Recent advancements in subsea boosting technology have significantly enhanced the capabilities of these systems, enabling development of fields in deeper waters with longer distances to potential hosts. These innovations offer new opportunities for economically and technically feasible exploitation of resources previously considered stranded. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for screening business cases for subsea boosting and compression, emphasizing the critical importance of early identification and integration into development concepts.

The methodology integrates equipment definition, advanced simulations, cost estimation, risk assessment, and flow assurance to provide a multifaceted and project-specific approach. By leveraging the latest technological advancements, subsea boosting can now be implemented at greater depths, offering substantial production enhancements.

For early-stage projects with limited data, our methodology employs a simplified workflow to establish boundaries and sensitivities, utilizing analogs to assess the feasibility of subsea boosting. High-level flow assurance evaluations at these initial stages are essential to confirm technical feasibility and economic viability. Conversely, for advanced projects with substantial subsurface data, we collaborate closely with clients to integrate subsea boosting equipment into their reservoir simulation models and integrated asset models (reservoir + wells + subsea network + process facility). This detailed approach ensures accurate representation of pump and compressor performance, considering actual field conditions such as pressure, temperature, and fluid properties.

This paper outlines the comprehensive work process for identifying business cases for subsea boosting and compression through two field development scenarios, demonstrating the fit-for-purpose assessment methodology that enhances overall project success.