Aker BP selects Optime Subsea as well access system provider

Norwegian oil company Aker BP has selected Optime Subsea as a provider of well access system and services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) for the next two years, with extension options.

The well access system that is part of the long-term contract is Optime Subsea’s “Subsea Controls and Intervention Light System” (SCILS).

Optime Subsea’s CEO, Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, said: “This is a milestone for us, and with Aker BP choosing us as their partner, it shows the industry what our system is actually capable of offering.”

Aker BP will in the next two years use Optime Subsea’s SCILS and related services for its well access operations on the NCS. The system is being deployed this spring on Aker BP’s Jette as part of the plug and abandonment operations and Skogul for its installation campaign.

Mads Rodsjo, VP D&W Functional Excellence in Aker BP, stated: “Using Optime Subsea’s SCILS ties well into our strategy of continuing improvement and optimization of our well access operations. The SCILS offers both cost savings and improved safety in mobilization, operation and customization towards our subsea wells.”

The value of the contract is confidential, but according to Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, it is a catalyst for the company: “Aker BP and similar operators are often the driver for introducing new and more optimized technology in our industry. So without disclosing a dollar amount, the value is substantial for Optime Subsea. I would go as far to say it is a milestone for all such well access operations throughout the industry.”

Optime Subsea for the first time announced SCILS as a system to help optimize the future of well access operations at the Norwegian oil and gas conference, Subsea Valley, in 2017.

On the same conference the following year, SCILS was revealed as a solution. In 2019 the SCILS will be in operation.

Jan-Fredrik Carlsen said: “The advantages found in this system are modularity and standardization. We have therefore already started building similar SCILS, which are ready this summer. We believe these systems will support global operators similar to Aker BP, as well as it contributes to improving our collaboration with the larger international system service providers.”