Subsea controls architectures have been traditionally based on large size project-specific umbilicals integrating hydraulics, data, power, and chemicals.

The submarine telecom industry has a unique expertise an extensive track record of delivering highly reliable, long reach, standardized solutions for DC powering transport and Fiber Optic communication.

Leveraging on this expertise, a new cost-effective subsea control infrastructure solution has been developed in partnership with Equinor, based on reliable super-structural and standardized DC subsea power and optical fiber communication cable network, so-called DC/FO™ system.

This innovative solution offers following key advantages:

• The same standard cross section can be used regardless of tie back length or power consumption demand
• Extensions at sea, with standardized jointing technology, simplifying new prospects tie-back and enabling phased development,
• Open platform, connecting any Subsea Production System supplier equipment for electrical power and communication interfaces; Virtually unlimited reach beyond 300km.
• Large 100kW power supply capability enabling for new applications such as resident (UID™) Underwater Intervention Drone recharge and All-Electric trees, allowing further downsizing and cost reduction of legacy umbilical cross-section with the removal of hydraulic tubes.

A DC/FO infrastructure can deliver additional value to the operator: in particular fiber sensing services (in-well monitoring, assets integrity, reservoir monitoring, pipe monitoring, etc.) integrating ASN’s (Alcatel Submarine Networks) OptoDAS (Distributed Acoustic Sensing) or connecting to optical fiber transmission cable to shore.

The DC/FO solution is contracted by Equinor for Johan Castberg, Breidablikk, Northern Lights CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) developments.