Aker BP taps into new Optime Subsea technology

Optime Subsea is launching a technology that removes umbilical controlled tubing hanger operations with Aker BP as its first user.

According to Optime, the system aims to increase safety, and reduce operational time, cost, and also environmental risk.

Optime Subsea’s relationship with Aker BP started with its innovative Subsea Controls & Intervention Light System (SCILS) on the semi-submersible drilling rig, Deepsea Nordkapp.

This collaboration now extends with Aker BP bringing Optime’s Remotely Operated Controls System (ROCS) onboard the same rig.

Mads Rødsjø, special advisor Aker BP Drilling & Well, explained:

“In Aker BP we are continously working on improving our subsea operations, making them safer, simpler and more cost efficient.

“This contract award will be an important part of this work, as well as acknowledging the continued successful collaboration with Optime.

“We have identified another breakthrough technology which will further improve our operations.

“With ROCS, Aker BP can substantially reduce its completions time and cost by removing the umbilical. We avoid the costly mobilization, increase our weather window, as well avoid unneccessary “Red Zone” work.”

A dedicated umbilical controls the tubing hanger running tool from a large topside hydraulic unit.

When deploying, the umbilical is clamped to the riser for increased stabilization.

The operation is traditionally time consuming, and the clamping will result in hours of additional higher risk operations.

Using the ROCS will significantly reduce the time spent on this operation, Optime says.

It offers same controls functionality to the tubing hanger, without the topside hydraulic unit and without umbilical and controls system.

“Until completing a few runs we will not be able to affirmatively state the total days in savings for subsea well completions, but we are convinced that this system will provide Aker BP and all other operators days, not hours, in savings, for every single well.

“Although today’s market is hard to predict, we are definitely able to see the future with this system being ready by end of the year – there will be tremendous industry wide cost savings for everyone“, Trond Løkka, Optime’s business development manager confirms.

This ROCS delivery kicked off in what appears to be the worst downturn in the indusrty to date.

The company believes that the timing for new technology doesn’t seem to be a coincidence.

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, Optime´s CEO said:

“We are a company that grows organically. Although that can be a slower path to success, if we leverage our unique technological controls and intervention expertise, we are able to turn these major industry changing events into an opportunity to help and lead in the new market.

Thanks to Aker BP’s focus on technology improving operations, we believe this to be one of those game changing moments for the industry.”