An influential forum focused on subsea operations, established by the Global Underwater Hub (GUH), is making significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by ageing offshore infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between oil and gas operators and the underwater supply chain, the forum aims to accelerate solutions that improve efficiency, safety, reduce operating costs, and mitigate environmental risks.
Early Success in Addressing Subsea Challenges
Since its inception, the forum has provided a collaborative platform for operators to tackle common issues impacting subsea operations. The group’s ability to bring together a wide array of stakeholders has been instrumental in speeding up the deployment of innovative technologies. As a result, operators are seeing tangible benefits, including reduced costs and enhanced operational safety. This approach has also created new opportunities for the supply chain to capitalize on the growing subsea IRM (inspection, repair, and maintenance) market, valued at over £3 billion globally.
Facilitating Collaboration Across the Industry
The forum is designed to tackle specific subsea challenges, ranging from subsea control systems to well intervention, structural integrity, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) operations, and subsea pipeline inspections. GUH has invited companies with relevant technologies and expertise in the underwater supply chain to collaborate on solving these pressing issues.
Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of GUH, highlighted the significance of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing within the forum, noting that 70 experts from 13 operators have been involved in identifying common problems. He emphasized that the trust and transparency within the group allow for in-depth discussions that lead to tailored solutions, matching the right technologies and services with the end-users.
Innovation and Technology at the Forefront
One of the forum’s major successes has been its ability to drive the faster adoption of new technologies in subsea operations. GUH’s Springboard events have provided a platform for supply chain companies to present innovations, such as digital applications for subsea inspection and the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
AUVs, in particular, have proven to be a breakthrough in subsea operations. Despite challenges like operator risk aversion and budget constraints, the forum has facilitated collaborative trials, with large organizations and smaller developers coming together to pitch solutions. This approach has helped push the technology closer to widespread adoption.
Addressing Splash Zone Challenges
A key area of focus for the forum has been the splash zone—the area of the subsea structure exposed to tidal changes and waves. Operations in this zone are particularly challenging due to safety concerns and the difficulty in accessing these areas for inspection and maintenance. In response, GUH organized a Splash Zone workshop that brought together operators and supply chain companies to discuss safety, efficiency, and the potential of robotics to replace human intervention.
Tim Eley of OceanTech, one of the companies participating in the workshop, commented on the value of the event, noting the opportunity for contractors to present directly to operators. The workshop provided insight into the latest technologies being developed to improve data management and reduce risks associated with splash zone operations.
Broader Impact Across Industries
While the forum primarily focuses on oil and gas, many of the technologies and solutions being developed are applicable to other sectors, including offshore renewables, defense, and aquaculture. The interest from offshore renewable developers at recent events underscores the cross-industry potential of the forum’s efforts. As Neil Gordon mentioned, the collaborative approach could lead to global solutions that benefit multiple sectors and create new opportunities for the underwater supply chain.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the forum will continue to address challenges such as external inspection of subsea pipelines and structures, as well as improving the regulatory permit and consent processes. With a diverse membership, including major North Sea operators such as bp, Shell, and TotalEnergies, the forum’s efforts are set to have a lasting impact on subsea operations, driving innovation and creating opportunities for the global supply chain.
