SLB wins FEED contract from Equinor for electrified subsea production in Norway

SLB (formerly Schlumberger) has announced a significant contract award from Equinor for the front-end engineering design (FEED) of a 12-well, all-electric Subsea Production System (SPS) in the Fram Sør field, offshore Norway. This landmark project marks a crucial step in the fast-tracked global adoption of electric subsea technology, aiming to revolutionize subsea operational efficiency, increase operator control, and notably reduce offshore emissions.

The agreement stipulates that future engineering, procurement, and construction phases will be directly awarded to SLB’s OneSubsea, contingent upon Equinor’s final investment decision. This initiative is a direct outcome of a joint industry project that began in 2018, involving major industry players to foster the development of electrification technology through standardized solutions. This collaborative effort has poised the project to offer significant capex and opex benefits to operators worldwide.

SLB wins a pivotal FEED contract from Equinor to design an all-electric Subsea Production System for Norway’s Fram Sør field, setting new efficiency and environmental standards. Photo courtesy of OneSubsea.

Mads Hjelmeland, CEO of SLB OneSubsea, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, likening it to “creating the IoT for subsea trees.” He highlighted the improved control it offers operators through live performance and condition monitoring. “Electrification is vital to the future of subsea operations in the energy transition,” Hjelmeland said, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have brought this innovative milestone to fruition.

The design for the Fram Sør field will incorporate SLB OneSubsea’s standard subsea tree design, but with significant upgrades including a fully electrified power, control, and actuation system. This advancement will eliminate the need for high-pressure hydraulic systems, allowing operations to reach further and deeper into the sea, thus enhancing production capabilities and making even marginal fields economically viable.

The FEED contract between SLB and Equinor signifies a pivotal advancement in subsea technology, reflecting a broader industry shift towards more sustainable and efficient offshore operations. This project not only sets new standards in the sector but also aligns with global energy transition goals, promising enhanced environmental and operational efficiencies.