Optime delivers two ultra-deep pressure chambers to NUI

As a long leading expert within testing and verification of subsea tools and equipment, NUI makes a new investment in two ultra-deep pressure chambers from Optime Subsea. One 1000 bar named Asterix and one 700 bar named Obelix.

The chambers unique design, with supplied test baskets and parking stands, makes the mobilisation and equipment loading into chambers safe and efficient.

Read more about the delivery on NUI.no, or follow this link: https://www.nui.no/2020/07/02/deepest-and-largest-pressure-chambers-nuis-new-test-facilities/

A beacon in today’s market; Optime’s innovative technology contracted by Aker BP

A beacon in today’s market; Optime’s innovative technology contracted by Aker BP

After years of developing a technology that removes umbilical controlled tubing hanger operations, Optime Subsea have reached the point where they are ready to bring their system into operation. Aker BP will be the first user of a system to increase safety, and reduce operational time, cost, and environmental risk.

The globally dedicated intervention and controls provider Optime Subsea, based in Notodden, Norway, with office in Houston, TX, have established their position as an independent and preferred controls and intervention provider. Their relationship with Aker BP started with Optime’s innovative Subsea Controls & Intervention Light System («SCILS») on the semi-submersible drilling rig, Deepsea Nordkapp, owned and operated by Odfjell Drilling. This collaboration has now been extended with Aker BP bringing Optime’s Remotely Operated Controls System (“ROCS”) onboard this same rig.

“In Aker BP we are continously working on improving our subsea operations, making them safer, simpler and more cost efficient. This contract award will be an important part of this work, as well as acknowledging the continued successful collaboration with Optime. We have identified another breaktthrough technology which will further improve our operations. With ROCS, Aker BP can substantially reduce its completions time and cost by removing the umbilical. We avoid the costly mobilization, increase our weather window, as well avoid unneccessary “Red Zone” work”, acknowledges Mads Rødsjø, Special advisor Aker BP Drilling & Well

Controlling the tubing hanger running tool is currently done through a dedicated umbilical controlled from a large topside hydraulic unit. When deploying, the umbilical is clamped to the riser for increased stabilization. The operation is traditionally time consuming, and the clamping will result in hours of additional higher risk operations. Using the ROCS will significantly reduce the time spent on this operation. Optime’s ROCS offers the same controls functionality to the tubing hanger, without the topside hydraulic unit and without a large, heavy and costly umbilical and controls system.

“Until completing a few runs we will not be able to affirmatively state the total days in savings for subsea well completions, but we are convinced that this system will provide Aker BP and all other operators days, not hours, in savings, for every single well. Although today’s market is hard to predict, we are definitely able to see the future with this system being ready by end of the year – there will be tremendous industry wide cost savings for everyone”, Trond Løkka, Optime’s Business Development Manager confirms.  

Going back to 2015 when the oil and gas industry went through what was at the time one of the worst downturn the market had seen, Optime invested in developing the SCILS, a subsea pump IWOC system being used in various cost reducing subsea intervention applications. This ROCS delivery is now being kicked off in what appears to be the worst downturn in the indusrty to date. Timing for new technology doesn’t seem to be a coincidence for Optime.

“We are a company that grows organically. Although that can be a slower path to success, if we leverage our unique technological controls and intervention expertise, we are able to turn these major industry changing events into an opportunity to help and lead in the new market. Thanks to Aker BP’s focus on technology improving operations, we believe this to be one of those game changing moments for the industry “, Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, Optime´s CEO says.

For further information, please contact:

(Norwegian) Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO Optime, tel: +47 414 60 996 , email: jfc@optimesubsea.com

(International) Thor-Arne Lovland, CCO Optime, tel: +1 832 904 6842, email: tal@optimesubsea.com

Optime Gets New Contracts for Newly Introduced Products

Optime Subsea have secured a large international contracts as a direct result of increasing its product portofolio.

Optime have developed its competence, as well as products and systems, to include topside equipment interfacing to its subsea systems.

In order to control Opime’s existing subsea systems, it will require a cable/umbilical to provide power and communication signals from the topside computer systems, subsea. This cable is spooled on a reel managing both bend and tension, down to 3 000m water depth.

These new systems, the reel and the operator cabin combined with a test hydraulic unit, are now designed and ready for delivery.

Read the full news on Subseanewsworld.com

The design and qualification of ABB, Equinor, Chevron and Total’s subsea control module is complete

Optime Subsea finalizes the design and qualification of the innovative and modular subsea control module as part of ABB’s Joint Industry Program with Equinor, Chevron and Total. Now ABB have completed the 3 000 hour shallow water test successfully.

Any industry change needs a disruptive mindset, technology and culture, someone like … Optime☺️. However, without a champion, someone willing to stick the neck out and actually work with the disruptors, the road is uphill for anyone, large or small.

At Optime we have succeeded trying both and can praise ourselves for the innovation and cost savings brought to the subsea oil and gas industry. But we have to admit there is a world of difference when you have a customer, or phrased in a another word, a partner, who takes that leap of faith. We have proved it several times already, we work with any customer, operators or service providers, delivering lower overall cost, improved technology and in full transparency serve the customer! We are going to be THE PREFERRED independent controls and intervention provider.

Last summer was one of those times, ABB and its JIP partners Equinor, Chevron and Total awarded Optime the contract to qualify a universal control module for their $100M subsea power distribution system; design and qualify the module to requirements within the next 12 months. Of course we succeeded, but through a prosperous partnership with customers and suppliers. ABB have now completed its 3 000hrs shallow water test and we are all ready to take part in another subsea energy transition, one that will significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

“This is a significant collaborative achievement between all the partners of the JIP and everyone in Optime. Now we are looking forward to producing multiple of these control modules to further improve the subsea oil and gas industry” says Trond Løkka, CBDO of Optime Subsea.

Aker BP successfully carries out North Sea decommissioning using cutting edge technology

Aker BP selected Optime Subsea as a provider of well access system and -services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

Optime Subsea’s system, Subsea Controls and Intervention Light System (SCILS), have now successfully completed a two well Plug & Abandonment campaign on Jette field, saving rig time, personnel and equipment.

Aker BP is continously improving operations and lowering costs. After signing the new semi-submersible drilling rig Deepsea Nordkapp, a large, stable rig built specifically for the Norwegian climate, Aker BP announced the long-term lease of Optime’s new subsea hydraulic pump Intervention Workover & Controls (IWOC) system.

Traditionally, the IWOC systems typically have consisted of large 20-ft topside containers with equilly large umbilical and reels, carrying all hydraulics and electrical power. These systems may have a total weight of up to 50T.

Optime Subsea’s SCILS moves the hydraulic control from topside to subsea, resulting in no need for topside container and a dramatic reduction in size of the umbilical and reel. The SCILS have a total weight of 3-7T, depending on the reservoir size and configuration.

To illustrate how the SCILS differs from traditional IWOC systems and operations, Aker BP chose to demobilize the SCILS after its two well P&A campaign on Jette field on the Nowegian Continental Shelf in the North Sea. In preparation for its new completions work on Skogul field, Aker BP will perform the complete interface testing towards the Xmas tree at Optime Subsea’s workshop in Notodden, Norway. This simplifies interface challenges, which normally would be discovered on rig and thereby further saving the Norwegian based operator rig cost and time. This can only be carried out because of the small sized SCILS. It mobilizes or demobilizes in a day, compared to traditional systems requiring 5-7 days each.

Optime Subsea Wraps Up Jette Field Campaign for Aker BP

Optime Subsea has completed a two well plug & abandonment campaign on the Jette field for Aker BP, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

The work was completed utilizing Optime Subsea’s Subsea Controls and Intervention Light System (SCILS).

Aker BP chose to demobilize the SCILS after its two well P&A campaign on the Jette field in the North Sea.

In preparation for its new completions work on the Skogul field, Aker BP will perform the complete interface testing towards the Xmas tree at Optime Subsea’s workshop in Notodden, Norway.

Optime Subsea’s SCILS moves the hydraulic control from topside to subsea, resulting in no need for topside container and a dramatic reduction in size of the umbilical and reel. The SCILS have a total weight of 3 – 7T, depending on the reservoir size and configuration.

“Aker BP continues to search for value creation by exploring new and innovative ways to optimize its assets and operations. We decided using Optime Subsea’s SCILS because it ties well into our strategy of continuous improvement and simplification of our well access operations. Using new technology always brings some risk associated with it, but the integrated planning resulted in a successful execution,” said Mads Rodsjo, VP D&W Functional Excellence in Aker BP.

“We are very proud of how well the operations and one team relationship with Aker BP developed. We have a few more technology developments up our sleeve, but for the most part, our controls and intervention systems are modular and field proven and truly cutting-edge in the industry. We look forward to grow the global supply of SCILS and similar systems” added Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea.

Optime Hyperbaric Chambers for NUI

NUI, the Bergen-based Norwegian independent hyperbaric research and test facility, has agreed to purchase two very large hyperbaric pressure chamber systems, with a working pressure of 700 bar and 1 000 bar from Optime Subsea.

The hyperbaric chambers delivered by Optime Subsea comes with an inner diameter of 1 100mm (43in), a height of 3 500mm (138in) and rated to a pressure of 1000 bar. The second hyperbaric chamber is delivered with an inner diameter of 1 800mm (71in), at the same height of 3 500mm (138in) and a pressure rating of 700 bar.

Both systems will be delivered with Optime’s advanced control system, enabling NUI’s customers the ability to test, monitor and document numerous different environments and scenarios.

“We are very pleased to be able to work with Optime. They have illustrated throughout this process and with its previous deliveries, that their capabilities and systems are of remarkable high quality. Once operational in Q2 2020, these systems will also provide NUI with a unique capability of supporting the European market of testing larger components and systems, for the underwater offshore industry. We decided to procure these high pressure and large size hyperbaric chambers in order to be in the forefront of the technology demanded by our customers. Being an independent provider, we are supporting the most advanced technology developments available, and we see the industry’s focus on exploring technology offshore growing exponentially, whether it is for oil and gas, renewables or other oceanographic research purposes,” says NUI’s CEO Rolf Røssland.

“This is just another significant confirmation that we are able to support our customers in meeting their needs, whether it is subsea or other offshore applications. We are looking forward to continue the relationship with NUI and staying true to our business model, we have already started discussions about more long term support beyond these deliveries,” adds Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO Optime Subsea.

Optime Subsea Supports AKOFS in Equinor LWI Contract

AKOFS Offshore (AKOFS), a company owned by Akastor, has selected Optime Subsea to support the company in delivery of recently secured contract with Equinor.

Optime will support AKOFS in recently received five year light well intervention (LWI) services contract with Equinor on the Norwegian continental shelf.

“We are pleased to award this important part of the delivery to Optime. We see Optime as a new and innovative solutions provider, with the backing of a well-qualified and experienced team,” said Geir Sjøberg, CEO of AKOFS.

“We are a smaller player in the industry, well equipped to challenge traditional solutions to optimize both system and operations, benefiting AKOFS and Equinor. Being a targeted controls and intervention provider, we are very focused in proving our position as the future provider of quality intervention products. We have therefore spent the last couple of years building our own in-house technology to support this growth. Instead of being part of the market changes, we want to drive the changes and therefore find the investment in products such as subsea pumps, small control modules, reservoirs, distribution, umbilical systems, software etc, allows for simpler system solutions to reduce size and cost. AKOFS has been a great partner so far. Through close and detailed iterations, the system we have designed together with AKOFS, will truly optimize the future LWI operations for Equinor,” added Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea.

Startup boom in times of crisis

The four friends in Optime Subsea bet their money and careers just at the time the oil prices drastically sank. In the middle of crisis, oil companies are started as never before.

Last autumn the friends Trond Løkka (43) and Tor-Øystein Carlsen (37) quit their safe and well paid senior positions in the american oil service company FMC Technologies. By new year the oil prices had gone down and down and down. Two weeks into 2015 the provisional bottom at 46,6 dollars per farrels was reached.

The timing couldn’t been worse? No, it could barely been better, according to the innovators themselves.

Times of crisis are the right times

– We saw that the market went down, and with that the opportunity to introduce new technology, says CEO Jan-Fredrik Carlsen (39), who also is the Thor-Øystein Carlsens big brother.

Thor Arne Løvland (37) and Jan-Fredrik came from FMC and into Optime Subsea in May. The four of them stands behind one of six companys which through Techmakers, a so called accelerator, shall get as fast as possible out in the market through a intensive program lasting for three months.

Timing is important, and big brother Carlsen says there are at least four reasons for crisis to be the right time to go for it:

1. Times of crisis give birth to new technology: In 1985 Saudi-Arabia gave up its strategy of pushing proces by holding back production and instead opened its taps. The result became a shock of supply, which in short time halved the oil prices. The result also became a break through for oil recovery done at the bottom of the ocean, rather than from gigantic platforms over the surface of the ocean.

The crisis pushed forward the hole subsea industry. We believe the same happens today, big brother Carlsen says.

Even though oil recovery from the bottom of the ocean can give big savings, it can be very expencive to complete, maintain or to plug the oil well because big oil rigs have to manage the operations from the ocean surface.

The tool which perform the operation at the bottom of the ocean, may be managed through long cables and pipes, often many cilometres long. which is lowered from the vessel to the underwater device.

Optime Subsea’s ide is to sink the hole toolkit to the bottom of the Ocean, and remote control the operation from smaller and cheaper vessels.

2. When the upturn comes, you are on the first track: – If you want to join the upturn you have to be ready, big brother Carlsen says.
To come first out of the starting block when it comes an upturn, depends on having everything in place. Not just a product, but also a range of approvals.

– This can be har to achieve in combination with high activity. We can focus on getting all approvals in place now that it’s quite silent, Jan-Fredrik Carlsen says.

3. When everything goes good, everyone is to busy to build alliances: – Three years ago, nobody had the time to listen to you, Jan-Fredrik Carlsen says.

Everyone were to busy pumping up oil. When it’s quiet, its easier to make partnerships and to get meetingswith the big suppliers.

– Its easier for them then, to listen to small innovative companies which introduce cost effective measures.

4. It’s enough of people looking for a job. – A good team is important, and it is easier to get a good team now, Harald Olderheim says. He is Business Developer in Kjeller Innovasjon, ans main responsible for the Techmaker Accelerator.

The problem: The money. The four founders have bet an annual wage each, in addition to their careers. The company har also gained support from Innovasjon Norge, Notodden utvikling as and Telemark utviklingsfond, and fresh capital when Deep Ocean bought 24 percent of the company earlier this year.

In total, it has become more than 10 million NOK. The company is wishing for 100 millions more to build itself up in a downturning market.

Read more here (in Norwegian).