UK-made subsea battery systems hit the water offshore Canada

Three UK companies have deployed three subsea battery-powered control systems offshore Canada that are said to maintain the integrity of the subsea electrical infrastructure when topside electrical power is unavailable.

The systems, which include a Verlume-supplied subsea battery and a J+S Subsea control unit housing Viper’s V-SLIM (Subsea Line Integrity Monitor), can be recharged either onshore or on the deck of a construction support vessel (CSV). 

The project involved collaboration between Viper Innovations, Verlume, Richmond Mills Fabrication, MH Engineering (Fife), and J+S Subsea.

According to J+S, the scope of work included the design, engineering, manufacturing, marinisation, and testing of subsea-deployed systems that are to maintain continuous application of Viper Innovations’ V-LIFE technology.

The patented electrical passivation signal maintains the electrical integrity of field and satellite extensions 350 kilometers off the coast of Canada while the floating production, storage & offloading (FPSO) vessel is disconnected for maintenance, said J+S.

Once recharged, they can be redeployed for an additional 90-day operational period. Each system is built within a steel frame, adhering to DNV regulations, and is equipped with electrical flying leads (EFL).

“Our unique and innovative Legacy Locker was pivotal in accelerating turnaround time for this bespoke project. This, combined with our inhouse technical expertise, made us ideally positioned to deliver for our client and underline our strategy of sustained growth,” J+S Subsea Managing Director Phil Reid noted.

J+S Subsea said that this development is part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in the subsea controls, renewables, and decommissioning markets. 

“Through the integration of our Charge compact subsea battery with the technologies of both J+S and Viper Innovations, we were able to collaboratively solve client power delivery challenges by ensuring reliable delivery of subsea power on the seabed,” said Richard Knox, CEO of Verlume.

“This project comes at a time of significant commercial progress within Verlume, adding another subsea deployment to the many systems that have been installed across the offshore ecosystem worldwide.”

J+S Subsea, alongside Verlume, is participating in a new cross-sector program aimed at bringing professionals back into the underwater sector after a career break or transitioning their skills from other sectors. 

This initiative is part of the broader STEM Returners program, launched in partnership with the Global Underwater Hub and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).