DeepOcean, in collaboration with TotalEnergies, Equinor, Aker BP, Tenaris and LS Cable & System, has unveiled a new subsea flowline heating technology, FlowHeat, designed to lower both costs and carbon emissions in offshore operations.
The new solution aims to reduce manufacturing and installation costs by up to 35 per cent and carbon emissions by 30 per cent.
FlowHeat achieves this by separating pipeline and heating installation processes, enabling cable installation after the pipeline is laid or within a reeled configuration.
The system is effective over distances up to 30km, extendable to 50km, and operable at depths reaching 3,000m.
According to DeepOcean, FlowHeat addresses one of the key challenges in subsea tiebacks — wax and hydrate formation in cold, deep-water environments — while supporting efficient heating installation using smaller remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
This contributes further to emission reduction and simplifies subsea operations.
DeepOcean technology director and project owner Andries Ferla said: “The patented design represents a breakthrough in subsea pipeline heating, offering significant cost savings, improved efficiency and environmental benefits.
“The key advantages include reduced topside weight, lower power consumption and less complex installation.
“The cable is also repairable and enables real-time monitoring via optical fibre.”
Initial trials have demonstrated successful cable installations over obstacles and long distances, showing high electrical efficiency with minimal topside power demand.
DeepOcean leads the FlowHeat project with support from Tenaris, LS Cable & System, and industry operators TotalEnergies, Equinor and Aker BP, with each partner bringing specialised expertise.
The Research Council of Norway has also provided funding for a pilot test aimed at validating the technology’s real-world performance.
DeepOcean said FlowHeat holds considerable global potential, particularly on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), where demand for cost-effective flow assurance solutions remains strong.
The company expects regions such as Brazil, the US, Africa and other deep-water markets to see more than 300 potential electric heating projects by 2030.
TotalEnergies offshore solutions and technology research manager Florent Boemare said: “After a very important phase progressing from idea to proof-of-concept, TotalEnergies is very enthusiastic to enter in a full-scale validation with this group of highly skilled specialists, for qualification of the technology.
“Together, we believe we can unlock longer tiebacks and access remote reserves.”
In May this year, DeepOcean further strengthened its subsea capabilities by acquiring complete ownership of Shelf Subsea, an independent services company based in Australia.