Northumberland offshore tech business completes pipeline plough scheme

Northumberland-based Osbit Ltd, the innovative offshore technology company, has completed a major upgrade to DeepOcean’s subsea pipeline plough, to provide the AMP1500 with class-leading capabilities.

The extensive modifications included new pipe shares and upgraded pipe handling equipment, all operated by Osbit’s in-house modular control system.

To meet the client’s requirements, these modifications were carried out within a 30-week lead-time.

To meet this project deadline, Osbit applied its processes and engineering knowledge to design the equipment, which it then managed through its supply chain, before final assembly and testing at the Port of Blyth.

Robbie Blakeman, director at Osbit Ltd, said: “Completing such a comprehensive upgrade to AMP1500 to meet a very tight deadline is testament to our focus on always meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re able to deliver high quality equipment extremely expediently, due to our innovative in-house development and delivery processes, combined with the talent and expertise of our team and the North East supply chain.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in upgrading the AMP1500 and proud of the capabilities we have in the North East, which are built on the generations of engineering expertise and heritage in the region.”

The modifications allow the asset to bury the planned pipeline, and to ensure enhanced operational capability for the plough’s full range of usage, as well as improving the asset’s reliability and ease of maintenance.

The new Osbit control system provides a best-in-class operating environment. Its extensive in-built diagnostics are packaged in a scalable suite of modular elements which can be easily reconfigured to suit other DeepOcean subsea assets, for increased operational flexibility.

Jonathan Edwards, business development director at DeepOcean, concluded: “DeepOcean is the leading pure play subsea services provider, and one of our differentiators is that we have market leading equipment.

“The enhancements we asked Osbit to undertake on the AMP1500 will keep us ahead and ensure that we have the most capable pipeline plough (and backfill plough) spread available in the market - in particular for large O.D pipelines.

“In addition and in line with DeepOcean’s high performance HSEQ culture, the now reduced bollard pull requirement for the plough will allow for a reduced vessel fuel burn.

“We appreciate Osbit’s expertise and input and look forward to exploring future opportunities together.”

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