A guide to subsea equipment
Discover everything you need to know about subsea equipment in our comprehensive guide.
Table of contents
What is subsea equipment?
Subsea equipment encompasses a diverse array of tools and technologies designed to facilitate exploration, inspection, monitoring, and intervention tasks in underwater environments. They all play a critical role in offshore operations, enabling operators to navigate the complexities of the subsea with precision and efficiency.
The primary objective of subsea equipment is to enable the extraction and transportation of energy resources efficiently and safely. Key examples of subsea equipment include magnetometers, underwater camera systems, positioning equipment and subsea power solutions.
Deployed at varying depths beneath the ocean surface, subsea equipment must withstand harsh environmental conditions including high pressure, low temperatures, and corrosive elements.
Different types of subsea equipment
GEOPHYSICAL EQUIPMENT
Geophysical subsea equipment plays an important role in navigating the complexities of offshore environments, whether it involves harnessing wind energy beneath the waves or extracting valuable resources from the ocean floor. This type of subsea equipment is crucial for site investigations, design foundations and ongoing monitoring of the seabed and infrastructure, whether this is for UXO detection, seismic or cable route surveys.
INSPECTION EQUIPMENT
Inspection equipment in subsea operations encompasses an array of tools and technologies designed to assess the condition and integrity of underwater structures, pipelines, and equipment. These instruments play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of subsea assets by enabling comprehensive inspections and assessments of corrosion, defects, leaks, and other potential issues.
OCEANOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
Oceanographic equipment is used for monitoring environmental parameters and collecting scientific data in marine environments. This type of subsea equipment includes conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) sensors, current metres, water quality sensors and sediment samplers. Oceanographic equipment provides valuable information on ocean currents, water chemistry, and marine ecosystems, supporting research, environmental monitoring, and offshore operations.
POSITIONING EQUIPMENT
Subsea positioning equipment encompasses a specialised suite of instruments and systems engineered to precisely determine the location and orientation of subsea assets, structures and vehicles. These tools are utilised in underwater operations, providing the controlled positioning of ROVs (remote operating vehicles), underwater sensors, and infrastructure within the subsea environment. Positioning equipment enhances safety, efficiency and accuracy in offshore activities.
UNDERWATER CAMERA SYSTEMS
Subsea camera systems are essential tools in subsea operations, providing operators with clear and detailed imagery in subsea environments. These systems serve various purposes, ranging from inspection and monitoring, to documentation and observation, all of which play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and safety of subsea operations.
WINCHES
Winches are essential for subsea operations, facilitating the deployment and retrieval of equipment, instruments and cables. Overall, they are used to tow survey sensors or and position equipment on the seabed as accurately as possible, often competing with the swell of the sea. They come in various types and configurations, each serving specific purposes in offshore activities.
The complexities of subsea environments
Due to the nature of subsea operations, it’s important to choose equipment which has been manufactured to withstand the harsh environments underwater. This ensures a piece of subsea equipment can perform its required tasks safely and efficiently, without its integrity being compromised by challenging conditions.
No matter what the project entails - from surveying to installing critical infrastructure - extreme offshore conditions can present the following concerns for subsea equipment:
High pressure and low temperatures: This is becoming a growing issue within the subsea sector as an increasing number of projects are moving further into deep water, where hydrostatic pressure is higher and temperatures drop rapidly.
Corrosion: With heavy exposure to the harsh subsea environment, this gradual chemical reaction poses a significant cost. This is particularly prevalent in deeper and more challenging waters where the rate of corrosion increases.
Logistical challenges: Transporting and deploying large-scale equipment to remote offshore locations presents a number of logistical complexities, as sea currents, fluctuating temperatures and oceanic pressures can impact the equipment itself as well as its arrival to site.
By not assessing these environmental challenges and planning accordingly, subsea systems could fail due to poor installation, excess stresses, corrosion and cracking, all of which are not only costly in terms of repairs and time wasted, but could also present a significant safety risk.
Operators and those involved in the subsea supply chain need to be proactive in their approach to overcoming the complexities of subsea environments and mitigate against the risks in the product design and planning phase of any project.
Challenges associated with subsea equipment
In today’s technological, environmental and financial landscape, subsea equipment needs to be able to overcome a number of industry-wide challenges to maintain safe and efficient offshore activities…
Deepwater operations
Operating within deep and challenging waters is increasingly becoming the norm for subsea engineers, as oil and gas reserves in shallower waters are coming to the end of their life cycle. This results in greater operational and technical difficulties which can be challenging to navigate. For instance, deepwater operations require enhanced subsea infrastructure, an increase in remote operations and a heavier reliance on high quality data, not to mention numerous regulatory compliance requirements and risk management practices to adhere to.
Increasingly complex projects
As subsea equipment becomes more advanced, keeping up with the latest technologies and ensuring they’re integrated safely and efficiently in subsea operations can become challenging. Incorporating new methods of maintenance and repair, addressing cyber security risks, and increasing remote operations and the use of artificial intelligence are important considerations companies need to make, which may increase the complexity of their subsea operations.
Decommissioning and abandonment activities
Similarly, with many oil and gas reserves now declining, decommissioning and abandonment operations are sweeping the industry, which presents a unique set of challenges. To ensure the safety and efficiency of decommissioning, utilising advanced technologies is not only advisable, it is crucial. This is coupled with the need for minimising environmental impact and costs involved, which takes considerable planning and cooperation.
Managing financial costs
Reducing operational costs while maintaining a high level of safety and efficiency is an implication which runs alongside these challenges. With a heavier focus on optimal performance and increasingly complex environments, keeping costs low can be difficult. Utilising data analytics for decision making, leveraging new technologies and standardising processes are now essential for maintaining cost efficiency for subsea projects.
Environmental considerations
With the global concern for climate change, finding ways to mitigate against the environmental impact of offshore operations is a growing challenge within the industry. Protecting marine life and their habitat, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising pollution and properly disposing of subsea waste and materials are now included in numerous regulations and industry standards, making it essential for companies to factor in these considerations.
Subsea technology and innovations
When it comes to subsea equipment, continuous research and development is essential for producing innovative technology that can consistently support future subsea operations, while overcoming various challenges currently facing a number of industries - such as cost reductions and environmental impact.
Technological advancements continue to drive the subsea equipment market in a bid to enhance efficiency, safety and reliability, with ongoing developments in communication systems and environmentally-friendly processes that capture and store carbon emissions.
One of the most prevalent advances in subsea equipment is centred around subsea robotics, such as ROVs and AUVs, subsea drones and robotic arms. Current research and development in this area is ensuring these pieces of subsea equipment can operate in difficult environments and perform complex tasks as subsea exploration reaches new depths.
Another key development occurring in the market is improvements to sensors and monitoring systems, with real-time data communications and processing systems that can handle more advanced requirements.
Technological advancements in subsea equipment have led to increased efficiency and cost effectiveness in offshore projects. Manufacturers have worked to reduce the complexity and cost of subsea machinery, streamlining material procurement and optimising subsea architecture.
The future of subsea equipment
According to a "Subsea Systems Market" Research Report, the global subsea systems market is expected to grow significantly between 2023 and 2031. One key reason for this forecast is the continuing shift away from oil and gas production towards renewables. Contractors are already experiencing a growth in demand as many countries strive to achieve net zero emissions, with a predicted transition to a 50/50 split between oil and gas production and renewables occurring over the next 20 years.
Not only will this mean an increase in demand for subsea equipment which is tailored to renewables projects, it will also require more decommissioning equipment as oil and gas assets continue to be shut off. For example, the removal of hydraulic solutions in favour of the electrification of offshore facilities is a key tactic for many operators in reducing CO2 ambitions, which has resulted in a growing demand for solutions such as electric winches.
There are also further opportunities emerging in the area of AI technology for subsea inspections in response to a growing need for lower cost, more efficient, and more remotely operable subsea equipment. Again, this is where an all-electric system presents an inherent benefit compared to the traditionally used hydraulic system.
Inspection, maintenance and repair for subsea assets
Subsea integrity management is becoming increasingly important around the world, as many assets are maturing or reaching the end of their operational life. In order to extend asset lifecycle, reduce replacement costs and improve safety, taking a proactive approach and utilising innovative subsea equipment is crucial.
Subsea inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) equipment is usually deployed from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or surface vessels and includes:
Thickness gauges
Inspection cameras
NDT tools
Repair tools
Replacement components
This suite of subsea equipment is key for effective integrity management. By following a systematic approach of analysing high quality data, maintenance teams can define appropriate inspection and maintenance intervals for each asset, plan for any forecasted repairs and limit time and resources being wasted on unexpected downtime.
This is also crucial for existing assets, as a subsea integrity plan allows teams to monitor the condition of ageing subsea infrastructure and set key markers for advancing IMR activity before unplanned repairs are required. As a result, this maintains smooth operations and enhances overall safety and reliability of assets.
The use of subsea equipment in different sectors
Subsea equipment plays a pivotal role across various industries, such as oil and gas, offshore renewables and marine research, enabling critical operations and exploration beneath the ocean's surface. From the extraction of hydrocarbons in the oil and gas sector, to harnessing renewable energy in offshore wind farms and conducting cutting-edge research in marine science, subsea equipment offers versatile solutions for diverse applications…
Offshore renewables
Offshore renewables is a substantial subsea market, which is significantly contributing towards the ‘trilemma’ of energy security, affordability and sustainability across the globe – with an ambitious net zero target. Subsea equipment is integral for harnessing renewable energy sources like wind, wave and tidal power, making them essential tools within this industry.
As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, subsea equipment providers supply a diverse range of cost effective solutions for accelerating the transition. For example:
Geophysical equipment is crucial for assessing sites and mapping the seafloor for optimal locations.
Inspection technology ensures infrastructure integrity, while:
Oceanographic instruments provide data on currents and water properties.
Positioning equipment aids precise device installation, maximising energy production.
Oil and gas
In the ever-evolving oil and gas sector, specialised high quality subsea equipment is indispensable for gathering critical data to inform key decisions regarding large, complex developments. From advanced ROVs equipped with top-of-the-line inspection tools, to precision acoustic positioning systems, subsea equipment optimises production efficiency and mitigates operational risks in challenging offshore environments.
Uses of subsea equipment include the following:
Sub-bottom profilers are used to penetrate the seafloor and provide detailed information about sediment layers and subsurface structures, aiding in reservoir characterization.
Magnetometers are employed to detect magnetic anomalies, which can indicate the presence of hydrocarbons and assist in mapping subsurface geological structures.
ROVs are deployed to inspect subsea infrastructure for corrosion, damage, or leaks. They provide visual assessments and collect data to ensure the integrity of these critical components.
Acoustic positioning systems ensure the precise placement of subsea infrastructure during installation, as well as enabling accurate navigation of vessels and ROVs.
Marine science
In marine sciences, subsea equipment is essential for conducting research, exploration, and monitoring activities beneath the ocean surface. Specialised vessels can be equipped with diving and robotic equipment are utilised for the installation and maintenance of subsea structures and equipment.
How subsea equipment can be used in relation to the marine sciences industry:
Geophysical equipment enables seafloor mapping, geological feature identification, and sediment analysis crucial for understanding marine habitats and geological processes.
Acoustic positioning systems provide precise location tracking for research vessels, buoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles during oceanographic surveys and data collection missions.
ROVs conduct deep-sea exploration, marine life observation, habitat mapping, and sample collection, aiding in biodiversity and geological studies.
Tide gauges monitor sea level variations, tidal patterns, and coastal hazards, providing essential data for coastal management, climate research, and hazard assessment
Discover our full range of subsea equipment
Subsea equipment is our core area of specialty in our diverse product range at STR. We are supporting our clients in ensuring safe and efficient investigations, inspection, and maintenance in some of the most challenging marine environments with superior products and technologies. Our fleet of subsea equipment stands out due to its advanced technology, reliability, and versatility, with each piece meticulously designed to withstand harsh conditions and deliver precise, actionable data. This commitment to excellence makes us a trusted partner in a number of industries, enabling our clients to achieve their operational goals with confidence.
How STR can enhance your offshore operations with specialist subsea equipment
With the youngest and newest fleet of subsea equipment on the market, our innovative technology and diverse range of products offer a level of reliability and efficiency that is simply unrivalled.
At STR, we know that every project will have its own set of unique requirements and challenges, which is why we offer bespoke solutions and 24/7 support from a team of highly skilled experts.
Our dedicated Innovation and Technology Centre affords us the capability to develop our own extensive suite of in-house subsea equipment products for our customers, with a specialist engineering team solely focused on innovating and problem solving.
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Browse our full range of specialist subsea equipment
