ABB has partnered with Norway-based Aker Solutions to develop solutions capable of improving efficiency and production of subsea oil and gas fields globally.
As part of the partnership, Aker Solutions’ subsea capabilities will be integrated with ABB’s subsea power and automation system expertise to develop flexible oil and gas production solutions that assist companies to reduce costs.
The companies will leverage their strengths in subsea, power as well as automation technologies to initially develop improved subsea compression systems at lower costs and in less time.
Aker Solutions subsea business head Alan Brunnen said: "This partnership builds on a relationship with ABB that already has a proven track record of developing groundbreaking subsea technology."
"Together we will now further hone our focus on developing technologies for greater and more sustainable hydrocarbon recovery and help customers reduce costs by making existing subsea solutions more effective."
The collaboration will also focus on improving the way production equipment on the seafloor is powered and controlled by applications on shore or platforms. This will enable economical viable production at fields located far from existing infrastructure, with reduced costs.
ABB process automation division president Peter Terwiesch said: "Power and automation are crucial to improving the effectiveness of compression, boosting and other solutions for increasing oil and gas recovery from subsea fields.
"This collaboration is part of our next level strategy to engage in value-adding partnerships and will bring together the expertise and technology needed to help better serve customers and strengthen our subsea power and automation solutions."
The joint venture will be based in Oslo, Norway.
Image: Aker and ABB team up to reduce costs at fields far offshore from existing infrastructure. Photo: courtesy of Aker Solutions.