Subsea control systems have evolved from the complex umbilicals of over five decades ago. Back then, these umbilicals served as the backbone of offshore intervention because they combined power, data, and fluid delivery in a single bundle. Today’s offshore operations demand more agility, safety, and efficiency. This makes traditional umbilicals seem obsolete.
From bulky equipment that eats up deck space to high maintenance costs and safety risks, umbilicals can slow operations and increase downtime. As a result, the industry shift toward umbilical-less intervention makes sense as a smarter, leaner approach that provides the subsea control innovation required for operational efficiency. ROCS (Remotely Operated Control Systems) from Halliburton delivers modular, wireless, and battery-powered control systems that simplify subsea operations. This umbilical-less approach empowers operators to reduce rig days, improve safety, and accelerate well access with no concessions to performance.
Operators gain five critical advantages through the use of ROCS for umbilical-less intervention:
With advanced wireless telemetry, operators gain real-time communication capabilities between topside and subsea components. This provides up-to-date information on downhole pressure and temperature as well as immediate feedback. Redundant controls, multiple downhole pumps, and battery supplies facilitate reliable operation, while digital capabilities mean better decision-making, faster responses, and improved operational oversight.
These umbilical-less intervention systems fit on small rigs and larger vessels. This frees up valuable deck space for other operations or additional equipment. The simplified interface and remote controls reduce the number of people needed on the drill floor. This leads to reduced costs and smoother operations.
Traditional control umbilicals, reelers, and hydraulic power units make up the most expensive and cumbersome components of subsea installations. Umbilical-less intervention replaces them with compact, self-contained modules that house everything from hydraulics and pumps to batteries and control systems in one deployable unit. Operators can prepare onshore, mobilize faster, and reduce the risk to personnel on deck.
The elimination of high-pressure hydraulics and large topside units significantly decreases the risk of accidents and exposure to leaks, spills, or equipment failures for personnel in hazardous zones. Operators use a wireless, remote-controlled system to manage subsea operations from a safe location, often a cabin inside the rig.
When operators need to pivot quickly, modular, umbilical-less systems provide the necessary flexibility. Operators can rapidly mobilize and demobilize them. This flexibility allows operators to adapt quickly to changing operational demands and complete jobs faster. For example, they can fit operations into tighter weather windows and maximize time on the rig.
Umbilical-less intervention represents a transformative subsea control innovation. It changes how operators can improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Today, operators can gain more control over their subsea campaigns without any sacrifice to their budgets or safety posture.
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Halliburton offers innovative subsea safety systems for applications in completion and intervention operations.
