BLUE HARVEST

Subsea operations have increased in size, volume, complexity and technology so that output can be increased in previously impossible areas as reserves in deeper depths are utilized. Every subsea ?factory? on the ocean floor is custom made due to the diff erent needs and requirements at each site. Maintenance and support operations are difficult and expensive, and unforeseen events can stop operations and reduce profitability and increase risk. Maintenance, inspection and intervention is required on su bsea structures and equipment such as pipes, Christmas trees, manifolds, wellheads, risers, accumulators, etc. For the Subsea industry to become more competitive and cost-effective, a two-pronged approach has been selected. On one hand, the autonomous u nderwater vehicles (from now on mentioned as AUVs) and their operating environment (navigation, positioning, communications, etc.) have to be modified, and on the other, their missions and tools have to be modularized. Therefore, this project is based on the concept of an SFOB (Subsea Forward Operation Base) on the ocean floor for improving AUVs and their operations. In parallel, standardization of equipment and related inspection, maintenance and intervention activities will be covered. For the projec t the consortium?s constitution should especially be mentioned, as almost all parties of the Subsea value chain are included. This is important as the producer, operator and owner?s concerns will be considered when producing a solution. To get a system in place (with subsea communications, navigation, positioning, and servicing) in place at the deep ocean floor, and to introduce new modular designs for easy access and replacement are challenges. However, to get a system where both concerns have been co nsidered will be very valuable for the industry as autonomous operations can start to take place.