DNV GL kick off subsea processing project Phase 2

The second phase of a joint industry project aiming to reduce subsea processing costs has been kicked off.

Phase 2 of the Subsea Processing JIP includes system suppliers Aker Solutions, GE Oil & Gas, OneSubsea and TechnipFMC, as well as operators Shell, Statoil and Woodside.

The DNV GL-led joint industry project (JIP) on standardizing subsea processing aims to reduce cost in a lifetime perspective. Initially focusing on subsea pumping, the partners in phase 1 completed a functional description of subsea pumping. 

Phase 2 of the project, which will be completed in 18 months, is expected to lead to a guideline and eventually a recommended practice for subsea pumping systems. 

Kristin Nergaard Berg, JIP project manager, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, says: “Subsea standardization offers tremendous benefits. It allows flexibility for tailor-made facilities at a system level through standard functional descriptions and specifications, while also increasing predictability in the value chain. This will not only lower transaction costs and accelerate implementation for all parties, but also allow freedom to innovate and employ new technology.”

Building on the concluded functional description from phase 1, the JIP will continue by developing system level requirements and design classes, as well as harmonized work processes and design standards. 

Phase 2 activities are related to: 

• Standards, functional requirements and specifications 
• System design 
• Pump modules and pressure-containing equipment 
• Control system and instrumentation 
• Power system 
• Materials and welding 
• Qualification work processes and test requirements. 

According to DNV GL’s seventh annual benchmark study, "Short-term agility, long-term resilience," subsea technology is the highest-ranked area globally for conducting R&D among emerging technologies in 2017.

In addition, standardization efforts are on the rise to remove complexities, with two-thirds of respondents saying their organization will seek greater standardization of tools and processes in 2017.

Although subsea processing is a target area for innovation, operational experience has also grown in recent years, with significant developments made by, among others, Total, Petrobras, Shell and Statoil. However, the lack of standardization which is driving costs up is still seen to make subsea processing less competitive than alternative solutions.