Programme details

For the last 10 years Statoil have been developing a new concept for performing subsea Hot Tap operations remotely controlled. The system was first used offshore in 2008
during a partly diver assisted operation, connecting the Tampen Link pipeline to the Statfjord Intrafield pipeline.
In July 2009, the Hot Tap System successfully performed two remotely controlled Hot Taps, on a world record depth of 860 meters on the Ormen Lange field operated by Shell. The Hot Tap technology enables existing pipeline
architecture to be modified, without interfering with the
current production. Most of the technology is depth
independent and the system is currently qualified to 1000 meter depth. Phase II of this project which involves development and construction of a retrofit Tee, thus enabling installation and welding of a Tee on an unprepared pipeline is well underway.

This presentation will describe experiences from the development of the Remote Hot Tap system and give an overview of the offshore operations leading to the
conclusion of the world’s deepest Hot Taps.