A consortium of leading energy companies — including TotalEnergies, Equinor, Aker BP, DeepOcean, Tenaris, and LS Cable & System — has launched an industry collaboration to commercialize FlowHeat, a next-generation subsea flowline heating system designed to enhance flow assurance and lower emissions in deepwater developments.
The joint industry project (JIP), led by DeepOcean, introduces a patented heating solution that allows power cables to be installed after pipeline lay or integrated within reeled pipelines. This approach can reduce manufacturing and installation costs by up to 35% and cut carbon emissions by 30%, while improving operational efficiency and extending tieback distances.
FlowHeat: Simplifying subsea heating
Subsea tiebacks are essential for connecting remote wells to existing infrastructure, but long-distance flowlines in deep and cold environments often face challenges related to wax and hydrate formation. The FlowHeat system addresses these issues by simplifying installation, reducing topside complexity, and enabling real-time monitoring via fiber-optic communication.
“The patented design represents a breakthrough in subsea pipeline heating, offering significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and environmental benefits,” said Andries Ferla, DeepOcean’s Technology Director. “FlowHeat provides reduced topside weight, lower power consumption, and a repairable cable design that enhances long-term reliability.”
Capable of operating over distances up to 30 km — and potentially extending to 50 km — in water depths reaching 3,000 meters, FlowHeat is optimized for long subsea tiebacks. The technology’s flexibility also allows deployment using smaller remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), further improving logistics and reducing vessel time.
Global applications and market potential
TotalEnergies’ Offshore Solutions and Technology Research Manager, Florent Boemare, said the project’s next phase will include full-scale qualification testing. “We believe this technology can unlock longer tiebacks and access to remote reserves,” he noted.
The FlowHeat concept has already completed successful small-scale and thermal trials, demonstrating reliable cable installation, high electrical efficiency, and low power demand.
According to the consortium, global potential for electric heating solutions is expanding rapidly, with more than 300 potential projects identified worldwide by 2030. The system’s cost efficiency and environmental advantages are expected to generate strong demand in regions such as the Norwegian Continental Shelf, Brazil, the United States, and West Africa.
Industry collaboration
Each partner brings specialized expertise to the project:
- DeepOcean – Project owner and subsea services provider, overseeing engineering and installation innovation.
- Tenaris – Developer of advanced thermal insulation coatings to improve flowline efficiency and reduce maintenance.
- LS Cable & System – Supplier of high-voltage and optical subsea cables for long-distance heating systems.
- TotalEnergies, Equinor, Aker BP – Providing offshore domain expertise, infrastructure, and investment for field deployment.
The project is supported by the Research Council of Norway, which has granted funding to enable pilot testing under real operating conditions.
Picture: Andries Ferla, DeepOcean’s technology director
Source: worldoil.com