Flow remediation in subsea environments

Global energy security is an ever-present point of contention and discussion. Whether in traditional oil and gas or new energy sources, operators and the diverse supply chain that supports them are united by one common goal: to secure the infrastructure, technology, processes, and people to deliver international energy demand.

The history of the oil and gas industry has been characterised by innovation, technical excellence, and reinvention. Leadership and collaboration have been crucial to overcoming evolving demands and regulations, and these qualities will continue to be front and centre as we move into a new era of energy efficiency. Although the future of renewable energy is promising, traditional offshore and subsea oil and gas exploration will maintain its position as a foundational resource over the coming years. While leaders in wind, geothermal, and tidal pave the way for a diverse energy future, it’s more important than ever for the oil industry to maximise production capacity and ensure that no source is wasted or mismanaged.

Like any method of energy procurement, offshore and deepwater oil production has serious challenges relating to technology, safety, and the environment. The challenging nature of production within subsea environments requires absolute certainty of oil well structural integrity – especially as demand and discovery lead the industry into deeper wells in challenging environments featuring complex technical demands. Whether a new oilfield ready for production or an existing well facing reservoir depletion, processes to ensure the longevity of a well are key considerations for operators. Without these processes, the potential for disruption caused by blockages such as scale and wax – leading to environmental, asset, and reputational damage – is too great to risk.

Issues facing downhole wells in deepwater environments

Extreme environments

Already an industry known for extracting resources in challenging environments, new oil deposits are increasingly discovered in even harsher and more restrictive locations. High pressures and low temperatures are common challenges within these conditions, meaning that the technology and infrastructure utilised must be versatile and proven reliable to navigate engineering hurdles, withstand the subsea conditions, and survive lengthy oil well campaigns in these remote and often inaccessible settings. The development of innovative technologies can help meet these evolving needs.

Technical intricacies

Regardless of location, the technical complexities within deepwater extraction are challenges that all operators and personnel will face. Reliance on advanced technologies and large-scale machinery requires the utmost confidence and competence from the responsible workforce. Technical shortcomings result in costly delays and safety and environmental concerns because of the logistical challenges involved in production. Operators must consider their approach to maintenance and oil well management for consistent performance.

Costs

Deepwater and subsea extraction is a significantly more expensive process than onshore campaigns. The financial implications of building bespoke and specialised platforms, transferring crew, and securing the equipment needed for efficient production are severe. Investors need to be confident in the economic capabilities of projects and that maximum value is extracted over the duration of the campaign.

Environmental considerations

The impact of subsea production on the environment is a concern. Meeting energy demand while being environmentally conscious and responsible is a difficult balance to strike. As regulations change and operators need to prove they are taking the necessary precautions to avoid environmental catastrophe and achieve net zero ambitions, the impact of production needs to be closely monitored. Therefore, optimising existing oil wells should be a priority to avoid unnecessary production in new locations.

Advanced technologies and a skilled workforce are crucial to mitigating these risks, ensuring operational efficiency and a safe – and trusted – industry.

Addressing deepwater challenges

Challenges come with the territory in deepwater exploration and extraction. Risks to the safety of the workforce, the condition of an asset, or damaging the environment are all critical hazards that must be addressed. Impacting any of these factors could result in significant costs, production downtime, and reputational damage.

To tackle these risks head-on, a holistic and proactive attitude is essential. Strategic planning, an acute understanding of the oilfield, the latest technologies and equipment, and a competent workforce are all necessary to navigate the challenges of deepwater exploration while providing operators with the best chance of success and sustainable energy procurement.

Several actions and initiatives can be prioritised to optimise the performance of a well campaign and address deepwater challenges.

Research and development

Investing in the future of the industry is pivotal, whether that’s the expertise of the next generation of talent or the tools and technologies that they will have their hands on. When the industry supports the development and integration of the latest technologies, it is taking great strides to future-proof the way we work and how we approach evolving standards and challenging conditions. This is especially important when subsea production takes us into inaccessible, harsh, or even hostile environments.

As the demands of oilfields change globally, it’s critical to have the tools to maintain safety, sustainability, and productivity. When viewed in the context of declining production and maximising the performance of established reserves, R&D can help accelerate the widespread use of technologies that maintain well productivity without sacrificing safety or environmental standards.

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Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/special-reports/07052025/flow-remediation-in-subsea-environments/