Optime, Shell achieve remotely controlled well completion offshore Nigeria

Offshore staff

NOTODDEN, Norway – Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has completed a remotely controlled well completion operation at the Bonga field offshore Nigeria.

Optime Subsea supplied one of its Remotely Operated Controls Systems (ROCS) for the task in 1,060 m water depth.

The ROCS is designed to dispense with the need for an umbilical, used to connect the host platform to the seafloor for controlling the tubing hanger in subsea well completions, and also the topside hydraulic control unit.

This saves costs and reduces the deck space required for these operations.

Last year, SNEPCo took delivery of its first ROCS from Optime Subsea, and this was the latter’s first deployment of the technology in African waters following multiple previous assignments in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Optime Subsea’s operation in Nigeria led the program, with support from personnel at headquarters in Norway.

“To be able to free up valuable deck space immediately after the operation, through shipping the ROCS to shore, is a significant advantage for the rig operator,” said Rodger Hooker, chief service officer at Optime Subsea.

When completing subsea wells, the tubing hanger is placed on top of the wellhead, acting as a seal towards the rest of the subsea well.

Normally the tubing hanger is controlled through a dedicated hydraulic umbilical run from a 20-30 f control container, and clamped to the tubing during running for increased stability.

ROCS replaces these tasks through remotely controlling a controls unit towards the wellhead. The system is mobilized in a single basket, prepared and made up onshore, so that it can be ready to operate immediately once offshore from a rig.

According to Optime, it can be applied to any type of subsea well.

02.27.2024