high-value costed benefits in OPEX, collaborate with specialist partners both CAPEX, TOTEX and reliability through within our industry and through Open its adoption. Innovation (OI) networks. As well as enabling the screening Over the last five years, we have of comparative technologies, our major successfully established a wide-ranging investments in digitalisation are also and highly productive OI technology underpinning a comprehensive Asset ecosystem which we access through Integrity Management programme to our 7INNOVATE digital toolkit. enable the delivery of actionable full Life This gives us access to 45 million of Field insights of real value to clients. solution providers, many of them In terms of engineering technology from leading academic and research innovations, we are about to qualify institutions who relish the challenge GluBi® Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA) of generating effective cross-industry lined pipe for Reel-lay applications and technology solutions. We are already during 2019 saw the project debut of benefiting from OI solutions to five Swagelining’s LinerBridge® connector, specific subsea pipeline technology the world’s first all-polymer connector. challenges which we set – and which, At OTC Brasil, we successfully in the process, also generated launched our Gimbal Joint Riser, an resolutions to other issues which we ingeniously simple mechanical concept were not expecting. which allows cost-effective free-hanging Subsea 7 can draw on decades rigid riser configurations with no of specialist in-house technological requirement for additional buoyancy. knowhow but our fruitful experiences With our clients, we derive great with OI are now enabling us to acquire satisfaction from seeing these specialist technological knowledge technology propositions realise value. from diverse external sources and pull We will continue to invest in bringing to it efficiently and rapidly back into our market innovative products and systems organisation. which uncover fresh opportunities for the industry. QUANTIFYING THE BENEFITS We look forward to working with One particularly significant development you on the journey. during the last year was the adoption by our Field Development Group (FDG) Olivier Lodeho of advanced digital toolsets to screen Head of Technology Group
4 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 5 FIELD DEVELOPMENT GROUP
CAPEX CAPEXCAPEX CAPEX CAPEX CAPEX COMPARATIVE OPEX OPEXOPEX OPEX OPEX OPEX ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT OF FIELD UPTIME ANDUPTIME RELIABILITYUPTIME ANDUPTIME AND RELIABILITY RELIABILITY ANDUPTIME RELIABILITY ANDUPTIME RELIABILITY AND RELIABILITY DEVELOPMENT ADDITIONALADDITIONAL RECOVERYADDITIONALADDITIONAL RECOVERY RECOVERYADDITIONAL RECOVERYADDITIONAL RECOVERY RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES ACCELERATEDACCELERATED RECOVERYACCELERATEDACCELERATED RECOVERY RECOVERYACCELERATED RECOVERYACCELERATED RECOVERY RECOVERY
These six elements comprise Subsea 7’s Technology Value Framework and are individually assessed to enable us to deliver optimal outcomes for our clients.
6 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 7 FIELD DEVELOPMENT GROUP
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FIELD the value of their economic and We are extending the range of our DARREN CORMELL environmental benefits,” says unique Pipeline Bundle products into “A framework Vice President Field Development DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES Darren Cormell. wider markets as a cost-effective to articulate “Based on this unique capability, flowline solution. the impact of Subsea 7’s Field Development The study tackled both technical we can not only assess a traditional Pipeline Bundles can provide Group (FDG) plays an increasingly and delivery challenges of the project market-ready solution but also model infrastructure to support subsea our technology important role in helping clients to which could have been a key blocker an alternative approach, compare the intervention and monitoring to drive solutions.” VALUE assess how both new and existing in considering the subsea approach and economics and deliver a quantifiable improved operability outcomes and technologies can unlock value for in the process gave the client confidence business case for using new technology.” fibre-optic sensors ensure operation their development plans. CAPEX to consider a supplier-led solution. to high environmental standards. Formed in 2016, FDG’s multi- FLOWLINE SYSTEMS Our market-ready reusable Pipeline FIELD ARCHITECTURE SCREENING TOOL OPEX discipline teams comprise engineering We recently delivered a far-reaching Bundles provide a new, highly inventive specialists who support client projects One of the notable FDG achievements value framework study on deploying our approach to field development, ENVIRONMENT throughout the energy lifecycle from during 2019 was the development of Electrically Heat Traced Flowline (EHTF) enabling incremental recovery concept development to project a robust Field Architecture Screening product in comparison with traditional by unlocking marginal fields and UPTIME AND RELIABILITY sanction and beyond. Tool (FAST) which allows valuable topside architecture for both oil and gas accelerated recovery through all-year The FDG teams draw upon cohesive early-stage access to Subsea 7’s installations. weather-independent installation and ADDITIONAL RECOVERY experience from across Subsea 7’s comprehensive digital product library The alternative approach for the gas accelerated project schedules. business units and collaboration for new technology screening. development would be to install a large, “All our FDG studies are value- “Delivers a partners to combine advanced field FAST uses the same field development ACCELERATED RECOVERY power-hungry MonoEthylene Glycol driven,” emphasises Darren Cormell. quantifiable development planning capabilities planning user interface to screen (MEG) injection solution on the platform “We now possess a framework that with execution and delivery know-how. conventional field architectures against for continuous injection. For the oil allows us to articulate not only the business case Some of Subsea 7’s core new technology products in the library system, we have replaced Low Dosage OPEX and CAPEX impact of our for using new engineering strengths are in: and enables the development team Hydrate Inhibitor (LDHI) chemical technology solutions, but also their technology.” to deliver costed alternative field injection facilities and requirements. environmental effects and reliability n Production assurance architecture designs based on new With an EHTF system on the flowline, over the full production lifecycle. n Systems engineering technologies. however, we have demonstrated a “This in turn allows us to n Pipeline materials “FAST allows us to use our value number of high-value costed benefits: demonstrate attractive benefits n Geotechnics framework to assess the value of new to clients in terms of incremental n Subsea processing n Reduced CAPEX on topsides plant technologies when deployed in a recovery, extended production life n Flowlines and risers n Reduced OPEX through drastically development setting,” says Darren and accelerated recovery. This holistic n Pipeline Bundles decreased use of chemicals Cormell. “Being able to make these approach is an invaluable platform n Extended production life, increased By engaging with clients at an assessments for early-phase from which we can demonstrate the oil production and deferred early stage, FDG can fully understand technologies and through the entire underlying value of new, disruptive decommissioning. project drivers and use advanced digital development process is a transformative technologies to our clients.” toolsets to develop a robust business capability. The gas study revealed further case for energy lifecycle solutions. “Using the same front-end value realisation: “Our production of studies has visualisation layer, we can analyse n Fuel gas available for sale due to grown threefold in the last two years, proposed conventional field lower power demand of which around half are early-stage architectures and, out of this n Greatly reduced CO2 emissions concept selections,” says Darren understanding, screen suitable new n Substantial savings on carbon tax. Cormell, Subsea 7 Vice President technologies from our library which can Field Development. displace the old to create real value. Both studies confirmed a net value “We have an efficient service “The really exciting thing about FAST of the EHTF approach in excess of delivery framework in place which not is its ability to articulate the true value $500 million on each project. only conveys our range of front-end of our technology,” continues Darren capabilities but also shows clients how Cormell. “There is already significant RISERS AND PIPELINE BUNDLES “Supplier-led supplier-led solutions designed in this industry interest in linking digital twins FAST allows FDG to screen many other solutions way may be quite different from what with concept planning, but FAST allows Subsea 7 technologies for quantifiable traditional approaches can deliver.” us to use a digital representation of the value assessment. designed in this A recent project illustrates the field to combine technology screening In our flowline and riser portfolios, way may be quite strength of the integrated FDG approach. and system innovation within a digital we continue to reduce CAPEX by A detailed study was prepared for a planning environment.” developing new cost-effective pipeline different from multinational client comparing the merits This digital representation enables materials and welding technologies. what traditional of subsea compression with conventional value generation for Subsea 7 and for Lining technologies boost incremental approaches topside operations. our clients through early engagement, recovery with the potential to improve The feedback revealed that the client rather than just being a deliverable at production profiles. Monitoring and low- can deliver.” not only greatly valued the technical the end of the process. cost sensor advances are improving capability and impact of the study but “Although it is a relatively new tool, flowline performance and integrity and also appreciated the valuable insights FAST already has universal application we have identified major environmental which it afforded into the management and can be used to screen our new benefits through using sustainable of logistics and shutdown planning. technology products to demonstrate pipeline materials.
8 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 9 FLOWLINE SYSTEMS
OLIVIER LODEHO Head of Technology Group
MICHEL RICHARD 1: Pipeline Bundle. 2: Piggy-back pipeline. 3: Wet insulated pipe. 4: Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP). Product Director EHTF 5: Direct electrical heating (DEH). 6: Electrically heat traced flowline (EHTF). 7: Single pipe. 8: Polymer lined pipe. 9: Mechanically lined pipe (MLP). FLOWLINE TECHNOLOGIES COME ONSTREAM RICHARD JONES 10: Airborne Thermoplastic Composite Pipe. Pipeline Production Team Technology Manager
VALUE
CAPEX
OPEX
ENVIRONMENT
UPTIME AND RELIABILITY 1 2 3 4 ADDITIONAL RECOVERY 5 6 7 8 9 ACCELERATED RECOVERY 10
“The focus of our flowline technology processes is delivered through our EHTF technology allows operators to insulation. This results in good insulation all pipe metallurgies, at high temperatures development is to ensure the reliable Pipeline Group Production team with install economic ‘neighbourhood’ tie-ins performance (0.4w/Km2) with limited and in permanent operation. and economic flow of well streams its unique research and development or greatly extend the length of heated power requirements for heating. over increasing distances without facilities near Glasgow, Scotland. flowlines and is therefore a key enabler The configuration enables topside OTHER HEATING TECHNOLOGIES costly host modifications,” says This is supported by one of the in the move towards long-distance arrival temperature at 45°C in steady- Subsea 7 is the only subsea contractor Olivier Lodeho, Head of Subsea 7’s industry’s most capable and versatile tie-backs as a cost-effective alternative state mode and maintains the with extensive experience in three Technology Group. pipelay fleets and extensive state-of- to FPSO or customised host facilities. production fluid at minimum 25°C different active flowline heating “To support the market’s the-art onshore fabrication capabilities. Following an extensive development during shutdown. technologies: hot water circulation increasingly disciplined approach to programme in conjunction with The EHTF system demonstrates within a Pipeline Bundle, EHTF and subsea development CAPEX, we are EHTF TECHNOLOGY manufacturer ITP INTERPIPE and high flexibility in the configuration of its its complementary Direct Electrical establishing new standards in flowline Our Electrically Heat Traced Flowline other collaborators, EHTF was recently electrical architecture. The low voltage Heating (DEH) system. DEH is based performance. (EHTF) technology delivers market- qualified at Technology Readiness Level at which it operates enables high on piggy-backing an electrical power “New pipeline systems are under leading standards of thermal efficiency (TRL) 5 following test fabrications at our numbers of smaller long-life cables cable from a topsides-located current development which are capable of based on a unique combination of ultra- Vigra spoolbase in Norway in 2018/19. to be used, which are more flexible for generator onto a wet-coated insulated delivering game-changing flowline high-performance flowline insulation and A new EHTF fabrication line was winding round the pipe, especially at pipeline. performance by enabling future low-voltage electric heating to mitigate installed at Vigra including a helix connecting elements such as Y- and Subsea 7 has been successfully tie-backs of up to 150km, reducing flow assurance challenges. machine and tensioner system, and this T-connectors. installing electrical heating systems pipeline weight by over 40% and utilising EHTF moved into its project delivery successfully fabricated two 100m EHTF This results in more efficient cold-spot since 2007 including the world’s “Developing polymer linings to deliver a design life of phase during 2019 following several Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP) stalks which were management and reduces overheating deepest open-loop DEH system in 2015 a new active 50 years in even the most corrosive cycles of development and refinement. welded, spliced and reeled on-board which can contribute to the unnecessary for Chevron’s Lianzi Project in water environments.” The system uses low-voltage (<1.5kV) our pipelay vessel Seven Oceans. ageing of components and degrading depth of 1070m. Current developments heating flowline Having installed over 6,000km of rigid resistive wires inside a highly insulated Following the integrity tests, reliability of the overall system. are focused on using low-frequency system which flowlines and risers on a global basis, Pipe-in-Pipe (only around 10W/m to fabrication started at Vigra of a 20km With this highly efficient thermal current in DEH for very long tie-back combines the and executing around 60,000 welds per maintain non-blocking temperature). 10"/16" EHTF flowline for the AkerBP performance, EHTF not only reduces distances. annum, Subsea 7 has established one The high thermal insulation performance Ærfugl Project for installation later this the viscosity of the fluid to enable We continue to extend the heat efficiency of the strongest portfolio of pipeline leads to low thermal exchange, which year, followed by an 8km 8"/12" EHTF production but also maintains the applicability and competitiveness of of EHTF with systems in the industry to meet the enables the use of low-voltage power flowline for BP’s Manuel Project in the temperature during shutdowns for our current flowline heating products challenges of cost constraints, thermal to reduce the topside footprint, lower Gulf of Mexico. efficient restarting of production. by introducing performance-enhancing the simplicity performance and corrosion resistance. the use of chemicals, extend production The Ærfugl product comprised a The system can operate in either a new components, and plan to complete of DEH.” Key strategic development of availability and decrease the scale of 10" inner pipe with a 16" carrier pipe passive or active functionality. The heat- new pipeline materials and welding subsea hardware. (PiP), incorporating 16mm Izoflex™ traced technology can be applied with
10 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 11 FLOWLINE SYSTEMS
our product portfolio by developing EHTF both for longer tie-backs of up to Subsea 7 has also worked with linepipe “The next a new active heating flowline system 50km and also for lower-performance manufacturer BUTTING to demonstrate generation of which combines the heat efficiency of applications to meet market demand the feasibility of manufacturing flowline systems EHTF with the simplicity of DEH. where required.” Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA)-lined In collaboration with Subsea (For a detailed value proposition on X80 pipe as a mechanically lined will transform Integration Alliance, a non-incorporated EHTF, see Field Development Group product. The girth weld of this pipe the economics strategic global alliance between article on page 9) required a novel approach involving ® of field Subsea 7 and OneSubsea , the internal welding of the CRA liner followed subsea technologies, production HIGH-PERFORMANCE STEEL PIPELINES by external welding using carbon steel development.” and processing systems division of Our Pipeline Group Production team is weld metal in order to achieve the Schlumberger, we have developed currently engaged in the development overmatching weld strength properties Subsea Electrical Power Distribution of high-strength carbon steel linepipe needed for successful pipe reeling. Units (SEPDUs) which allow increased solutions which reduce weight and Looking to the future, we see further step-out distances for EHTF by top-tension installation requirements for added value through the use of even powering and controlling not only the deepwater production. higher-strength steels beyond X80, new flowline section but also other The move into deeper water fields is although welding these steels poses subsea components, in the process now driving pipeline designs towards challenges. simplifying the electrical/control the use of higher-strength steels in Alternative welding technologies strength and high temperature resistance. competitive option for the economic architecture. order to achieve reductions in pipeline giving less rapid cooling rates may Qualification for Reel-lay is imminent development of long-distance tie-backs The SEPDU supplies power via an weight. To meet this anticipated be required, such as Friction Stir for uncoated pipe, and GluBi® will beyond 50km for oilfields and 100km umbilical at different stages along the demand, Subsea 7 has successfully Welding (FSW), a solid-state one- deliver many of the benefits of BuBi® for gas. EHTF flowline, heating sections of the performed a linepipe and welding shot joining process which offers high applications but with the enhancements Cold Flow technologies are flowline as required while simultaneously qualification for reelable X80 for both joint completion rates with minimal of reduced spooling times, shorter particularly effective in the development maintaining system reliability. flowline and riser applications, including personnel requirements. installation schedules and simpler of remote fields which lack significant “EHTF moves the industry away from sour service. FSW is well established for the installation procedures. subsea architecture. historical solutions involving storage of A study to assess the value creation welding of aluminium in other industries To mitigate wax deposition in our large volumes of blockage-preventing of using X80 for a deepwater Steel but the welding of steel pipelines POLYMER-LINED PIPE flowline systems, we are developing chemicals, high-power heating and Lazy Wave Riser (SLWR) configuration presents unique technical challenges Completing Subsea 7’s market-leading a subsea Wax Control System (WCS) complicated procedures for managing demonstrated that pipeline weight due to the high temperature strength capabilities in corrosion-resistant based on our Pipeline Bundle technology start-ups,” says Olivier Lodeho. reductions of up to 18% and fabrication of the steel material. flowlines is our in-house Swagelining® in combination with cooling water pumps “Following multi-cycled integrity and installation cost reduction of We have already successfully test- polymer-lined system. and remotely controlled pigging. testing, we have achieved a quantitative up to 11% are achievable relative to welded plates from X52 up to X100 Recognised as the most cost- The temperature of the flow is cooled estimation of EHTF design life to validate similar riser configurations in X65, grade in different thicknesses and are effective corrosion-resistant pipeline to ambient seawater, causing wax 30-year usage. This process gives mainly derived through a reduction in currently optimising new FSW tool and solution for water injection service, to precipitate and accumulate on the us flexibility in developing next-gen buoyancy module requirements. equipment design to enable us to move recent development has concentrated flowline wall. A pig flows continuously on to pipe welding. on expanding Swagelining’s application around the cooling loop to scrape off We now aim to proceed to a client JIP to multi-phase sour hydrocarbon the wax inside the flowline. No further in 2020/21 to qualify a prototype FSW service, dynamic steel catenary risers reduction in temperature takes place machine which will successfully control and S-lay installation. beyond the heat exchanger, so no the thermal cycle of the joining process. Swagelining’s LinerBridge® further wax deposition is expected connector, the world’s first all-polymer on the pipe wall. MECHANICALLY LINED PIPE connector, was deployed for the first Based on a collaboration with the Working closely with manufacturer time during 2019 for four clients. Norwegian University of Science and BUTTING, Subsea 7 has pioneered the LinerBridge® uses robust and proven Technology (NTNU), a prototype WCS Reel-lay installation of mechanically lined electrofusion welding technology underwent successful testing during BuBi® pipe as a highly cost-efficient adapted from the onshore gas industry 2019 to demonstrate the proof of concept alternative to metallurgically clad pipe to provide a continuous polymer and scale the wax deposition model. for corrosion-resistant applications. corrosion barrier end-to-end for the The ongoing qualification testing is Now well established for both fatigue pipeline system. expected to be completed by June and non-fatigue sensitive zones in This reduces connector procurement 2020, resulting in a new process that production flowlines and risers up to costs and schedule and allows for will enable long-distance flow in simple, 16" OD and Pipeline Bundles, BuBi® standard carbon steel welding procedures uninsulated and cost-effective flowlines. has been joined by another BUTTING to be utilised for pipeline tie-ins, with the “In terms of flowline technology product which eliminates the need for connector including insulation to prevent development, we are building on many internal pressurisation during reeling. damage to the underlying polymer material years of expertise in adapting innovative GluBi® avoids pressurisation with during welding. solutions to meet specific market an application of adhesive between the demands,” says Olivier Lodeho. CRA liner and the carbon steel pipe. NEXT-GENERATION SUBSEA FLOWLINES “The next generation of flowline The adhesive results in an enhanced Despite the growing capability of our systems available to clients will enable grip condition that prevents wrinkling flow-line heating technologies, subsea longer tie-backs, tie-ins and other subsea Right: Installing EHTF heating during reeling, with a range of adhesives processing based on Cold Flow fluid architecture which will transform the cables at our Vigra spoolbase. available to provide the required shear transportation is regarded as a more economics of field development.”
12 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 13 PIPELINE BUNDLES
2010
2020 2000
HIGH-PERFORMANCE COST-EFFECTIVE 1990 SOLUTION
1980
A NEW ERA OF SERVICE LIFE
Subsea 7’s prefabricated Pipeline Bundles are entering a new era of technological advancement to build on their remarkable history across four decades of offshore field development. A unique product based on a tried and tested concept of full onshore assembly and testing followed by cost-effective, low-fatigue towed transportation and installation, Pipeline Bundles have demonstrated their versatility and durability during 40 years of continuous development in over 80 challenging projects.
14 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 15 PIPELINE BUNDLES 40 YEARS 1980 2000 2020
1980 1997 2008 2020 First Pipeline Bundle Actively Heated First High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) HPHT > Deepwater > Length > (Murchison) Pipeline Bundle (Åsgard) Swagelined Pipeline Bundle (BP Machar) Flexibility > Migration
2014 West of Shetland (BP Clair Ridge)
A SELECTION OF PIPELINE BUNDLES INSTALLED 1990 2010 THE FUTURE Thermal Performance Management System Reusable Pipeline Bundles
The capability of the field-proven “The beauty of dynamic arrival over the required thermal performance a wide range of high-performance or alternative duty reassurance. This MARTIN GOODLAD concept is now greatly enhanced by temperature is its simplicity,” says during FEED, compensates for slowing pipeline materials and control systems includes electrical and fibre-optic lines Strategic Technology Manager a number of new technologies which Subsea 7 Vice President of Strategy flow-rates towards the end of field life to cater for the most onerous duties in preparation for the use of Underwater Pipeline Bundles R&D open up significant areas of new and Technology Thomas Sunde. and enables the addition of future in these multiple lifecycles. Intervention Drones or Autonomous opportunities for operators: “The operator can improve the thermal tie-backs.” Reusable Pipeline Bundles are of Underwater Vehicles. RICHARD JONES performance of any PiP flowline by a particular interest to marginal field Subsea 7’s new multi-bore connector n Dynamic arrival temperature, Pipeline Production Team factor of ten or more by using simple REUSABLE PIPELINE BUNDLES operators who have a number of enables the serial connection of multiple Technology Manager an innovative thermal performance topside technologies to adjust the The reuse of subsea infrastructure is the reservoirs in close proximity to an Pipeline Bundle sections to create management system which can flowline U-Value.” key to unlocking many challenging or existing host. In such circumstances, longer tie-backs of any desired length greatly extend production and field life The system is based on adjusting marginal fields, stranded reservoirs and they enable multiple marginal without intermediate towheads and n Reusable Pipeline Bundles which the pressure in the annular gap longer tie-backs by significantly reducing developments within a licence block tie-in spools. unlock previously uneconomic small between the production and the sleeve both CAPEX and decommissioning using a single suite of reconfigurable “Although the commercial model for pools by significantly reducing both pipe either through an umbilical from costs. In addition, reuse of existing subsea equipment. the reuse and reconfiguration of FPSOs CAPEX and decommissioning costs the topside facility or by connecting structures makes a major contribution “Some marginal fields may have is widely appreciated, our new reusable n New capabilities in High Pressure a downline from a vessel. towards environmental sustainability. potentially short lives, but operators can Pipeline Bundle technology creates a High Temperature (HPHT) Nitrogen is injected to increase Pipeline Bundles have considerable transform the economics of recovery completely new and inventive way of VALUE performance, enabling operators the pressure and heat loss or reduced remaining integrity at the end of their by deploying a reusable Pipeline thinking in terms of field development,” to recover previously undeveloped by vacuum pumping for applications design life, and, by applying our Bundle combination to exploit pools in says Martin Goodlad. reserves. where heat conservation is required. world-leading expertise in refloating succession,” says Strategic Technology CAPEX By using established topside and dewatering the structures, we can Manager Martin Goodlad. DYNAMIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL control equipment to manage the design Pipeline Bundles capable of “Being able to design Pipeline OPEX Dynamic arrival temperature is a flowline temperature, dynamic arrival future reuse, either in whole or in part. Bundles for cost-effective reflotation, unique flowline insulation performance temperature avoids the deployment Subsea 7’s innovative new multibore reconfiguration, reuse and even ENVIRONMENT system developed by Subsea 7’s Towed of complex measures to mitigate connector, currently being developed removal is a high-performance concept Solutions engineering team and qualified downstream flowline buckling. by Subsea Integration Alliance, our that greatly reduces capital cost UPTIME AND RELIABILITY during 2019 for both normal pressure The technology delivers further non-incorporated strategic global amortisations and makes a substantial “A completely new and HPHT applications. environmental and economic benefits alliance with OneSubsea®, enables the contribution towards environmental and inventive ADDITIONAL RECOVERY By managing variable heat loss by reducing chemical usage and diverless connection of multiple Pipeline sustainability.” way of thinking in a Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP) system, it topside energy consumption. Bundles and is the key to their flexible Reusable Pipeline Bundles are ACCELERATED RECOVERY allows operators for the first time to “The key benefit of dynamic arrival reuse for long-term subsea service with available with on-board performance in terms of field actively control and adjust the arrival temperature is its flexibility,” says different duty cycles. and condition monitoring to verify development.” temperature of the production fluid. Thomas Sunde. “It manages uncertainty Pipeline Bundles can accommodate continued safe use and life extension
16 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 17 PIPELINE BUNDLES
HPHT APPLICATIONS “Allows operators condition for processing. Fully delivering significant project The first CRA pipe was incorporated and eliminates the need for specialist With their capability to operate at pressure-rated fortified Corrosion- acceleration and CAPEX savings for in ConocoPhillips’ HPHT Embla pipelay or heavy construction vessels. for the first pressure and temperature limits Resistant Alloy (CRA) production small tie-back developments. development in 1992, followed by The Pipeline Bundles, up to 7700m time to actively beyond conventional tie-back options, pipelines can be utilised within The subsea HIPPS can be mechanically-lined BuBi® pipe on BP’s in length, are transported and installed control and prefabricated Pipeline Bundles 500m zones, and no global buckling interchangeable with a retrofit boosting North Sea Cyrus field in 1995. in position by the efficient Controlled represent a cost-effective solution mitigation is required. pump for re-tasking the towhead and Active heating in a Pipeline Bundle Depth Tow Method (CDTM), a low- adjust the arrival to the challenge of recovering oil As with all Pipeline Bundles, enhancing late-life production. was first installed on Equinor’s Åsgard stress and low-fatigue process using temperature of and gas from HPHT reserves in the product leaves a minimal Pipeline Bundles are a smart, simple field in 1997, and Swagelining deployed local anchor-handling tugs. temperatures to 220°C/428°F and seabed footprint as all flowlines are solution, incorporating all the structures, on BP’s Machar development in 2008, “As well as its benefits of cost the production pressures to 1379 bar/20,000psi. incorporated within the carrier pipe. valve work, pipelines and control both in the North Sea. reduction and project acceleration, fluid.” Especially when used in systems for field operation contained More recently, the Apache North the reusable Pipeline Bundle is combination with our new dynamic THE PIPELINE BUNDLE CONCEPT in a corrosion-free environment within Sea Callater tie-back was developed environmentally sustainable,” says arrival temperature technology, Prefabricated Pipeline Bundles a single, large-diameter carrier pipe. using a hot-water-heated Pipeline Thomas Sunde. Pipeline Bundles deliver active control greatly reduce the design complexity These can include multiple Bundle system as an extension to the “There are very few subsea of the arrival temperature across the of wellhead platforms or, especially production pipes, including high- existing Skene Bundle system installed concepts which combine a strong production life. when used in combination with Towed performance thermally insulated PiP in 2002, with the extended heated track record with such outstanding Five Pipeline Bundles are currently Production Systems (TPS), can offer and CRA mechanically lined pipe, tie-back measuring 18.8km in total. potential for meeting fresh technological in operation in HPHT applications, a cost-effective subsea alternative to and well stimulus pipes, including Equinor’s Snorre field is currently challenges.” including Chrysaor Jasmine and Total’s the platform. water injection pipes with our unique being developed with all-electric valve West Franklin in the North Sea, at The TPS enables conventional Swagelining all-polymer, corrosion- actuation and prepared for future production temperatures of 160°C. platform functions such as separation resistant, long-life lining system. hosting of AIVs. Typically, such installations allow and High Integrity Pressure Protection Subsea 7 has a strong track record The onshore fabrication and testing the production fluid to flow at full Systems (HIPPS) to be integrated of innovation within the Pipeline of Pipeline Bundles allows all-year temperature, optimising the arrival into the towhead manifold structures, Bundle concept. installation with simplified campaigns
INSTALLED PIPELINE BUNDLES: NORTH SEA SUBSEA HPHT PIPELINE BUNDLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 84 7,681m 4 Number Longest: Most Pipe-in-Pipes: Installed ConocoPhillips Enochdhu Equinor Snorre East HOST PLATFORM 12,371t 547t 58 inches Heaviest: Heaviest Towhead: Largest Diameter: Equinor Snorre East BG Knarr Equinor Snorre East TOWED PRODUCTION SYSTEM SUBSEA HPHT TREES 410m 42m 1,000km Deepest: Shallowest: Longest Tow: BG Knarr Maersk Dan North of Wick
Proven technology, maximising the value of recoverable oil and gas from High Pressure, ° High Temperature resources. 160 C 28.7km 650km Highest Design Temperature: Longest in Series: Longest Tow: Total West Franklin BP Andrew South of Wick
18 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 19 DEEPWATER RISERS
VERSATILITY IN DEPTH Selecting the optimum riser system at an early stage in field development planning is the key.
20 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 21 DEEPWATER RISERS
“Over many years of innovative THE GIMBAL JOINT RISER “A common configuration is to have highly cost-effective corrosion barrier “TCP is beautifully simple, suffers YANN BROUARD product development, we have Launched at OTC Brasil 2019 in an all the risers in Brazilian FPSOs on for riser applications. no corrosion or fatigue issues and is demonstrated that selecting the Riser Technology Manager award-winning presentation, this one side of the floating facility,” adds With its 50-year qualified design thinner, lighter and more spoolable optimum riser system at an early ingeniously simple concept is based Cruz. “Deploying GJRs could also life, reduced weight and improved flow – that’s what makes it the key to the IVAN CRUZ stage in field development planning ® on the insertion of a multiple hinged allow operators to physically locate an assurance, the Swagelining product future,” he says. Senior Technology Manager is the key to unlocking economic joint within the suspended catenary FPSO nearer the TDP, potentially saving has the potential for greater system “Indeed, TCP may be the only hydrocarbon production,” says RICHARD JONES which absorbs the dynamic movements hundreds of metres of flowline sections simplicity, potentially avoiding the need possible solution for the most Subsea 7 Riser Technology Manager, in addition to the length reductions in for the complex integration of flexible challenging ultra-deepwater Pipeline Production Team Yann Brouard. coming from the floating host. Technology Manager The mechanical joint acts as an exo- the suspended catenaries.” risers with the rigid pipe flowline. installations.” After designing, constructing and skeleton, providing added strength and Looking further to the future, the installing one of the widest and most THE TETHERED CATENARY RISER (TCR) maintaining flexibility in an area which industry is anticipating substantial adaptable ranges of riser systems in is subject to continuous repetitive, This new market-ready concept pulls benefits from the deployment of the industry, Subsea 7 is refining our fatigue-inducing motions. together up to six riser lines into a Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) established riser technology portfolio The GJR comprises multiple tubular buoyant midwater arch, which prevents in riser configurations. VALUE to meet the challenges of the future. elements with a number of articulated clashing. The riser lines can be Subsea 7 has made a strategic “Ingeniously The principal drivers in this programme rigid sections which transfer tensile, accessed individually and, as with other investment in leading TCP manufacturer CAPEX are developing advanced capabilities simple concept compressive and torsion loads and decoupled risers, the buoyant assembly Airborne Oil & Gas, who have already to lower the installed cost, enhance permit degrees of pivoting motion. reduces the combined weight imposed presented a detailed business case based on the OPEX fatigue performance, reduce loads These armoured elements decouple the on the floating host by the risers. for free-hanging TCP catenary risers insertion of on the host and improve corrosion The TCR has a lower installed cost dynamic excitation transferred through in deepwater developments. This ENVIRONMENT resistance properties. than other hybrid riser designs while still deployment would require no external a multiple the riser from vessel motion and protect We are also looking to the near delivering excellent dynamic and fatigue buoyancy and would deliver significant a pliant inner riser pipe which supports hinged joint future when lightweight non-metallic performance. By grouping multiple reductions in topside tension. UPTIME AND RELIABILITY high curvatures. which absorbs pipeline materials will transform riser risers within a single assembly, the TCR Airborne commenced its TCP Riser This mid-riser solution addresses performance. concept benefits from economies of qualification programme in 2018, and the dynamic ADDITIONAL RECOVERY the problem of fatigue at the touchdown Our established riser portfolio scale over a conventional Single Hybrid its solid pipe structure is impervious movements from point (TDP), which is conventionally consists of both coupled systems (for Riser design. to corrosion, resulting in outstanding ACCELERATED RECOVERY overcome through local material the floating host.” direct connection to the floating host The TCR design allows for performance in H2S and CO2 corrosive thickening with possible constriction facility) and hybrid decoupled systems reductions in riser components, environments. It has an inner fully of the internal diameter. with flexible jumper connections which including mechanical joints, bottom bonded, smooth-bore polymer liner “Platform dynamics are the main are suitable for deepwater applications spools, Pipeline End Terminations that ensures the best attainable flow driver in the industry quest to develop with large hang-off loads or strong (PLETs), monitoring systems and properties. free-hanging riser configurations dynamic motions. buoyancy tanks. Yann Brouard believes that TCP which require no expensive distributed The use of decoupled risers has The assembly can be pre-installed represents the future of deepwater buoyancy modules,” explains Senior diminished in recent years for cost in advance of the FPSO arrival on site riser design. reasons, although they are still Technology Manager Ivan Cruz of the and is compatible with all field types deployed in specific cases where the GJR development team. and regional conditions anywhere in field development is based on using “In deepwater regions, operators the world. refurbished FPSOs with limited payload. are converting cargo vessels for We are currently focusing on redeployment as spread-moored NEW RISER PIPELINE MATERIALS “The GJR allows several key technology innovations FPSOs, and these vessels can Using higher-strength steel to decrease free-hanging in both categories: experience hang-off upward and pipe thickness is an effective way to downward velocities of 5/6 metres n lower material and fabrication costs and rigid riser Gimbal Joint Riser (GJR) – per second in harsh weathers. to allow free-hanging rigid riser significantly reduce installation costs. configurations “Such conditions make standard configurations which are more cost- Subsea 7 has performed material Steel Catenary Risers unfeasible, and which are more effective than high-performance Steel and welding qualification for X80 traditionally require the deployment of Lazy Wave Risers (SLWRs) installed by Reel-lay including CRA cost-effective expensive buoyancy modules in and require no buoyancy mechanically lined pipe. A recent study than high- an SLWR configuration.” n by Subsea 7’s Pipeline Production performance Tethered Catenary Riser (TCR) – Already two years under Team identified a potential 20% the consolidation of several field- development in collaboration with SLWRs.” reduction in the weight of SLWRs and proven decoupled riser designs into several leading operators, the Gimbal an 11% reduction in buoyancy material a new cost-efficient TCR assembly Joint Riser is now heading for full- costs by replacing X65 riser steel with suitable for fabrication scale prototype testing to Technology higher-strength X80. and installation on a global basis Readiness Level (TRL) 4. It is non-metallic materials, however, n Advanced riser materials – As well as removing the costs of added that could become serious game-changers the successful introduction of high- buoyancy modules, the GJR also delivers in the next generation of riser design. strength steel and non-metallic significant cost savings by reducing Subsea 7’s Swagelining® product is materials into riser systems, in the length of the riser lines compared currently progressing the qualification particular Corrosion-Resistant with SLWR solutions. This cost benefit of its first polymer-lined water injection Alloy (CRA), polymer-lined and increases with multi-riser applications SCR, which, with its inherent fatigue- Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP). lined with expensive Alloy 625. resistance and lower weight, offers a
22 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 23 i-TECH 7
INVESTMENT IN Leidos’ global experience across and other relevant data from video new high-speed inspection sensors, with superior AI tools to bring integrity HUGH FERGUSON defence, air transport and other inspections. which can increase the pace of pipeline management to the front end of the Digital Services Strategy Director DIGITALISATION: adjacent industries gives us ready Machine Learning is used to classify inspections from a manual speed of offshore business. DATA IS OUR LIFEBLOOD access to market-tested solutions in these events and objects – a time- around one knot to between 4–6 knots. Moving workloads closer to the Machine Learning, Data Federation consuming phase while the machine is Although the process creates a huge source of the data creates a highly At i-Tech 7, we significantly accelerated (aggregating data from disparate ‘trained’ to recognise objects. Once it amount of data, our automated AI effective collaborative autonomy our digitalisation programme sources), Dynamic Visualisation and achieves a critical mass of knowledge, workflow reduces processing time by (‘Interoperability’), which gives human VALUE throughout 2019 to ensure that we Augmented Intelligence, all of which however, it begins ‘learning’ on its own over 50%, delivering major benefits for experts improved accessibility to deliver actionable full life of field are currently being adapted for the and becomes increasingly robust, clients who want efficient inspections near- and real-time information while insights of real value to clients. specific challenges of subsea asset looking for and identifying patterns in without being swamped with simultaneously creating cognitive CAPEX As one of the leading Inspection management. very large amounts of video footage. extraneous data. capabilities for networks and machines Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Automated vision recognition in We are currently deploying these Based on this success, we are now to self-diagnose and self-heal data OPEX specialists in the industry, data is, challenging subsea conditions of advanced digitalisation technologies starting field testing of Automated anomalies. by definition, i-Tech 7’s lifeblood. sediment, water movement and poor on our offshore campaigns as part of Pipeline Eventing to deliver event and ENVIRONMENT We are currently implementing a lighting has been one of our successful an ongoing development, initially with anomaly detection. This will eliminate WIDER VALUE transformative digitalisation programme early deliverables. With Leidos we pipelines and moving on to structures time-consuming, resource-heavy Although i-Tech 7 has pioneered UPTIME AND RELIABILITY in collaboration with leading IT company have developed advanced Artificial and risers. manual video reviews and deliver digitalisation in our specialist activities, Leidos, with whom we forged a strategic Intelligence (AI) based on algorithms to This new system enables and automated damage assessment reports we are working within a comprehensive ADDITIONAL RECOVERY five-year partnership in April 2018. recognise objects, changes in objects accelerates the processing of data from and predictive analysis to clients in digitalisation programme throughout near-real time from on board the vessel. the entire Subsea 7 organisation. ACCELERATED RECOVERY A joint project is already underway DYNAMIC VISUALISATION between Subsea 7 and 4Subsea The visualisation of data is the key towards the monitoring of key to enabling clients to benefit from operational data on Subsea 7 vessels. the data’s value and acquire valuable This programme will use advanced insights. Visualisation techniques are algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and now considerably more sophisticated digital twins to enable the digitalisation than a single dashboard, and we are of wide-ranging marine operations developing a range of devices to cater across the organisation. for varying levels of client interpretation of data. We are currently building various levels of data display technology ranging from interactive apps for hands-on technologists to Geographic Information System (GIS) displays for senior engineering decision-makers who need immediate, high-fidelity access to core data. AUGMENTED INTELLIGENCE The value of Artificial Intelligence extends beyond the cost of investment, in particular when it is applied in Augmented Intelligence in an assistive role to enhance human intelligence to go beyond automation of existing “Automated processes and create new ways of working. AI workflow This hybrid of human and machine reduces capabilities allows humans more time processing to apply expertise, experience, intuition for new solutions and enhanced time by decision-making. The strength of AI in over 50%. culling massive amounts of raw data and delivering focused information This new enables highly effective creative human system greatly problem-solving and future planning. accelerates the In practical terms, this has particular relevance for the offshore oil and gas pace of pipeline IRM sector. Highly knowledgeable inspections.” inspection engineers are empowered
24 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 25 i-TECH 7
DATA-DRIVEN AIM solution,” notes Himanshu HIMANSHU MAHESHWARI Maheshwari. “The focus will be on Director of Integrity DECISION-MAKING IN AIM the integration and scaling of these Engineering, i-Tech 7 Subsea 7 is leading the industry capabilities to maximise the value transformation towards digital Asset for clients.” Integrity Management (AIM) by SENSING THE CHANGE building on our 40 years’ experience VALUE in global Inspection, Repair and A key technology challenge in tracking Maintenance (IRM) project execution. the condition of dynamic subsea assets CAPEX i-Tech 7 is driving Subsea 7’s is the high cost and low reliability of strategic initiative to be the first one- sensors, since effective predictive OPEX stop shop in digital AIM, delivering lifecycle management requires access real-time insights through a powerful to critical data for the health of subsea infrastructure. ENVIRONMENT combination of integrated inspection, monitoring, data management and To achieve this goal, Subsea 7 has licensed an award-winning nanomaterial- UPTIME AND RELIABILITY integrity analytics technologies. “The subsea AIM market is fragmented based sensor technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ADDITIONAL RECOVERY and rich in niche technologies,” notes Himanshu Maheshwari, Director of (MIT). This sensor technology, developed for aircraft, tracks key failure modes at ACCELERATED RECOVERY Integrity Engineering with i-Tech 7. “We are well positioned to become a market- a fraction of the cost of traditional leading system integrator leveraging sensors and without maintenance innovation through collaboration with requirement throughout the asset’s clients and specialist partners across lifecycle. This game-changing technology the supply chain.” is planned for market delivery in i-Tech 7 has moved rapidly into mid-2020. providing decision support services, “When it comes to digitalisation not only helping clients to identify the and automation, the subsea industry can learn from adjacent industries data they need, and how they can CLONING THE SYSTEM inspection and, building on advanced nature of ongoing IRM operations, such as aerospace and defence,” manage it, but also reducing reliance Digital AIM represents a system-based data analytics, enable highly effective replacing expensive field inspections says Himanshu Maheshwari. “The on traditional inspection by introducing approach to managing asset health predictive integrity management. with data-driven decision-making. nanomaterial-based sensor is one such advanced monitoring and analytics. using data-driven decision-making. In particular, we use ‘digital twins’ “The term ‘digital twin’ is currently example where we are taking existing Historically, subsea AIM was to give a live quantitative view of what widely misused,” notes Himanshu aerospace technologies and adapting it BUILDING THE FOUNDATION schedule-based, using key enablers is happening to operational assets Maheshwari. “It’s not just an eye- for the offshore energy infrastructure”. 2019 was a critical year for Subsea 7’s including vessels, ROVs and discrete based on data from our own permanent catching visualisation, it’s more a “This game- Life of Field business unit in building a IRM tools and technologies on a regular sensors, third-party sensors and network of interconnected data filtered foundation for digital AIM. During the calendar basis. targeted inspections. through analytics to enable insights for changing year, we brought in the majority of the The last decade has seen an era of Specific digital twins are built for optimal asset management throughout technology is competence required for digital AIM, “A network of condition-based integrity management, given equipment and failure modes, the Life of Field. The comprehensive planned for with a central element being 4Subsea interconnected where inspection has been augmented such as risers, pipelines and subsea ‘digital twin’ does not yet exist in the and Xodus joining the Subsea 7 group. with proactive continuous monitoring infrastructure, and in the future will industry, but that is our goal.” market delivery 4Subsea is a Norwegian market data filtered and advanced analytical models. all work together in a common data in mid-2020.” leader in delivering digital twins and through analytics.” i-Tech 7’s new digital capabilities environment to form a complete picture integrated digital solutions across reduce the scope and scale of reactive of the asset. This will transform the offshore energy infrastructure including risers, pipelines and subsea infrastructure in both brownfield and greenfield developments as well as offshore wind. Xodus, now wholly owned by Subsea 7, has strong integrity engineering capabilities, with “Reducing reliance on traditional competence in risk-based integrity inspection by introducing advanced planning and flow assurance. It also brings environmental engineering monitoring and analytics.” expertise allowing Subsea 7 to address the market need for carbon footprint management. “Subsea 7 in combination with i-Tech 7, 4Subsea and Xodus now offers the industry’s most comprehensive digital
26 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 27 i-TECH 7
THE ROADMAP TO “A road map has been devised to help the next destination as an incremental, transmission across available high- of infield subsea infrastructure and JIM JAMIESON navigate the technical and commercial controlled and deliberate process. bandwidth offshore communications to track vertical risers and structures Strategy and Technology SUBSEA AUTONOMY milestones, along with key stakeholder “The market is always wary of step networks. The video/data compression as well as horizontal pipelines. The Manager, i-Tech 7 requirements in this new business changes,” Jim notes. “Drawing on over methods utilised, sourced from cutting- development also extended and “The disruptive potential of introducing landscape.” thirty years’ experience in the industry, edge industry providers, ensure that strengthened our relationship with autonomy into underwater vehicle The change in market demands, with we ensure that every technological step the live ROV operations are seamless our long-term partner. services is a genuinely exciting an increased focus on environmental we take is market-led and heading us and robust with no constraints on One of the key challenges for the VALUE prospect,” says Jim Jamieson, and cost-driven solutions, is driving the in the right direction.” operations. AIV, the capability to carry out safe Strategy and Technology Development industry search for innovative solutions The introduction of our ‘Autonomy close inspections, was the development Manager with i-Tech 7. “After decades with the potential to enable a step- REMOTE PILOTING Engine’ to the remote-control of a method of merging long-range CAPEX of experience in pioneering change in service provision. A recent major achievement for i-Tech 7 architecture enables the wider use vehicle navigation with close-up development we understand that “The resultant increase in has been the successful commissioning of globally available communication positioning around subsea structures. OPEX the real key to successful technology autonomous development activity of two beach-based Onshore Control networks that may have less bandwidth A ‘relocalisation’ method was implementation is managing when creates significant industry ‘noise’,” Centres (OCCs) in Stavanger and or increased transmission latencies. successfully developed to enable ENVIRONMENT and how it is applied. Jim notes. “Every success in this sector, Aberdeen to deliver remote piloting If bandwidth issues begin to interfere close subsea structure inspection “Shiny new technologies can become regardless of its significance, seems of ROVs in the field. with remote operations, the engine with no risk of collision. This method UPTIME AND RELIABILITY radical game-changers – but only if they to attract prominent industry media One of the challenges in remote automatically introduces autonomous builds on earlier research and, in real are developed incrementally to meet coverage.” subsea operations is the ability to modes to maintain safe vehicle control. time, compares live sonar imagery in ADDITIONAL RECOVERY current and near-market requirements. The approach favoured by i-Tech 7 maintain robust communication links, To use a comparison with mobile three dimensions with a world model Demonstrable early successes, followed is therefore highly strategic: applying a and we have tackled this problem in telephones, when signal strength on board the vehicle to determine its ACCELERATED RECOVERY by timely instalments, are important to development roadmap to filter the noise several ways. drops from five bars to one and only exact location and proximity to subsea reinforce the benefits over established and identify the high-value technology We have introduced high-quality, emergency calls are permitted, the infrastructure. ways of working. needed to progress along the route to low-latency image compression for autonomy engine ensures that safe The method was developed through vehicle control is maintained. the Prototype Autonomous Inspection A shared control system, which Vehicle (PAIV) programme before being can be used with multiple ROVs or deployed onto the AIV. autonomous vehicles, ensures optimum Our current AIV model has operational versatility and flexibility. successfully completed four offshore A generic Autonomy Engine can be demonstration trials, including one plugged into any ROV or autonomy autonomous mission that completed hardware to allow switching between 36 inspection tasks within a single ‘human-in-the-loop manual’ and 18-hour dive. fully autonomous control. In planned i-Tech 7 has now secured key autonomous operation, the engine can technology elements which are critical reintroduce ‘human in-the-loop’ control to meeting industry demand for new when communications channels become and smarter ways of working. Working available. with customers, partners and the wider This shared control system, which supply chain, every technological step can be used with multiple ROVs or we take is aligned with a strategic autonomous vehicles, ensures optimum development roadmap to meet current operational versatility and flexibility. and future market demands. AUTONOMY MILESTONES i-Tech 7 has a long and distinguished track record in the development of autonomous vehicles for subsea inspections. Our first model was a result of collaboration with Southampton University and long-term software partner SeeByte which produced the torpedo-shaped vehicle ‘GEOSUB’ which successfully executed the world’s “Merging long- first autonomous pipeline inspection range vehicle for BP in the West of Shetland area navigation in 2006. GEOSUB’s shape presented a with close-up limitation on use cases, and a form positioning factor change to a hovering platform led around subsea to the development of the Autonomous Inspection Vehicle (AIV). This change structures.” enables us to perform close inspection
28 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 29 OUR TECHNOLOGY WORLD
OUR TECHNOLOGY WORLD
30 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 31 SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY
TECHNOLOGY DRIVE DWAYNE HOPKINS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY Technology Country Manager Canada
Subsea 7 is refocussing our conventional power generation already started work on converting technology development plans to becomes more pressing. vessels in our fleet to hybrid electric/ ensure that the value proposition This opens a new market with diesel power with the hybridisation of our that we offer includes a sustainable significant potential for integrated advanced IRM vessel Seven Viking early approach based on a broader range Subsea 7 and Seaway 7 capabilities, in 2019. of stakeholders, including the natural aligning our subsea expertise with a Through our strategic investment STUART SMITH environment and society itself. growing need in the offshore renewable in companies such as GEPS Techno Vice President Asset Development “Through active technology energy market to store energy for (off-grid renewable energy) and our SEVEN VIKING HYBRIDISATION leadership, we have an opportunity periods of lower power generation. extensive experience in the installation to drive sustainability and uncover new Key areas of sustainability which have of offshore renewable energy facilities, In early 2019, Seven Viking, our the installation of a new storage battery reducing CO2 emissions by 2,900 tonnes. value opportunities with benefits to already been targeted for integration into we are already a leading provider of advanced harsh-environment IRM room beneath the helideck with a The battery system delivers further people, the planet and our profits,” says our technology portfolio are ecological low-carbon offshore energy solutions. and light construction vessel, became capacity of 1300kWh – the equivalent efficiencies with lower maintenance Dwayne Hopkins, Technology Country impact, operational eco-efficiency, “We plan to expand our investment the first vessel in the Subsea 7 fleet of 32 electric cars. requirements and enables further Manager Canada. energy efficiency and energy storage. in technologies that support a new to undergo conversion to hybrid The battery system allows the vessel energy-efficient activities, such as “We are extending our vision for Subsea 7 is introducing ambitious generation of energy and storage electric/diesel power. to optimise the operation of its diesel- regenerating power from project technology development so that metrics (KPIs) in these areas to solutions,” says Dwayne. “The company The pioneering conversion has fuelled electrical generators, making equipment and the in-field charging we become a leading provider of measure performance, support ongoing is committed to achieving a quantifiable resulted in significantly lower fuel the power system more energy-efficient of autonomous electrical ROVs. environmentally sustainable subsea investment in appropriate technologies carbon footprint reduction for our clients consumption, reduced CO2 and NOx and environmentally friendly. Seven Viking is a good example of solutions and services. and demonstrate industry leadership and our own operations.” emissions and enhanced Dynamic The fast power response from advanced electrical marine technology “The value created through our new in the drive for greater sustainability. Positioning (DP) capability. Hybridisation the hybrid energy system also makes being applied both to reduce the environmental initiatives will open up To minimise ecological impact, of DP vessels is a particularly attractive the vessel more responsive, increasing carbon footprint of an asset and to business opportunities in the future.” we are concentrating on developing eco-efficient proposition because of the dynamic performance in critical enhance its operational capability. One example of this is the pioneering solutions which can be recycled, high engine load variations encountered operations. work Subsea 7 is undertaking to reused or repurposed so that nothing during DP operations. In particular, the battery system adapt onshore pumped power storage goes to landfill. Built in 2013 to an innovative X-bow serves as a ‘spinning reserve’ that technology for marine application, with One major initiative consists of the design, the hybrid vessel has started reduces the number of generators a prototype towed power storage unit reflotation, reconfiguration and reuse “A sustainable a long-term IRM contract for Equinor’s operating and delivers ‘peak shaving’ by “The fast power response based on adapted Pipeline Bundle of our prefabricated Pipeline Bundles. approach based 560 subsea wells on the Norwegian buffering or balancing short-term engine from the hybrid energy technology due for testing in the next This high-performance concept reduces on a broader Continental Shelf, executing around load variations. twelve months. capital cost amortisations and makes 160 assorted work scopes in the first The first 12 months in operation show system also makes the The trend towards integrated power a substantial contribution towards range of eight months of the contract. a reduction of 19% in fuel consumption, vessel more responsive.” storage in renewable schemes will environmental sustainability. stakeholders.” At the heart of the conversion was saving over 960 tonnes of diesel fuel and accelerate as the need to decommission In operational eco-efficiency, we have
32 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 33 OPEN INNOVATION DIGITALISATION
CONCEPT AND FEED ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT INSTALLATION
TENDER CLIENT ENGAGEMENT PROJECT Progression. MANAGEMENT LIFE OF FIELD
Collaboration. Innovation.
THE KEY TO RAPID TECHNOLOGY INVESTING IN AN DEVELOPMENT INVALUABLE ASSET
Subsea 7 has earned a reputation Our 7INNOVATE toolkit is based in Subsea 7 is currently driving an Management (PLM) platform.” GAVIN MCCLAFFERTY for developing innovative, practical a partner ecosystem which includes DAVE WILLIAMS advanced Digitalisation programme “To achieve this our system design Open Innovation Lead technologies. We already have global global OI organisations like NineSigma, Vice President Digitalisation which will unlock our data and works on the principles of a secure, teams of talented and determined together with leading academic and transform the way we work. flexible and platform-agnostic interface problem-solvers tackling key research institutions. “One of the most valuable assets we to maximise connectivity for clients and technology challenges, but we Our first nine external challenges possess is the data that we create every partners in combination with the key are now looking towards new were based on highly specific, real-life day in everything we do,” says Dave implementation of a project. collaborations for faster, better technological issues and yielded over Williams, Subsea 7 VP Digitalisation. “The PLM will visualise data, results. 100 potential technical solutions from “In building a state-of-the-art documents and project progress in real “We live in an era where the most rapid NineSigma’s 2.5 million members. infrastructure of integrated digital time and enable effective collaboration acceleration of technological innovation A parallel confidential technology technology, we will be able to weave on a common platform.” ever seen is transforming our lives,” says search led to a further 50 potential together all our project lifecycle data in a To support the implementation of the Gavin McClafferty, Subsea 7’s Open solutions, not only meeting the way that multiplies its stand-alone value.” PLM, Subsea 7 is modernising systems Innovation Lead. “Our most precious identified challenges but also This ‘digital thread’ will maximise across its technology landscape to currency is time – not only how generating resolutions to other issues opportunities to take informed actions transform procurement, estimating, cost effectively we can meet the challenges which we weren’t expecting. based on insights provided by this control and resource management systems. but also how quickly we can create the We also broadened the scope of connected data, and will become a The Digitalisation programme is “The OI journey is capacity for technological disruption.” our internal problem-solving capabilities comprehensive database of invaluable investigating and piloting initiatives to about acquiring Open Innovation (OI) is the key with three highly successful Ideation knowledge for Subsea 7 and our clients. help Subsea 7 and our clients to reduce to building at speed on our extensive campaigns, which yielded 128 ideas Subsea 7’s integrated digital their carbon footprint, mitigate HSE knowledge in-house expertise to develop the from every part of the Subsea 7 technology is underpinned by a crucial risks and optimise costs more and pulling it next generation of transformative organisation. Common Data Environment (CDE) which effectively than is currently possible. back into technologies. “The Open Innovation journey for acts as a data exchange, management “The efficient use and reuse of good- It has been estimated that around Subsea 7 is about acquiring knowledge and visualisation platform. The CDE quality data will enable us to reduce our business.” 80% of the world’s technology problems and pulling it back into our business,” can cross-collaborate with clients’ and wasted time and effort, allowing us have already been solved – but the says Gavin. “The 7INNOVATE toolkit suppliers’ systems and data pools as to execute more work with the same answer to any particular challenge may allows us to collaborate externally and “We weave well as our own and is already delivering resource pool,” says Dave Williams. well be sitting in a place that we’re not advertise challenges either openly together all value by integrating data to support our “Everyone in Subsea 7 is playing aware of. or anonymously.” business. their part to help structure and In 2015, Subsea 7 took its first steps We then deploy Subsea 7’s project lifecycle “We want to enable clients to work standardise our data to realise the towards Open Innovation technology differentiating capabilities in creativity, data and multiply seamlessly with us, and to have access benefits. Ultimately, this same data will collaboration with our 7INNOVATE relationships and solutions to establish its stand-alone to relevant data as the project progresses then become the springboard for our programme and the results to date a framework that enables all parties through the lifecycle,” says Dave Life of Field teams to leverage Subsea 7 have been both surprising and highly to benefit from co-developing solutions value.” Williams. “A key part of this strategy is whole-lifecycle capabilities as a unique impressive. for our clients. the implementation of a Project Lifecycle digital service offering to our clients.”
34 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 35 PIPELINE BUNDLES SUSTAINABILITY
CRAIG BROWN LARGEST TOWHEAD EVER JEAN-LUC LONGEROCHE OFF-GRID RENEWABLE Assistant Project Manager TRANSPORTED THROUGH WICK Chief Executive Officer, GEPS Techno MARINE ENERGY Subsea 7’s Pipeline Bundle towheads the massive structure was successfully To accelerate our capability in extreme weather conditions, including are unique structures which can manoeuvred through the narrow streets of renewable energy solutions for wave heights up to 12m. incorporate valves, pipework, controls, the town in a record-breaking two hours. off-grid marine power applications, “In recent months we have also monitoring, chemical injection and “The BPII Pipeline Bundle incorporates Subsea 7 acquired a shareholding introduced technical advances in our heating equipment as well as acting our first 12-well slot multi-functional during 2017 in GEPS Techno, a highly innovative electrical conversion as a breakout for tying the Pipeline manifold system (eight production well French wave energy developer which chain to enhance the reliability of our Bundle into subsea and platform connection slots and four water injection has achieved an important recent power production. infrastructure. slots),” says Assistant Project Manager qualification milestone. “Working with Subsea 7 has helped In March, we successfully transported Craig Brown. In June 2019, GEPS Techno to broaden business opportunities for our largest towhead to date from Wick “This offers the flexibility for future successfully deployed a 150kW hybrid us. Offshore renewable energy supply harbour in the extreme North of Scotland expansion after the Pipeline Bundle is tied renewable energy pilot at sea on a solutions for subsea installations are to our nearby Pipeline Bundle fabrication back to the existing Buzzard Complex.” test site off the French coast with the no longer a dream – we are already site at Wester. The Pipeline Bundle is part of a installation support of Seaway 7. The working towards on-site qualification The Northern Terrace Manifold (NTM) substantial integrated development operation consisted of two separate processes to supply power to subsea Towhead for the North Sea CNOOC project being delivered by an Integrated elements – installation of the mooring trees, AUV docking stations and other International-operated Buzzard Phase II Alliance of supply chain partners, and connection of the pilot to the remote applications”. “The BPII NTM (BPII) Project weighs 290 tonnes and at including AGR Well Management, “The successful mooring, both of which were executed Towhead 37 metres in length was five metres Baker Hughes, COSL Drilling, Worley operations confirmed in under 24 hours. longer than any previous towheads and Subsea 7. “The successful operations confirmed incorporates our transported through the town. Under the contract, a new topsides the simplicity of both the simplicity of both the mooring and first 12-well slot Using a combination of Virtual Reality module is also being installed by the mooring and the the pilot installation procedure,” said modelling developed by the specialist Seaway 7 to the existing production GEPS Techno CEO Jean-Luc Longeroche. multi-functional Subsea 7 Pipeline Bundle design team platform to house all processing pilot installation “Since the summer installation, the manifold system.” and high-performance abnormal load pipework and packages to support procedure.” platform has demonstrated the ability Self-Propelled Modular Transportation, the new development. of the pilot and its mooring to withstand
36 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 37 RENEWABLES AND HEAVY LIFTING DEEPWATER RISERS
DP REDUCES MONOPILE INSTALLATION TIMES Seaway 7, Subsea 7’s Renewables “We reached this milestone operation and Heavy Lifting business, achieved following an extensive research RICHARD DEN HOLLANDER a significant milestone in the programme based on extensive data Business Development installation of monopile offshore collection during numerous monopile Director Renewables structures towards the end of 2019 installation campaigns with our floating offshore Rotterdam in the North Sea. crane vessels, the development and State-of-the-art crane vessel validation of a simulation model and Seaway Strashnov demonstrated the the subsequent modification of the feasibility of installing large monopiles vessel software.” using Dynamic Positioning (DP) when Seaway 7 started installing mono pile it successfully installed and removed a foundations in 2009 and is committed to 6.5m diameter 600t monopile remaining ongoing vessel development programmes within inclination tolerances using a that deliver cost reductions and improved motion-compensated gripper. workability to avoid schedule risks. “This achievement confirms the Seaway Strashnov is an ultra- potential of advanced DP to deliver high-performance crane vessel which considerable reductions in the installation combines exceptional mono-hull time of such structures,” says Richard working characteristics with a high den Hollander, Business Development transit speed of 14 knots. Director Renewables at Seaway 7. The unique vessel spearheads “One of our recent technology Seaway 7’s client offering in providing innovation programmes was designed transportation and installation services specifically to investigate how we can for wind turbine foundations and eliminate the time-consuming anchoring substations and cable systems for process and enable the vessel to adjust the offshore wind farm sector. its heading more responsively in changing offshore conditions for higher workability.
MARTIN VAN ONNA TCP RISERS QUALIFICATION Chief Commercial Officer COLLABORATION Airborne Oil & Gas Subsea 7 and Airborne Oil & Gas in Brazil have attracted renewed are accelerating their collaborative industry interest in TCP’s suitability for development programme of a fully- dynamic riser applications because of bonded Thermoplastic Composite its extremely high corrosion-resistant Pipe (TCP) in dynamic flexible risers properties. for ultra-deepwater markets following “The fluid composition in many ultra- a number of reported corrosion- deepwater developments is extremely induced failures offshore Brazil. challenging, which is why we are The next stage of product development accelerating this particular development is to secure a pilot project for delivery programme with Subsea 7.” in 2022/23 to build on the multi-phase The Netherlands-based manufacturer “Suitable for qualification programme which has been welcomed the decision by Subsea 7 to challenging ongoing since Subsea 7 made its formalise its interest in the product with deepwater investment in Airborne in 2017. investment in 2017. “As the pioneering and leading “Together, we are a really good fit,” dynamic riser manufacturer of TCP pipe for offshore says Martin van Onna. “Subsea 7 has applications oil and gas applications, we have global installation credibility and is “Eliminates the because of successfully demonstrated its key capable of working with us on product qualities of weight reduction, high qualification right through the entire life time-consuming TCP’s extremely fatigue-resistance and installed cost of field cycle. anchoring process high corrosion- advantages over conventional steel “The industry is now looking for us resistant linepipe in static applications,” says to advance beyond product qualification and enables higher Martin van Onna, Chief Commercial and fast-track to a pilot project delivery workability.” properties.” Officer at Airborne Oil & Gas. stage, which we are well placed to “However the recent experiences deliver in partnership with Subsea 7.”
38 deep 7 TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 39 www.subsea7.com [email protected]
© Subsea 7, June 2020. Information correct at time of going to press.