Four team up to advance subsea processing

Feb. 7, 2001
ABB Offshore Technology AS, BP, Chevron Corp., and Kvaerner AS Wednesday said they would cooperate to advance subsea processing technology for future deepwater field developments. The four companies will study the development of 'standardized, modular, compact, and remotely operated facilities' for installation on the seabed that would 'reduce the operating difficulties, costs, and environmental impact of deepwater production.'


By the OGJ Online Staff

LONDON, Feb. 7�ABB Offshore Technology AS, BP, Chevron Corp., and Kvaerner AS Wednesday said they would cooperate to advance subsea processing technology for future deepwater field developments.

The four companies signed an alliance agreement to study the development of "standardized, modular, compact, and remotely operated facilities" for installation on the seabed that would "reduce the operating difficulties, cost, and environmental impact of deepwater production."

The study, being undertaken by project teams in Norway, the US, and the UK, is due to be completed by the end of the quarter.

ABB said the companies believed the cooperative effort would them determine the level of investment needed to "close gaps between current technology and the technologies required for seafloor processing in deepwater."

Beyond the development of new cost-efficient subsea processing, the broader aims of the study include:

� increased oil recovery compared with conventional field development solutions such as FPSOs;

� "spin off" technologies for oil and gas treatment that would streamline the operation of conventional facilities;

� building the "foundation" for future collaboration and spending in this area of technology.

Meanwhile, ABB's Aberdeen-based subsidiary ABB Vetco Gray Wednesday signed a 3-year frame agreement with Shell UK Exploration and Production covering the supply of wellheads and christmas trees and the repair and maintenance of equipment including riser systems. Value of the deal was not disclosed.