Norway-based classification and verification organization DNV GL has launched a joint industry project (JIP) with industry partners Petrobras, Shell, Statoil and Woodside to standardize subsea processing systems.
Participants will contribute their own standardization studies and initiatives previously performed, as well as current and future portfolio requirements, ideas on minimal industry specification, and methodology for maturing technology gaps. Initially, the JIP will focus on standardization of subsea pumping.
Announcing the project on Wednesday, DNV GL said that subsea development projects have been under substantial pressure due to cost inflation and low oil prices, prompting a need to simplify the industry’s approach.
Subsea processing is a relatively young field of technology, requiring operators to tailor-make solutions to meet field-specific requirements. If that technology could be better understood and harnessed, considerable potential exists for it to deliver increased value at reduced costs, the organization said.
“With today’s low oil price, it is more important than ever to create cheaper, leaner and standardized subsea solutions,” said Margareth ÿvrum, executive vice president of Technology, Projects & Drilling at Statoil. “This challenge goes across the oil industry and collaboration is key. The industry needs to lower costs to enable more subsea developments and increase the use of subsea processing technology.”
Sean Salter, vice president of technology at Woodside, said: “The oil and gas industry needs to re-assess stand-alone host developments due to higher costs and look more closely at tie-back opportunities. Subsea processing technologies enable long distance tie-back opportunities for remote and marginal fields. Cost reduction through simplification and standardization is key to ensuring application of these technologies.”
DNV GL is calling for additional collaborators from the oil and gas industry to contribute to the JIP and help create a new industry standard.
