Statoil has partnered with DNV GL to develop an international industry standard for subsea process technology.
The joint industry project (JIP), which will be headed by DNV GL, intends to maximise the profitability of larger projects with subsea processing technology.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The standardisation of the tie-in technology and module sizes will allow for better technology combination and adaptation.
Statoil said subsea pumps have been used in several oil fields, and the initial subsea compression systems will be deployed this year to increase gas production from the Åsgard and Gullfaks fields.
The project, which will launch in the first-quarter of 2015, will establish open standards, giving suppliers the option whether or not to use standardised technology.
Statoil executive vice president in technology, projects & drilling Margareth Øvrum said: "The industry needs to lower costs to enable more subsea developments and increase the use of subsea processing technology."
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataSubsea development costs have increased by 250% in the past 12 years.
Øvrum said: "It is important not only for Statoil, but for the industry in general, that competition is maintained in the development of the process technology itself, and the input, which is made to the modules. By standardising the tie-ins and the module sizes, it will be possible to make use of the best technology for each individual function, independent of supplier."
Earlier this year, Statoil awarded three feasibility study contracts for the implementation of subsea processing factories.
Image: Installation of subsea template at the Åsgard field in the Norwegian Sea. Photo: courtesy of Øyvind Hagen.
