27 February 2024 – Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has successfully completed the first remotely controlled well completion operation offshore Nigeria.

The operation was performed at the Bonga field, in 1,060 metres water depth. The well completion operation was performed utilizing a Remotely Operated Controls System (ROCS) that has been supplied by Norwegian technology company Optime Subsea.

Optime Subsea’s ROCS eliminates the need for both the umbilical, which traditionally connects the surface to the seabed for controlling the tubing hanger in subsea well completions, and the topside hydraulic control unit. This innovation not only cuts costs but also significantly reduces the amount of deck space required for these operations.

“We are very pleased with the performance of the ROCS. It means that we can perform well completion operations quicker, at lower cost, and with substantially lower CO2-footprint compared to conventional systems,” says Justus Ngerebara. Lead Well Engineer at SNEPCo.

Last year, SNEPCo took delivery of its first ROCS from Optime Subsea and have worked closely with Optime Subsea to integrate the system into its operations.

Using a ROCS means that operators can cut approximately 50 tonnes of equipment from their offshore transportation list, which means substantially lower CO2-footprint. It also means reduced operating time and less HSE exposure on the drill floor. In total, it reduces both CAPEX and OPEX for operators.

Optime Subsea has performed multiple ROCS operations in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico, but this was the first in African waters. The operation was led by Optime Subsea’s operation in Nigeria, supported by personnel from the company’s headquarter 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. We are delighted to bring this technology to Nigeria and very grateful for SNEPCo’s innovative and ambitious approach to subsea well completion operations,” says Rodger Hooker, Chief Service Officer  at Optime Subsea.

Optime Subsea has offices in Notodden, Norway; Houston, Texas; and Lagos, Nigeria. Over the past decade, the company has established itself as a leading specialist on subsea intervention and controls systems globally.

ROCS details:

  • When completing subsea wells, the tubing hanger is placed on top of the wellhead, as a seal towards the rest of the subsea well.
  • Normally the tubing hanger is controlled through a dedicated hydraulic umbilical which adds a large 20-30 feet control container. When running the umbilical, it is also clamped to the tubing for increased stability.
  • ROCS replaces these operations by remotely controlling a controls unit toward the wellhead. This allows for safer, simpler and more efficient operations.
  • ROCS is mobilized in a single basket, prepared and made up onshore, allowing it to be ready to run immediately when offshore, from a rig. Avoiding mobilization of 50 ton + of topside equipment
  • The ROCS is 100 percent universal and can be applied to any type of subsea well.

For additional information, please contact:

Trond Løkka

Chief Innovation Officer |Optime Subsea AS

E: tl@optimesubsea.no| NO: +47 97705528 |

22 January 2024 – Optime Subsea, a leading player in innovative solutions for the subsea industry, has entered into a significant contract with Equinor for the delivery of its groundbreaking Remote Operated Controls System (ROCS). This contract represents a significant step forward for Optime Subsea, who collaborate with operator Equinor and its partner Ithaca on the Rosebank field.

The ROCS system, developed by Optime Subsea, transforms the installation of production tubing in subsea wells by eliminating the need for umbilicals. This results in significantly safer and faster operations while reducing the need for personnel in the red zone on the rig. This innovative approach holds particular value for deepwater fields like Rosebank.

Optime has already delivered multiple ROCS systems and observes that this is gradually becoming a new standard method for such operations.

“We continue to position ourselves by producing up to 10 systems per year to meet the future needs of the market,” stated Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea.

Equinor’s Rosebank field is a deepwater field located west of Shetland in the British sector of the North Sea with challenging weather conditions. This requires advanced technological solutions to simplify installation and reduce installation time.

The planned operation for the implementation of ROCS on the Rosebank field is scheduled for June 2025. This marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between Optime Subsea and Equinor, representing the first ROCS contract between the two companies.

“We are thrilled to have entered into this contract with Equinor and to introduce the ROCS system to the Rosebank field,” stated Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea. “Our technology not only provides increased safety and efficiency but also represents a crucial step toward a sustainable and innovative future for the subsea industry.”

This contract marks the beginning of a new chapter and underscores Optime Subsea’s position as a leading innovator in the industry.

For further media information, please contact:

Anneli Stenman, Marketing & Communications manager | Optime Subsea AS, e-mail: as@optimesubsea.no | Tel: +47 906 35 305.

23 February 2023 – Optime Subsea signed a long-term framework agreement with Wintershall Dea regarding rental of the technology company’s remote-controlled subsea well completion and intervention systems.

Under the scope of the agreement, Wintershall Dea will rent three Remotely Operated Controls System (ROCS) including its universal landing string system (panpipe), and two wireless electric subsea control and intervention systems (eSCILS) from Optime Subsea. The latter will also provide technical service personnel to support Wintershall Dea’s operations.

The framework agreement is valid for a firm period of three years plus two additional two-year options (3+2+2). If both option periods are exercised, Optime Subsea estimates that the contract could generate total revenues of around NOK 500 million.

 

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea.

“This contract manifests our position as the leading global supplier of
remote-controlled well completion and intervention systems. Our solutions are
tailored to simplify subsea, entailing less equipment offshore, lower weight,
less logistics, lower HSE risk, lower emissions and lower costs. We look
forward to supporting Wintershall Dea in achieving this,”
says Jan-Fredrik
Carlsen, CEO at Optime Subsea.

Wintershall Dea will utilize the ROCS and eSCILS equipment at its operated fields on the Norwegian continental shelf. 

ROCS and eSCILS

The ROCS is a fully battery-powered and umbilical-less system for well-completion operations. ROCS eliminates the need for the costly and heavy umbilical that normally runs from the topside to seabed to control the tubing hanger during completions, which also means that a large topside hydraulic unit is not required. In total, this avoids mobilization of approximately 50 tonnes of topside equipment. Further, ROCS is mobilized in a single basket, prepared and
made up onshore, allowing it to be ready to run immediately when offshore, from
a rig. In addition, the ROCS will be supplied with Optime Subsea’s universal landing string system (Panpipe), capable of being sheared and sealed on all its length.

The eSCILS is a battery-powered and umbilical-less subsea access device for well interventions and workover operations. eSCILS is lowered down to the seabed next to the well and can be connected to any type of subsea tree. A computer is all that is needed for a topside control system, no additional rig equipment is needed. With a footprint as little as 3,5 x 2,5 meters, eSCILS can be transported to and from the rig on a ship and be mobilized and demobilized in one day. As a result, operations can be done significantly safer, faster, and more cost-efficient than conventional solutions.Optime Subsea will manufacture all equipment at the company’s headquarter in Notodden, Norway.  

10-system series

In 2022, Optime Subsea made an upfront three-figure NOK million investment to build ten similar ROCS systems. A North Sea operator ordered the first two systems, a West African operator the third, and now Wintershall Dea has secured the next three.

“The decision to make such a large upfront investment was based on our market position and interest received from operators globally, plus an attempt to manage supply chain constraints. Looking back, it was obviously an ambitious but smart decision. We expect to close contracts for the remaining four systems during the next six months,” adds Jan-Fredrik Carlsen.

Optime Subsea has offices in Notodden, Norway, and Houston, Texas. Over the past five years, the company has established itself as a leading specialist on subsea intervention and controls systems globally.

 

For further media information, please contact:

Anneli Stenman, Marketing & Communications manager | Optime Subsea AS, e-mail: as@optimesubsea.no | Tel: +47 906 35 305.

How often do you have the chance to be part of creating a company and shaping an industry? 

Optime Subsea is a leading specialist on subsea intervention and controls systems globally. Our technologies have drastically changed how operators solve their subsea challenges. As our company is expanding both in Norway and internationally, we are searching for more people to join our team.

Now we have several vacant positions with our innovative subsea technology company. We have five vacant positions with our Houston office, in Texas, US. 

To read more and apply for the various roles, please click the link in the individual brief job description below.

 

Operations Manager in Houston
As an Operations Manager at our Houston office in Texas, you will be responsible for the planning of onshore and offshore operations and work with the Project Manager to ensure projects are executed successfully. You will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies and goals, and for coordinating operations to obtain optimum use of equipment, facilities, and personnel to meet customer needs. As Operations Manager, you will be the main point of contact for all offshore queries and support.

Read more about the position as Operations Manager and apply →



Service Engineer (TSP) in Houston
As a Service Engineer at our Houston office in Texas, you will be responsible for the maintenance, testing and operation of Optime Subsea equipment during offshore operations. You will also be responsible for executing work related to mobilization and de-mobilization of Optime Subsea equipment, as well as work on Optime Subsea equipment in between offshore operations.

Read more about the position as Service Engineer (TSP) and apply →



Offshore Operations Supervisor in Houston
As an Offshore Operations Supervisor at our Houston office in Texas, you will be responsible for operating and managing Optime Subsea equipment and crews during offshore operations. You will also be responsible for coordinating and organizing Optime Subsea activities during mobilization and de-mobilization. You will be the main point of contact for non Optime Subsea personnel and clients to coordinate operations.

Read more about the position as Offshore Operations Supervisor and apply →



Sales and Business Development Manager in Houston
As a Sales and Business Development Manager at our Houston office in Texas, you will lead the Sales and business Development effort and have the responsibility of setting and executing sales and growth strategies. You will develop relationship with existing and new customers, and discover and explore new markets and concepts.

Read more about the position as Sales and Business Development Manager and apply →



Project Manager in Houston
As a Project Manager at our Houston office in Texas, you will be responsible for successful development and execution of onshore and offshore projects, ensuring that the project plan meets both internal and contractual project requirements. The position interfaces with operations and engineering to plan and execute operations and field deployment of products. As a Project Manager, you will control the progress of the project while keeping relevant stakeholders informed and ensures risk and QHSE concerns are mitigated.

Read more about the position as Project Manager and apply →

 

General application

We constantly need new employees. Do we not have a current position for you at the moment? Please, send us a general appliciation.

From 29 August to 1 September, Optime Subsea will participate at the ONS conference in Stavanger, Norway. 

ONS (short for Offshore Northerns Seas), is a biennial event which started in 1974, and today is a key meeting place for the energy industry.

Continuously developing, ONS represents a series of activities around the world, and assembles high-profile decision-makers as well as global influencers who are engaged in the world’s energy discussions.

During the ONS event, more than 65 000 visitors from around 100 countries gather in Stavanger. Optime Subsea will participate at the event, proudly displaying our Downhole Safety Control Module (DHSCM) in hall 7, stand no. 7255. 

We will also introduce you to our Remotely Operated Controls Systems (ROCS) and our latest invention, the Subsea Controls & Intervention Light System (SCILS).

Want to meet up during ONS 2022?

Contact: post@optimesubsea.com and we’ll be in touch.

See you in Stavanger!

Erlend is now working as a full-time project engineer at Optime Subsea. He started his career at Optime Subsea during his studies at USN Kongsberg. Erlend studied Systems Engineering, specialized in Software. The young engineer has already been a key contributor to the development of the mSHPU, SCILS and ROCS products. He has lent his talent over the whole stack, from driver-development, through controls-engineering, and to the top layer of human machine interface.

I was wrong.

– In 2011 I was offered to play for NFK – Notodden Fotball Club. I lived in Trondheim, one of Norway`s biggest cities and I saw myself as a city boy. I hesitated and was slightly negative when I moved to Notodden. My opinion of this small town was that there was nothing to do. My initial plan was, therefore, to return to Trondheim, Trøndelag.

Can you tell us what made you change your mind?

– After a while I realized that Notodden had the whole package. The city is surrounded by astonishing nature and had a lot of activities. Notodden is simply an idyllic place to live with its good reach to more central areas like Drammen, Oslo, Skien and Porsgrunn. Since my partner is from Notodden and I now work at Optime Subsea, I find my life here enjoyable.

As you enter the door at Optime, you get the opportunity to set your mark.

Erlend

Why did you want to work at Optime Subsea?

– When I got hired as a software engineer, Optime was smaller than today. I immediately experienced the Optime spirit, drive and commitment that has brought us to where we are today. My ambitions were heard and acknowledged from the first day, and I was given room for creativity. Optime is intentional when hiring, and it is all about finding just the right people. In this way Optime takes care of the culture, that which contributes to the success of the company. With Optime, you have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to its further development. 

Freedom and creativity

– In my role as a software engineer at Optime I work closely with other people and disciplines. From start to finish, you gain essential knowledge as a participating part in different projects. It is the opportunity to develop myself and the company that keeps me thriving. Optime does not put you in chains, but instead gives you flexibility and freedom.

  • Optime Subsea`s mission is to be the market leader in subsea intervention and control systems. Our mission is to be the leading provider of systems for subsea intervention and control, within the oil and gas industry. We will accomplish this by continuous innovation, with focus on productivity, modularity, and optimization – always to and for our customers.

As a Software Engineer, you might have prejudiced thoughts of the industry

The oil – and gas industry is not known for being a forward – leaning industry within software.

In Optime we want to be innovative in everything we do. Our slogan “We simplify subsea” permeates everything we work with, and together as a company we strive to break limits continuously. It is evident in our projects like ROCS and SCILS where this is demonstrated. Both projects that needed electronics, and software knowledge to make the control system.

If you are a software engineer and thinking about working at Optime – I have one advice; leave an application!

Optime are innovators in the industry, and I can guarantee you will find this journey an enriching one to be a part of.

Erlend

Exciting Projects as a Software Engineer

– NUI was exciting because it was my first project. The responsibility I was given from the beginning made me have to trust myself and believe in my decisions. These projects leave you with experience and pride. By taking part in processes like these and working through them from start to finish, you gain an understanding of planning, execution, and the context.  

ROCS is high-level innovation within oil and gas. I got to be a part of this project from start to finish. Out on operation, it was amazing to see the result of every hour and day of work.

Using the new technology was a real success!

Your attitude is important!

– The only thing I look for when hiring is attitude. For us, this means being eager to learn and not shying away from responsibility.

Optime will further innovate the industry with its disruptive technology. If we are to innovate the industry and maintain the pressure with new ideas, we also have to innovate ourselves – become better. It is a prerequisite that we hire different types of people; To ensure diversity and good questions.

Are we too similar, then we will not be innovative enough.

Erlend

Erlend – Outside Optime

– I am very fond of staying active. Before covid hit, I played football, as well as skiing. I am always active, no matter what the season is. Having moved to Notodden, we now have access to a lot of great opportunities and offers throughout the year.

– The fact that Optime able to dissuade me of moving back makes my partner very happy. As am I to this day. And as a father I am not interested to live anywhere else but right here. We are very happy, and we are looking forward to establishing at Notodden.

Optime became the anchorage for Notodden and the reason why we have established ourselves here.

Erlend

29 June 2022 – Aker BP has contracted Optime Subsea to deliver two Remotely Operated Controls Systems (ROCS). 

In February last year, Aker BP completed its first subsea well completion operation using ROCS on the Ærfugl field. The company has since then successfully run the ROCS on six more wells, without any down time.

“Our own analyses show significant benefits of applying the ROCS instead of a traditional system when completing subsea wells. We have reduced our operating time, hence reducing the weather window requirement, we see less HSE exposure on the drill floor, have lowered our CO2 footprint and through digitalization we have removed 45 tons of surface equipment. In sum a great simplification and improvement of our subsea operations, in line with our strategy,” says Mads Rødsjø, VP D&W Operations at Aker BP. 

This has resulted in Aker BP ordering two new, second-generation ROCS from Optime through a period of three years, with additional two years as options. 

The second-generation system will come with a new stand-alone communication system for even greater rig flexibility and efficient operations. In addition, both systems will be supplied with Optime`s new universal landing string system (Panpipe), capable of being sheared and sealed on all its length. In sum, this position Optime as a complete service provider in this segment.

Two out of ten

The Aker BP order follows Optime Subsea’s decision earlier this year to invest a three-figure NOK million amount in building ten similar ROCS systems. 

“We know that our ROCS technology is a vehicle to significantly reduce operators’ costs and carbon footprint. The decision to make the upfront investment in ten systems was based on our market position and the interest received from operators globally, as well as global market disruptions including supply chain constraints. We are delighted that Aker BP, who has been crucial in the successful development and testing of ROCS, has placed an order for two systems,” says Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea. 

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO of Optime Subsea. 

Time and cost saver

Optime Subsea’s ROCS eliminates the need for the costly and heavy umbilical that runs from the topside to seabed to control the tubing hanger during completions of subsea wells. More importantly, the ROCS limits the health and safety concerns using a large topside hydraulic unit, with risk of damaging personnel and environment. 

“Our ROCS is 100 percent universal, with a proven track record in reducing cost as well as health, safety and the environmental risks. It can be utilized by any subsea field operator worldwide and immediately return these benefits to the operators,” adds Jan-Fredrik Carlsen. 

Notodden, Norway

The equipment will be manufactured and assembled at Optime Subsea’s headquarter and main manufacturing site at Notodden, Norway, and then supplied to Aker BP in Norway.

Optime Subsea has not disclosed the value of the contract. 

Optime Subsea has offices in Notodden, Norway, and Houston, Texas. Over the past five years, the company has established itself as a leading specialist on subsea intervention and controls systems globally.

ROCS details:

  • When completing subsea wells, the tubing hanger is placed on top of the wellhead, as a seal towards the rest of the subsea well.
  • Normally the tubing hanger is controlled through a dedicated hydraulic umbilical which adds a large 20-30 feet control container. When running the umbilical, it is also clamped to the tubing for increased stability.
  • ROCS replaces these operations by remotely controlling a controls unit toward the wellhead. This allows for safer, simpler and more efficient operations.
  • ROCS is mobilized in a single basket, prepared and made up onshore, allowing it to be ready to run immediately when offshore, from a rig. Avoiding mobilization of 50 ton + of topside equipment

(ENDS)

For additional information, please contact:

Gunn Tove Aarbakk, Business Development & Marketing, Optime Subsea, tel: +47 908 20 144, e-mail: gta@optimesubsea.com

«Optime Subsea has proven that they are capable of “simplifying subsea” with their disruptive technology. I am looking forward to continue our mission in developing technology, and focus on delivery to our customers worldwide. I am excited and humble to join this great team.

Kjetil Andre Dalheim

Optime Subsea continues to grow and we are further strengthen the management team in Norway. We are excited to introduce our new Chief Operations Officer, Kjetil Andre.

Optime Subsea mission is to be the market leader in subsea intervention and control systems. Our mission is to be the leading provider of systems for subsea intervention and control, within oil and gas industry. We will accomplish this by continuous innovation, with focus on productivity, modularit, and optimization – always to and for our customers.

Kjetil Andre has a broad and diverse background, starting within banking and finance before moving into Oil & Gas and project management. He brings with him more than 10 years of experience within Oil & Gas as Project Manager and Portfolio Manager. Main area has been Well access tooling. His last position involved Merger and Acquisitions work in addition to Project Management. 

We look forward to the continued growth our team will see under this new leadership. We hired Kjetil Andre with careful consideration in protecting our culture and we believe he will be a great addition to our team. His main drive is to develop people and organization. Kjetil Andre`s strenght is his ability to make decisions and create motion. Core value is integrity and people first. 

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen

Optime Subsea continues to expand, we are ramping up! Optime Subsea continues to attract top talent.

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our leadership team through the appointment of Colin Nicol as our General Manager

Optime Subsea mission is to be the market leader in subsea intervention and control systems. Our mission is to be the leading provider of systems for subsea intervention and control, within the oil and gas industry. We will accomplish this by continuous innovation, with focus on productivity, modularity, and optimization – always to and for our customers.

Colin Nicol will join our Senior Management team and report to our CEO Jan-Fredrik Carlsen with a core focus on developing our Optime Subsea Services INC. Working alongside with our customers and do the preparation for offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

The future of Optime Subsea Service INC is to expand the sales and marketing business to include an operations service group with the ability to support onshore and offshore operations and will include both, local engineering support and field service personnel team.

Optime Subsea Services INC is in the middle of a strategic asset delivery plan to supply our SCILS and ROCS technology to the GOM market. 2 SCILS systems have been delivered to date with 2 ROCS systems to follow. The ROCS system will be ready for operations in the first half of 2022. Most of these assets are being delivered to the international partnership alliance between Halliburton and Optime Subsea, with operations supported jointly by both parties.

“Colin brings with him significant experience within the Oil and Gas subsea sector covering a career in engineering, project execution, operations management, business development as well as business and commercial strategy. Colin has been involved in or responsible for the delivery and commercialization of existing and new technologies into global markets. Along with his experience, Colin has shown that he has the right core values that are at the heart of Optime.  I’m certain we have the best qualified man for the job! I look forward to working together with Colin and have him as a part of my Senior Management Team.”

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO