Long-distance tiebacks are becoming more prevalent for subsea projects and present many unique challenges for successful operation. Flow assurance challenges arising from different operational regimes as well a high capital cost for enabling reliable production pose a unique challenge for long-distance tiebacks. A potential mitigation is the use of a pipe-in-pipe system for insulating purposes. The multifunctional pipeline system (MFPS) aims to provide further functionality and flexibility to the pipeline system by utilizing the annulus of the pipe-in-pipe system as an additional transportation line thus, providing the flexibility and added functionality to the pipe-in-pipe system to increase operational flexibility, reduce capex and opex, and improve system availability to drive capital efficiency. The MFPS station can also be used to detect a plug location, monitor pressure on both sides of a plug, circulate hot fluid in the annulus and bypass the affected section. This technology was developed in joint collaboration with Chevron and Schlumberger. This paper will highlight the overall functionality of the MFPS, the concepts that were investigated during the development of the MFPS, and the benefits that each unique concept provides to the overall field architecture.

The downturn has impacted our industry in many ways, not only in terms of budget cuts and headcount reductions but also in changing the way organizations work. The downturn has enabled the creation of novel technologies and efficient development plans such as phased development and early production systems that are transforming the industry, and the increased collaboration between operators and suppliers has been unprecedented. This paper discusses recent technology developments that have and will continue to reshape the approach to phased field developments. For many years, the concept of phased field development has focused on reducing the expense of reaching first oil while planning the development for maximum recovery and deploying technology blocks that enable future add-ons for optimal asset return on investment (ROI). Game-changing efficiency resulting from earlier engagement with customers, paired with the latest technology and tools, can maximize the potential of a phased field development. Using real-world development data as a basis, this paper details how operators can use current technology and tools to enable efficient phased field development. The case study discusses the benefits of using integrated field development and planning solutions that provide operators and suppliers a robust cloud-based collaboration solution for planning and evaluating various field development options and associated cost and schedules estimates at the click of a button. The paper then shows the impact that technology such as all-electric solutions, boosting and compression, pipeline solutions, and modular product solutions can have on the decision-making process for upcoming projects.

Subsea pipelines play a significant role in E&P systems and are often called the lifelines of offshore oil and gas fields. These pipeline systems now cover greater areas and therefore traverse greater distances, go to deeper regions, and use larger-diameter pipelines. These developments present several challenges, including: ■ geohazards due to scarp or canyon crossings ■ multidiameter requirements ■ reduced-diameter risers to interface with large bore pipelines ■ ultra-deepwaters where top tensions become installation limitations ■ piggability of varying pipeline diameters, branching, and materials Most current approaches for these new frontiers rely on stretching the current design and installation practices that involve pushing materials and equipment to their limits, which increases risks and leads to very expensive solutions (high capex and high opex) for developing, installing, maintaining, and operating subsea pipeline systems. A subsea pipeline smart crossing system was developed to be a cost-effective solution that enables interconnectivity of different types and sizes of pipes to address the previously mentioned challenges and simplify subsea field architecture. This paper presents the challenges and constraints for two different field architectures, outlines the subsea pipeline smart crossing solution, and presents its associated technical and commercial benefits that allow operators to optimize their spend on development, installation, and operation of subsea pipeline systems.