deep

Technology news from Subsea 7 - May 2012

World-class welding technologies

Whats inside...
02 Pipeline welding enhancements 04 New riser technologies 05 Precision performance on Pazflor 06 Groundbreaking geotechnics 07 Cutting-edge simulation 08 Mechanically lined pipe extends reach Subsea hydrocarbon sampling skid 09 Swaged end connection for reel-lay pipe-in-pipe 10 Fleet development update 12 AIV commercialised New multipass and backfill ploughs

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In-depth technology news

More than ever before, Subsea 7 continues to commit to the development and commercialisation of new technology, vessels and equipment that deliver technical and cost-effective solutions to our clients in their increasingly challenging environments and operational scenarios. Many of our most effective technologies are developed in active collaboration with key suppliers from our supply chain. Our development partners play an important role in the emergence of effective new ideas and solutions for our clients, and they cover a unique range of technologies which reflect our global expertise and capability. We are proud to have received recent industry recognition of one of our pipeline technologies from the Pipeline Industries Guild. One of the industrys foremost bodies, the Guild presented Subsea 7 with the prestigious Subsea Pipeline Technology Award at their annual dinner in London in March for our development work on the installation of mechanically lined pipe using the reellay method, (see page 8 for details of current development work). In this latest issue of deep7, you can read about our latest applied technology advances in disciplines ranging from pipeline welding to geotechnics, and from advanced vessel design to the installation of ground-breaking subsea infrastructure.

Welding enhancements in the pipeline

Subsea 7 is developing and implementing leading-edge pipeline welding technologies to satisfy evolving market demand - both in terms of technical specifications and volume - and to meet increasingly stringent pipeline fabrication codes and operator specifications. Underpinning this technology development are three important strategic investments by the company: entering into a technical partnership with CRC-Evans Pipeline International (CRC), one of the worlds leading designers and manufacturers of automatic welding systems for pipeline construction committing to an extensive welding R&D programme to meet future industry demands the opening in 2013 of a new Global Welding Development Centre in Glasgow, managed by Subsea 7s Pipeline Production Group (PPG).

Pipeline performance is currently being challenged on a number of fronts not only by high demands on the performance of pipeline welding processes and the assurance of the integrity of girth welds, but also by the increasing usage of higher strength steels, clad/lined and solid corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) pipe. Subsea 7 is implementing a welding methodology which meets the following criteria: Adoption of a common approach to welding processes and equipment across all fabrication sites Use of welding processes which allow the heat input to be controlled precisely to optimise weld mechanical and corrosion properties whilst ensuring weld soundness Use of mechanised welding whenever practical in order to minimise welder intervention. Subsea 7s reeled pipeline production facility at Vigra in Norway, accommodates the latest mechanised welding technology, and

To find out more about any of the technologies featured in this issue contact John Mair, Technology Development Director at john.mair@subsea7.com or email communications@subsea7.com
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demonstrates how careful assessment of project requirements and production factors can deliver cost-effective welding solutions. The new technology is about to be deployed in Brazil, and will thereafter be rolled out to Subsea 7s other fabrication sites worldwide. In the case of larger-diameter carbon steel pipelines, the use of the mechanised Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding (PGMAW) process is now established as the welding method of choice for both riser and flowline applications. The process utilises low-heat input which results in excellent mechanical properties in the girth welds. The process can be deployed using either single torch, or in the case of larger diameter pipe, dual torch welding in order to improve productivity. This system is highly mechanised so that the role of the welding operator is simply to supervise the process with minimal intervention required. Since the current welding system was introduced to Vigra in early 2011, about 400km of carbon steel pipeline have been fabricated, with productivity and quality exceeding targets. The overall weld repair rate, which is a key quality indicator, is less than 0.5%. Subsea 7 has further developed the PGMAW process for use in the fabrication of metallurgically clad pipe. Welding of clad pipe requires the use of dissimilar welding filler material, i.e. Alloy 625. Subsea 7 has carried out extensive welding trials to optimise pulsed welding parameters and shielding gas composition. The qualified PGMAW solution makes use of the Controlled Metal Transfer (CMT) process for root welding, an advanced PGMAW technique which allows the weld root to be deposited very precisely, giving good control of the root bead quality and profile. These features are essential to maintain the corrosion

performance of the clad pipeline. During production, an internal camera and laser profiling device is utilised to perform an assessment of the quality of the root bead. The developed welding solution will be implemented in production this year for a number of pipeline projects, which will involve over 70km of metallurgically clad and mechanically lined pipe risers. For smaller diameter pipes (4-inches and below) a mechanised welding system has been developed by Subsea 7 and implemented at Vigra. A key benefit of this system is to provide a more precise control of the heat input in order to maintain the optimum mechanical and corrosion performance. This solution, initially deployed on a 2-inch duplex stainless steel service line, was based on the use of the orbital Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process using the Polysoude welding system. Production welding has been in progress since November 2011 with weld quality and productivity meeting expectations, and has confirmed that this technology can be successfully deployed on a global basis. The 2-inch duplex line was also a Vigra first for the use of an automatic arc monitoring system on the firing line to capture and record the essential welding parameters. Operations will begin in 2013 at Subsea 7s new Global Welding Development Centre in Glasgow, which will incorporate 18 welding bays including facilities for J-lay and S-lay pipeline welding, and will act as a central technical authority for the development and qualification of all welding procedures for all Subsea 7 pipeline fabrication bases around the world. This major initiative by Subsea 7 will give clients the assurance of quality and delivery of pipeline welding performance at a competitive cost. For further information contact eric.law@subsea7.com
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New riser technologies under construction

Many years of applied research and construction experience have given Subsea 7 the significant advantage of being a SURF contractor capable of providing all types of riser systems for deepwater and ultra-deepwater installation, depending on the field architecture and client needs. This in-house capability includes design, procurement, construction, installation and maintenance. Riser systems installed on a worldwide basis by Subsea 7 fall into two categories - those coupled directly to the host facility, and un-coupled systems which in most cases are connected to the host by flexible jumpers and are increasingly being applied in recent deepwater and ultradeepwater field developments. Subsea 7 continues to develop innovative un-coupled riser concepts designed for harsh and challenging environments. HRTs Hybrid Riser Towers (HRTs) are recognised to have significant benefits for deepwater riser applications in terms of flow assurance, thermal performance and robustness of layout. This latter issue is especially significant when a large number of risers are considered. An HRT provides the required flexibility by avoiding a crowded layout and allowing a progressive deployment. The concept is applicable to deepwater and ultradeepwater, and to spread-moored and turret-moored FPSO installations. The first HRT application installed by Subsea 7 was Girassol in Angola for Total in 1998. The field, incorporating three HRTs, has been producing for over ten years to the specified stringent flow assurance requirements. HRTs have now become accepted as a robust solution for deepwater and ultradeepwater developments. The latest Subsea 7 HRT technology is currently being applied to Totals CLOV projects offshore Angola where two HRTs will be installed in 2013. BSR The Buoyancy Supported Riser (BSR) system is being delivered by Subsea 7 for the Guar and Lula NE field development in Brazil under contract to Petrobras for installation in late 2012/early 2013. The BSR concept consists of a large sub-surface buoy which is anchored to the seabed by eight tethers, two on each corner of the buoy. The buoy supports multiple Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) which are connected to the FPSO by non-bonded flexible jumpers. This BSR system absorbs the dynamics from the FPSO, resulting in almost no dynamic stresses on the SCRs, making them behave like a long free-spanning pipeline with the major fatigue response coming from the Vortex Induced Vibration due to the local currents. Since there is very little dynamic response for the SCRs, mechanically lined pipe is used for the SCR section, thereby optimising the riser design. COBRA Subsea 7s most recent riser concept is the Catenary Offset Buoyant Riser Assembly (COBRA), which consists of a catenary riser section with a long, slender buoyancy module on top which is tethered down to the sea bed. Similar to the multiriser BSR, the top of the catenary riser section is connected to the host by a flexible jumper. COBRA is a highly compatible riser arrangement for host platforms with large motions, like FPSOs or semisubmersibles. This riser concept has the advantages of excellent dynamic performance with little or no fatigue response, and can therefore be designed for pipelineclass welds. This therefore allows the use of mechanically lined pipe where appropriate, as in the case of the Buoyancy Supported Riser. Other riser systems such as Grouped SLOR and Single Hybrid Risers are also part of Subsea 7s un-coupled Riser portfolio.
Buoyancy Supported Riser (BSR)

Hydrid Riser Towers (HRTs)

Jumper

Buoyancy

SCR

Mooring lines

For further information contact john.mair@subsea7.com

Catenary Offset Buoyant Riser Assembly (COBRA) DEEP7 May 2012

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Planning and precision combine on Pazflor

The successful installation by Subsea 7 of three subsea separation units (SSUs), operated by Total E&P Angola, proved critical to the early completion of the landmark Pazflor project on Block 17, offshore Angola. The challenging project involved the worlds first deployment of vertical SSUs to separate the oil, gas and water produced from Pazflors Miocene reservoirs. Installing each SSU (weighing in excess of 1,000t, including suction anchors) required an unprecedented level of precision in water depths around 800m and a close working relationship with Total and the SSU manufacturer, FMC, to ensure the final design included offshore installation requirements. Operational requirements necessitated exceptionally tight installation tolerances of +/- 0.5 from horizontal when installing the cluster of four suction anchor foundations. To achieve this target, Subsea 7 developed the lifting arrangement, and interfaced with FMC to accurately operate the levelling system based on differential suction. Early analyses showed a risk of resonance of the subsea hardware during lowering, potentially leading to significant weather sensitivity. To mitigate this issue, Subsea 7 developed a real-time monitoring system receiving acceleration data from sensors located on the crane tip and on top of the hardware as they were lowered. Extensive dry and shallow water testing in Norway allowed the team to test the SSU installation before the units were finally transported to Angola. Working in close liaison with FMC, Subsea 7 coordinated transportation and designed a specific sea fastening to minimise fatigue of the SSUs. Prior to deployment on site by Subsea 7s installation vessel the Acergy Polaris, the structures integrity was re-tested in Luanda bay. Connecting each SSU to the subsea manifold was a complex and delicate operation in which the ROV operators had to first remove caps from the
SSU shallow water tests in Norway

manifold followed by the operation of a jacking system to slide the 400t, sixstorey high SSU towards the manifold to mate three connections simultaneously. The Seven Eagle performed the SSU umbilical installation and the tie-in of the first pair of four multi-phase pumps. The landmark project, in which first oil was achieved ahead of schedule including the development and installation of new technology, underlines the importance of effective interfaces between suppliers, contractors and client. Subsea 7 continues to develop new deployment systems including fibrerope and active-heave compensation that are deemed essential in the deployment and retrieval of sensitive rotating machinery and processing systems in ever-increasing water depths of the future.

A Pazflor SSU being installed

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Groundbreaking geotechnics
In 2011, Subsea 7 commenced accelerated development in the field of Geotechnics in two areas of great significance for our clients deepwater operations, how seabed soils and pipelines interact, and how an enhanced appreciation of soil behaviour and failure mechanisms can optimise foundation design, particularly for very soft deepwater clays. Pipelines Subsea 7 actively participates in the Safebuck series of JIPs - currently in its third phase - but we have also internally funded work investigating the dynamic embedment (and hence friction and stability) of pipes laid on soft clays which are typically found at the deepwater sites where we work. Another key challenge being addressed is an improved understanding of the behaviour of carbonate sediments which are widespread in some developing oil and gas-rich regions such as Australia. Carbonate-rich soils exhibit different behaviour to their non-carbonate counterparts, so Subsea 7 undertook a study to investigate the response of carbonate soils to cyclic pipe loads by model testing in a geotechnical centrifuge.
Apparent friction derived from cyclic axial friction tests

Foundations In our subsea construction business, there is constant pressure to optimise foundation design to be as efficient as possible in terms of installation without compromising functionality. Subsea 7 has produced recent research at the highly respected Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems at the University of Western Australia into an optimised design methodology that has led to the possibility of reducing the size of shallow foundations such as PLET mudmats by 20%, or alternatively able to withstand larger jumper loads. The geotechnical engineer is always interested in finding the most critical failure mechanism of a foundation. Subsea 7 has teamed up with the university to develop a new 3D analysis tool which could potentially halve the engineering hours spent designing foundations under complex loading.

Mudmats for PLET applications

Looking to the future Emerging challenges in the geotechnical industry are likely to include: developing and improving the constitutive model for carbonate soils and applying it to foundation and pipeline design how to quantify the degrading effects of solid hydrate and hydrate dissociation on soil properties further optimisation of foundation designs as large and heavy processing facilities are moved subsea developing design methods for ultra-deepwater soils where soil strength is more dominated by viscous behaviour than traditional shear strength finding novel and effective ways to protect subsea infrastructure in the Arctic or ice-prone regions.

Model pipe set up for axial friction test

The results of this study are counterintuitive to those predicted by classical soil mechanics, and the work represents a significant step forward in evolving a new constitutive model to describe the behaviour of carbonate soils.

FE analysis for optimised foundation design

For further information contact paul.brunning@subsea7.com

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Cutting-edge simulation
Subsea 7 has developed one of the most powerful installation simulation packages ever built, including unique finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, and successfully installed the hardware on board construction vessel the Seven Seas for effective on-site operative training. The programme was developed over a two-year period for the Block 31 project offshore Angola. An unusual aspect of this deepwater project is the mid-water pull-in of the flexible risers that connect the vertical risers to the FPSO. These operations are carried out at an average depth of 200m, which presented uncommon problems. Unlike most pull-ins, the tasks are performed in a situation where everything in the scenario is mobile. The Upper Riser Assembly (URA), while weighing several hundred tonnes, can be easily moved and rotated should the ROV push it. When the flexible risers are attached to the subsea winch wires and the load transferred from the vessel crane to the winches, the URA, which in itself is dynamic, tends to follow the riser lay direction for many metres which has the potential to compromise the minimum bending radius (MBR) of the flexible. The situation was risk-assessed, and it was decided that the risks could be mitigated by building the nine different scenarios (there are nine flexible risers) in a simulator. This would allow procedures to be checked, and also facilitate pilot training. The simulation predictions were shown to correlate well with measurements taken before and during the actual offshore operation. The development of the simulator though 2010 and 2011 pushed the pilottraining software and hardware well beyond their existing capacity, due to the large number of flexible and moving objects in each scenario. Most simulation training takes place at Subsea 7s site in Aberdeen, but for this project it proved more effective to train the ROV pilots, superintendents, and

Block 31 installation simulator in use on board the Seven Seas

bridge supervisors on board the Seven Seas, in an environment with which they are already familiar. The simulations feature: Variable sea conditions which can produce realistic motions of the Seven Seas (Subsea 7s construction vessel on Block 31) Sea currents that can be varied in both strength and direction at different depths to replicate the currents throughout the entire 2,100m water column Two Hercules ROV systems, each with fully working manipulators and three selectable onboard cameras Real-time FEA package calculating loads on, and MBR of, the flexibles Two subsea winches complete with working line-out meters and load cells.

The simulation FEA calculates the minimum bending radius of the flexible during ROV operations

The on-board simulator uses the existing Hercules 23 control console, with an additional six powerful PCs. A switch disconnects the topside control system from the ROV and changes operations from normal ROV control to simulation mode (this is only done when the vehicle is on deck!).

For further information contact mike.bramley@subsea 7.com

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Mechanically lined pipe extends reach

Subsea 7s ground-breaking development work into the installation of mechanically lined pipe has recently been undergoing further qualification following the worlds first contract award to use BuBi mechanically lined pipe installed by the reel-lay method for the Guar and Lula NE pre-salt project in Brazil. Working in collaboration with BuBi manufacturer BUTTING, Subsea 7 has already qualified BuBi mechanically lined pipe for reel-lay installation for flowlines and low-fatigue riser applications globally as a cost-effective alternative to solid corrosion-resistant alloys or metallurgically clad pipe. We are now broadening the products applications into areas of higher pressure and fatigue applications. Current testing has demonstrated higher fatigue performance to DNV class C/2 at the time of print to extend the applicability of the technology to even greater water depths and more challenging design criteria. The rigorous fatigue testing programme included: Manufacture of three test strings (12 girth welds) comprising carbon steel grade X65 for the outer pipe and alloy 625 for the liner, made up of BuBi pipe sections welded together using the mechanised PGTAW process (see page 3) with alloy 625 filler metal A conservative cyclic bending test or reeling simulation, using a radius of curvature of 7.5m Resonance fatigue testing of the string post-reeling simulation. The endurance of the pipe and its welds was thus confirmed to achieve the minimum target level of fatigue class C/2.

The Welding Institute (TWI) Fatigue Test Rig

The full programme was performed in accordance with DNV Qualification (DNVRP-A203) and was previously awarded the certificate for fitness for service.

S-N curves showing the number of fatigue cycles reached to date on three test strings (RF1, RF2, RF3). No failure of the pipe or liner seal welds has been recorded at the DNV class C.

An extensive NDE validation programme was conducted between Subsea 7 and BUTTING to qualify the inspection technology (DNV) and demonstrate the capacity to detect any minute defects in the pipe end overlay welds and seal weld at the transition between liner and overlay. The combination of the high-quality manufacturing process and inspection technology is fundamental to ensure the in-service reliability of the technology. For further information contact gregory.toguyeni@subsea7.com

Subsea Hydrocarbon Sampling Skid (SHSS)

Following the successful development of its Subsea Hydrocarbon Sampling Skid (SHSS), Subsea 7 is now able to offer clients ROVdeployed sampling from live production wells with zero emissions to the environment while maintaining full isothermic and isobaric conditions. Hydrocarbon samples are required in order to determine fluid chemistry to enable calibration of the subsea flowmeter and potential fiscal allocations. The Subsea 7 SHSS takes a true sample with no need to alter production flow or temperature. It also takes samples from individual wells before they are mixed together at manifold or FPSO, and enables production samples or gases from individual wells to be analysed independently. The skid comprises the following key elements: A number of sampling cylinders allowing several samples to be taken from multiple locations/wells A controlled rate of fill and heating system ensures the sample is taken in an isobaric and isothermal manner. The host ROV provides the skid with power and telemetry. Topsides control is via a robust laptop PC. A heating system maintains the sample cylinders and pipework at a sufficiently elevated temperature in order to mitigate the formation of hydrates during the sampling process and dissolved gases coming out of solution. A fail-safe connection tool ensures the safe shutdown of the sample interface at the well should the ROV experience a vessel run-off or dead vehicle situation. The SHSS is the latest in a long Subsea 7 tradition of developing pioneering high-quality, cost-effective ROV tooling, including a standard range of manipulator-deployed tools, component change-out tools, bespoke intervention tools and skids. For further information contact mick.fowkes@subsea7.com

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Swaged end connection for reel-lay high performance pipe-in-pipe

In collaboration with its development partner ITP InTerPipe, Subsea 7 currently offers the market its DNV-qualified Enhanced Thermal Performance Pipe-in-Pipe system for installation by the reel-lay method. This superior technical solution, which benefits from the combination of Izoflex insulation material in conjunction with a reduced pressure in the PIP annulus section, has recently been further enhanced by the development and qualification of the Swaged Field Joint. The Swaged End Connection has already been widely used by Subsea 7 on J-lay and S-lay PIP projects, but this new concept relates to reel-lay applications. The Swaged End Connection is fabricated by swaging the pipe ends of the outer sleeve pipe, followed by welding to the flowline at each end of the fabricated stalk, typically 750m long for reel-lay applications. The sealed annulus within the stalk can then have the pressure drawn down within the annulus offline in advance of reeling onto the reel-lay vessel. As each stalk is subsequently reeled onto the vessel, the PIP swaged end stalks are fabricated together by firstly girthwelding of the flowlines and the use of welded half shells for the outer sleeve pipe. The Swaged End Connections primary function is to provide the following: A leak-tight seal for draw-down of pressure within the annulus A robust mechanical barrier to act as a water stop in all envisaged water depths in the event that the outer pipe is breached, thus preventing the entire pipeline annulus from flooding A means of mechanical connection between the flowline and outer sleeve pipe that can be reeled. Testing and qualification has focused primarily on the following areas in order to attain DNV Fitness for Service Qualification in compliance with DNV-RP A-203: FEA modelling Simulated reeling and straightening trials Welding and inspection Post-reeling FEA analysis using strain data collated from the simulated reeling and straightening trials Material testing Annulus pressure test
Enhanced Thermal Performance PIP incorporating Izoflex insulation material with reduced pressure and no centralisers in the annulus section Flowline Pipe-in-Pipe cross section

FE analysis

Svalin C reeled PIP

Subsea 7s expertise in high performance Pipe-inPipe (PIP) installations covers full-scope design, procurement, construction and installation, and extends to over 40 successful PIP projects including bundle technology, S-lay, J-lay and reel-lay. Our latest project comprises a 5-inch/8-inch gas lift Pipe-in-Pipe, to be designed, constructed and installed for Statoil between the Svalin C Template and the Grane platform in the central North Sea. The contract also covers the installation of the Svalin C template and manifold, a highly wet-insulated production flowline, and an umbilical. In addition to our market-leading versatility in the installation of high performance Pipe-in-Pipe, Subsea 7 can also install electrically trace-heated flowline (ETHF) PIP solutions by reel-lay or in towed bundles. ETHF technology has been successfully commercialised by Subsea 7 in partnership with manufacturer ITP InTerPipe to combine highperformance thermal insulation with low-power resistive heating elements. Now technologically qualified by DNV for reel-lay installation, ETHF offers a highly efficient means of maintaining product temperature in the most challenging subsea environments.

Sleeve Pipe

For further information contact paul.booth@subsea7.com

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Fleet development update

Subsea 7s industry-leading commitment to fleet development is directly driven by our identification and anticipation of our clients needs for their increasingly challenging subsea field developments. Whether for highly complex deepwater installations, extended Life-of-Field operations or enhanced welding performance, Subsea 7 is committed to working in close collaboration with our vessel-build and equipment partners to incorporate client requirements in the design of new vessels and upgrading of existing vessels. The five new vessels profiled here all reflect, in their different ways, elements of our commitment to deploy a fleet of unrivalled capacity and versatility, and one which offers our clients access to over 40 vessels with the highest standards of flexibility and project reliability. Enhanced vessel specifications like crane and moonpool capacities are designed to accommodate the hardware which we plan to deploy for the future in support of our clients. This is particularly evident in our latest flagship enabling vessel, the Seven Borealis, which not only features world-leading lifting capabilities, but will also incorporate Subsea 7s latest mechanised welding technologies on its J-lay and S-lay firing lines (see pages 2 and 3).

New-build Seven Borealis

With its pipelay and heavy-lift capabilities, Subsea 7s Seven Borealis is possibly the most versatile offshore construction vessel. Its 5,000t crane, with the top of the mast reaching 150m above the main deck, is the worlds largest offshore mast crane. Recent lift tests in Singapore proved its capability of lifting 5,000t. The Seven Borealis joins the fleet in the second half of 2012.

New-build flexible pipelay support vessel (PLSV)

the highest for any PLSV in the world. This high specification reflects the existing and anticipated demand of Brazilian ultradeepwater operations. The vessel is scheduled to have a 550t Tiltable Lay System (TLS) installed, with two 275t retractable tensioners to handle flexible products between 100mm and 630mm outer diameter. The tower can tilt to 10o when operational to recover rigid pipe from the seabed but it can also tilt to 50o from the vertical to allow the TLS to clear power cables across the entrance to Vitoria harbour. The two underdeck carousels will also be of the open-top basket design. The new PLSV also incorporates a number of further design innovations to meet the specific requirements of the Brazilian market. The vessel will be fitted with underwater demountable thrusters which can be removed and replaced while the vessel is afloat.

Subsea 7 has been awarded a contract to provide a 550t top-tension PLSV for Petrobras for delivery in 2014. This top-tension capability gives the vessel Subsea 7s highestperforming flexible pipelay capability in the fleet, and among
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Seven Inagha
Subsea 7 has an impressive track record in developing innovative equipment, and this is confirmed by a new vessel joining the fleet in 2012. The Seven Inagha started her life in 2011 as a high-capacity Gulf of Mexico liftboat. During her construction, she was purchased by Subsea 7 and began her conversion into an extremely capable platform for hook-up operations in West Africa. The Seven Inagha is effectively a vessel with legs, and, unlike most conventional jack-ups, can mobilise to a work site under her own power. She has an impressive lifting capacity with two 295t cranes fitted, and will commence operations offshore Nigeria. With enhanced facilities able to accommodate up to 150 people on board, she will provide utility services and support to hook-up teams on offshore installations. The three eye-catching tubular 97.5m legs have pairs of racks which allow the 36 planetary motors to jack the hull at a speed of 2.4m per minute, elevating the hull to a maximum height of 88m above the seabed in water depths of up to 76m when operating in hook-up mode.

Seven Viking
Due for launch in late 2012, the Seven Viking is designed as a next generation Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) vessel, with enhanced seakeeping qualities and environmental performance. The Seven Viking will enter a long-term frame agreement with Statoil for operations in the North, Norwegian and Barents Seas. The Seven Viking incorporates a number of design features to minimise mobilisation times and optimise transit speeds, most notably an innovative hull shape which offers increased foreship volume and slender waterlines. As well as offering improved seakeeping capabilities (fully operational in 5m significant wave height), this design also provides a larger working deck area, with a raised freeboard and working stations enclosed in a heated indoor hangar to enable IMR operations in rough seas and extreme temperatures. Other innovations which facilitate harsh weather operations include a skidding module handling system to store and move up to eight different modules into the moonpool, eliminating the risk of hanging loads, and de-ice facilities and a strengthened hull for operations in Arctic areas.

Seven Havila
The state-of-the-art diving support vessel, the Seven Havila, which is owned by Subsea 7 and Havila Shipping and is widely considered to be the most advanced vessel of its type in the world, has achieved a world first by simultaneously deploying eight saturation divers from a single vessel. The advanced diving system on the vessel includes a ten-chamber, 24-men fully computerised saturation suite, with a double bell handling system capable of working down to 400m and up to 6m significant wave height.

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Autonomous Inspection Vehicle (AIV) commercialised

Following extensive inwater testing in 2011, the final software systems and design adjustments on Subsea 7s pioneering Autonomous Inspection Vehicle (AIV) have been implemented, and this game-changing technology is now being successfully commercialised. The Mark 1 inspectionclass vehicle is being deployed into customer qualification programmes AIV deployment system during 2012, and the development paths of the next generations of fully capable, work-class sized intervention vehicles are already being laid. A differentiating element of the AIV is its ability to recognise and respond to its surroundings - it will correct its trajectory in real time, based on the information it gathers from its onboard sensors. This level of intelligence and decision-making has had to be de-risked and made as robust as possible, so a powerful virtual reality simulator was used to ensure that every option was identified and assessed. In collaboration with one of the worlds leading underwater simulator suppliers, a detailed specification was developed to allow hardware-in-the-loop testing. The final system, probably one of the most sophisticated in existence, allows the real AIV computational hardware to control a dynamic simulation model of the AIV within a virtual world that contains a full 3D representation of an offshore oilfield. This package provides full emulation of the sensor packages and simulation of the vehicle dynamics operating around representative subsea infrastructure. Although this simulation uses a bank of some of the fastest industrial computers available, it allows AIV missions to be run hundreds of times to ensure that the AIV decisionmaking behaviour is robust. The visual inspection capability of the AIV Mark 1 will lead to more cost-efficient and effective integrity management throughout the lifetime of a subsea field development. As customer qualification of the visual inspection vehicle proceeds, Subsea 7 is simultaneously engaging with subsea developers, industry bodies and field development strategists to explore how autonomous technology can further enhance the challenging subsea operations of the future. For further information contact hugh.ferguson@subsea7.com

New multipass and backfill ploughs

Subsea 7 has recently invested in two high-performance subsea ploughs that will significantly enhance our delivery capability on the burial of trenched pipelines. conditions around the world for large-diameter pipelines, trucklines and flowlines. To complement the VMP, Subsea 7 has also invested in a Backfill Plough (BFP), which redeposits the soil from the VMPcut trench back into the void once the product is laid. The ability to provide a quality backfill with the BFP significantly enhances both the thermal insulation and resistance to upheaval buckling.

Variable Multi-Pass Plough

Backfill Plough 2

Our new Variable Multi-Pass Plough (VMP), as the name suggests, has the capability to perform a number of passes through the seabed to achieve the specified depth. However, where the VMP has a significant advantage over other ploughs is in its ability to alter its cut depth without recovery, thereby reducing operational timings. Another design innovation is the VMPs fore-cutter, in front of the main cutting tool, which enables this plough to function in stiffer soil conditions. The VMP already has a proven track record, completing an extensive variety of pre- and post-cut trenches in varying soil

The ploughs have already been deployed by another recent addition to the Subsea 7 fleet - the highly versatile Skandi Skansen which, with a 250t heave-compensated crane, a 300t A-Frame and a bollard pull of 350t, is ideally suited to support many field installation operations, including ploughing campaigns. For further information contact farquhar.mitchell@subsea7.com

www.subsea7.com
DEEP7 May 2012
Subsea 7, 2012. Information correct at time of going to press.