Subsea standardization initiatives aim to remove uncertainty, improve quality

摘要

OIL AND GAS OPERATORS need cheaper subsea solutions to recover more from mature fields and enable economically sustainable deepwater projects. There is a substantial incentive for the subsea industry to meet these needs. If oil remains in a $60 to $70/bbl range, the subsea market could grow by about 7% annually up to 2025, according to Rystad Energy.~1 However, the analyst warned that "a significant portion of this activity is at risk" if the Brent crude oil price falls to $50/bbl. These facts of commercial life are sustaining an appetite for collaboration in the standardization of equipment and practices, enabling cost-effective and safe subsea solutions. While operators seek to keep costs down by using the same technologies from project to project, modifications are always needed. Joint industry projects (JIPs) can ensure industry guidelines and standards remain current and cost-effective. JIPs managed by DNV GL have led to a recommended practice (RP) offering criteria, technical requirements, and guidance on qualification, manufacture, and testing of carbon and low alloy steel forgings for subsea applications~2; and quality management requirements.~3