In late 2022, a client operating in the US Gulf Coast contacted Oceaneering looking for a solution to rectify an issue with a live pipeline at water depths of 3,600 feet.
The pipeline, still online and with a 28-inch outer diameter, had slipped from sleepers and was resting on another pipeline in the field. We leveraged our One Oceaneering approach, using global resources across business units, to execute the complex and critical work scope and deliver a comprehensive solution that emphasized collaboration, technical excellence, and seamless execution. The project was successfully completed in July 2024, restoring the pipeline to full operational stability.
The client faced a tight deadline to avoid contractual issues and complications related to their pipeline resting on another pipeline.
It was essential that the pipeline was repositioned safely without being taken offline, adding complexity to an already challenging project scope. The task involved considerable challenges, including lateral loads, tight spatial constraints, and the need to ensure the structural integrity of the field's other infrastructure. Removal and replacement of the existing sleepers at extreme depths added another degree of difficulty to project execution.
We leveraged our global resources and multi-disciplinary expertise to deliver a tailored solution.
Two pipe lift frames (PLFs), originally manufactured by Oceaneering in 2017 and stored at our facilities in Houston as part of the client’s contingency repair assets, became the centerpiece of the solution. These frames were rigorously tested to validate their performance under increased loads and were modified to meet the specific demands of this project. The modifications ensured that the frames could handle the pipeline and withstand lateral loads that exceeded the original design specifications.
The engineering team used finite element analysis (FEA) and accelerated testing to validate the equipment’s capabilities and identify any potential issues that may arise during execution. The focus on engineering and analysis demanded around-the-clock support and engaged cross-business unit subject matter experts from multiple locations, including Aberdeen, Perth, Morgan City, and Houston, ensuring swift problem-solving.
The client contracted our Ocean Evolution vessel, chosen for its renowned state-of-the-art design, expansive deck space, and its ability to accommodate the pipe lift frames and sleepers. The vessel’s onboard ROV systems, work class Nexxus and Millennium® ROVs, played a pivotal role in subsea operations, conducting rigging, torque tool operations, and assisting with the precise placement of the new sleepers.
Around-the-clock offshore operations included the following key elements:
During the offshore campaign, the team encountered a significant challenge with the ROV bucket system when one of the pipe lift frames exceeded its maximum torque, causing unexpected binding. This required immediate troubleshooting to avoid delays.
Drawing on extensive expertise, the project team innovatively employed a dual torque tool setup—originally a backup feature of the equipment—to resolve the issue. The team’s adaptability and technical ingenuity ensured the operation proceeded smoothly, exemplifying our commitment to overcoming emerging challenges with practical and effective solutions.
The team completed the full scope within 12 days, demobilizing from site in late July 2024, without incident, ensuring the pipeline’s stability and compliance, and meeting the client’s pressing deadline for reinstating the pipeline to its original position.
The project was a resounding success, and the pipeline was repositioned safely on new sleepers without halting production. The client praised our collaboration, responsiveness, and ability to unite global resources effectively.
The pipe lift frames were demobilized and stored, ready for future deployments should they be required, adding long-term value to the client’s contingency repair assets.
Our ability to combine engineering ingenuity, operational precision, and a client-first mindset exemplifies our role in addressing complex subsea challenges. This case underscores the strength of the One Oceaneering approach in delivering innovative, integrated solutions for the most demanding offshore projects.
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