DNV GL is together with the industry running a joint industry project (JIP) working towards cost efficient subsea processing, called the ‘Subsea Processing JIP’. The objective is to reduce cost in a lifetime perspective and make subsea processing more competitive through standardization and alignment of technical requirements, definitions, work processes and documentation. The JIP participating companies are Aker Solutions, BHGE, Equinor, OneSubsea, Petrobras, Shell, TechnipFMC and Woodside. The project will finish its Phase 2 in December 2018. The scope through the first and second phase has been to develop a Recommended Practice (RP) for Subsea Pumping Systems, which will be published during first half of 2019.

The RP for Subsea Pumping Systems collects and bridges industry standards in use for subsea pumping systems, from well-established documents for subsea production systems, pressure containing systems, material standards and requirements for control systems and electrical power systems, through to more recent developments like API RP 17X for Subsea Pump Module Systems and Subsea Electrical Power Standardization (SEPS). The RP points to which parts of the collection of industry documents that apply for subsea pumping systems and adds specific requirements where this is relevant. It defines design classes and requirements to technology qualification, for more targeted and re-usable qualification. The RP also offers a methodology for increased predictability in witnessing activities during manufacture and testing. Further, an informative part of the document contains educational material and useful know-how on subsea pumping.