Fast-track your subsea project with our cost-efficient and reliable front-end assessments.
Subsea engineering services
Offshore development requires deep technical knowledge, practical experience and a partner who understands the complexities of subsea engineering.
Our team of subsea engineering specialists can support your project from early concept selection and development to engineering, construction, start-up and operations.
With over 40 years of experience, we have delivered hundreds of successful projects, and our proven expertise and vast industry database ensure you benefit from our global track record and domain knowledge.
Subsea experience of
40+ yrs
as independent authority
Involved with
75%
of global subsea tiebacks
Projects totalling
600,000 km
of subsea pipelines
Front-end consulting
Move your project to the final investment decision with confidence.
Achieving successful FID requires in-depth expertise, awareness of supply chain conditions, economic drivers and regulatory constraints, along with advanced engineering processes and design tools.
Our feasibility studies define the ideal logistical and commercial parameters to ensure your subsea project is both viable and optimised for profitability.
Feasibility analysis and early concept studies
We understand the challenges in delivering bankable projects, managing supply chain and technology risks and optimising your subsea project for long-term success. Our studies support your decision-making process to help you quickly determine which solutions are suitable for further development and how to best tie in with existing fields, with minimal expenditure.
Pre-FEED studies
Our team of experts can guide you through the early stages of your project to develop and optimise a concept and basis of design that meets your objectives.
Optimise designs for efficient and reliable operations
Analyse more options and achieve lower production costs with our proven design optimisation methods and SubseaXpert™ solution.

Mitigate technical, financial and regulatory risks
Benefit from our global expertise, deep industry knowledge and extensive experience in subsea project development.
Minimise development costs and assessment time
Get quick and accurate TOTEX estimates with minimal expenditure and risk.
Gain investment confidence with our subsea feasibility studies
Assess the feasibility of your project with the guidance of our experienced subsea engineers.
Our studies support your decision-making process, guiding you through the early stages of development to ensure the profitability of your project:
- Analysing technical, financial and consenting viability
- Ranking options through facilitated workshops
- Managing interfaces between drilling, subsea and facilities
- Securing independent supply chain capacity and skills
- Incorporating the latest technology developments

Find the optimal design concept from a vast array of options
Quickly develop optimal techno-economic solutions with ÌÇÐÄVlog SubseaXpert™
Identify optimal solutions for a range of design basis uncertainties and sensitivities with unmatched speed, accuracy and cost-efficiency, achieving class-4 accuracy at class-5 costs.
- Concept screening against selection criteria such as CAPEX availability and production capacity
- Quick concept development through embedded design apps and system schematic tools
- Engineering of selected concepts as design basis and data are further defined
- Auto-generation of MTOs, detailed cost estimates, datasheets and specifications, enabling quick progression to project assurance and procurement readiness
Due to the integration of analytical and FEA technical applications, our design database, engineering and assurance workflows, we can significantly reduce the assessment timeline and associated cost.

Facilitate smooth project execution with our FEED services
Ensure your project is ready with minimal risks and optimal costs:
- Developing engineering designs and specifications
- Optimising project size, location and layout
- Refining cost and schedule estimates for accurate budgeting
- Integrating specialist technical tools and advanced collaborative visualisation solutions
- Automating engineering design and workflow processes
- Standardising deliverables for EPC tendering
- Ensuring seamless handover to operations

Subsea engineering means minimising risks.
Technical feasibility and design optimisation
Developing an optimal design for subsea tiebacks involves complex engineering calculations and simulations to ensure the infrastructure can withstand a wide range of loading conditions with varying degrees of uncertainty and magnitude.
Our expertise includes specialist subsurface, flow assurance and process, materials, subsea hardware, structures, controls, wells, flowlines and risers discipline pools, within integrated teams to plan and design all aspects of your subsea project.
Our advanced modeling and simulation tools can optimise the design of subsea pipelines, umbilicals and other infrastructure components. We also help select appropriate materials and technologies to improve reliability and performance.
Cost estimation and economic viability
Accurately estimating project costs and timelines is critical for determining economic viability.
Our whole-of-life approach optimses your project for TOTEX (total expenditure).
We develop detailed cost estimates and financial models, considering various scenarios and risks, identifying saving opportunities and providing strategies for efficient resource allocation, ensuring the project remains financially sustainable.
Compliance and environmental impact assessments
Ensuring compliance and minimising environmental impact is essential for obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.
We guide developers through the regulatory landscape, helping you understand and meet requirements.
We also conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies to minimise the ecological footprint of your project.
We can support you from feasibility assessment to FEED, EPCm and operations
Your project timelines are crucial. We align our strategies with your schedule to keep you on track while managing development risks and opportunities.
We can partner with you throughout your asset lifecycle or provide specific engineering analyses to aid project decisions, assist with key design tasks or improve operational efficiency.
Feasibility
Development
Delivery
Operation
ÌÇÐÄVlog advantages
Our multi-discipline knowledge, combined with our equipment cost reliability and technical readiness level database, allows us to benchmark across global projects and refine our approach.
Our risk-focused processes and tech enable us to create more efficient designs up to 20% faster and at a lower cost.
Our ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ solution can deliver the most efficient assessment of potential configurations in record time.
Leveraging our market intelligence and supply chain relationships allows us to optimise material selection for safe and cost-effective production.
We know what works in practice.
Our combination of engineering, digital and domain expertise can support you from analysing feasibility to optimising operations.
Our global teams can deploy quickly to support you from one-off studies to complex, end-to-end mega projects.
A partner you can trust
Our world-leading expertise in subsea tiebacks and export systems is underpinned by decades of proven excellence in capital project development and delivery.
With a portfolio of over 300 successful subsea tiebacks for IOCs, independents and NOCs, we have demonstrated expertise in diverse environments, adapting to regulatory and market conditions to deliver optimal solutions.
Our interdisciplinary team includes more than 1000 experts in subsea, geotechnical, pipeline, environmental and structural engineering, as well as flow assurance, control systems, project management, HSE, cost estimation and economic analysis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your project.
Research and development
Leading the application of new technology on subsea projects.
Global technical experts
Our subsea engineers are experts and thought leaders in their domains, with a strong commitment to research, innovation and knowledge sharing. ÌÇÐÄVlog has supported the development, qualification and use of the new methods and technologies on subsea projects, including for:
- Deepwater and shallow water challenges
- Pipe in pipe systems
- Electric heating systems
- HIPP systems
- Riser systems
- Flexible pipes
- Integrity management
- Flow assurance
- Subsea hardware and control systems
- Hydrogen and CO2 pipelines
Subsea committees, research initiatives and JIPs
We helped develop codes with ASME, API and DNV, and we regularly participate in and lead subsea JIPs (joint industry projects), industry committees and research initiatives, including:
- API SC 17: Chairing and participating in multiple sub-committee 17 task groups for subsea production and intervention systems, assisting with the development and maintenance of subsea standards
- DNV pipeline committee: Providing user input into DNV subsea pipeline code updates
- Cability JIP (cable stability): Creating guidelines for assessing subsea cable stability on rocky seabeds.
- H2Pipe & CO2PipeSafe JIP: Collecting industry best practices and closing knowledge gaps for pipeline design and operation.
- REPLACE JIP – DNV GL: Developing guidance on replacing the hydrotest of gas pipelines
- SEAR JIP (Subsea Equipment Australia Reliability): Sharing operator experience in warm waters and addressing reliability issues to improve component design and reduce intervention costs.
- SURFIM JIP (subsea umbilicals, risers and flexibles integrity management): Improving subsea equipment reliability through collaboration, focusing on SCM reliability, choke valves, chemical metering, control systems, umbilical integrity and data analytics.
- TIDE JIP (Transforming Energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering):
Enhancing understanding of ocean environments, predicting effects on sea structures and managing seabed infrastructure.
Recent subsea feasibility studies and FEED projects
Major NOC, Black Sea
Feasibility study, optimisation and concept development
- Comparison of 32 potential development options by SWOT analysis and risk ranking, with CAPEX and OPEX estimates for top 7 options
- Initial study completed on schedule within six weeks
- Further optimisation studies identified CAPEX savings of up to $15 million
- "One of the best and most detailed concept reports I’ve ever seen." – Client Project Manager

Multinational major, offshore Vietnam
FEED, detailed design, engineering, procurement and construction management support
- Rapid FEED execution to meet 'first gas' date – delivered on schedule and within budget
- Optimised pipeline material design, leading to significantly lower material and installation costs and reduced CAPEX
- Excellent safety performance with one million project work hours without LTI

Global major, Caspian Sea
Long-term engineering and project management services (EPMS) contractor
- Studies and engineering completed on time, including for high-pressure gas requiring HIPPS with fortified zones
- In-country fabrication packages delivered on time despite limited infrastructure, vessels and manufacturing capacity
- Zero accidents or major incident

Speak with a specialist or request a proposal
Common questions
Project timelines and costs
What is the cost of doing a subsea feasibility and front-end study?
The cost of a feasibility study can vary depending on the breadth of scope, project uncertainties and extent of project decisions to be assessed.
ÌÇÐÄVlog's SubseaXpert tool combines early concept development processes with ÌÇÐÄVlog's design applications for system evaluation (CAPEX, OPEX, FA, RAM), detailed design, and project execution. This integration, along with our experience in delivering and operating assets, guarantees efficient and competitive quality solutions at any stage.
ÌÇÐÄVlog can also customise the project scope to meet your budget and project targets.
What is the typical timeframe for completing a feasibility study?
Depending on the scale, complexity and project location, a feasibility analysis can be completed in as little as three weeks or up to nine months for complex mega projects.
Our agile project management practices allow us to deliver feasibility studies within the agreed timeframe, adapting to any project-specific requirements.
With °Â´Ç´Ç»å’s ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ design tool, we can save several weeks from the typical timeline for early-phase studies.
What is the timeline for the entire FEED process?
The FEED timeline typically ranges from three to eleven months, depending on the project's scale and complexity. It includes stages such as feasibility analysis, conceptual design, detailed design and final review.
Which phases of the project can you support?
We can be involved from start to finish and take on all roles, from the conceptual screening phase through feasibility and pre-FEED/FEED. We can provide detailed design, acting as engineer of record and through project commissioning to operation. We can also act as owner’s engineer through all project phases or as independent engineer providing due diligence for project finance or acquisition. In addition, our subsea design, commissioning and operational teams are available to guide, design and optimise your project throughout its lifecycle.
Feasibility study
What is your methodology for conducting feasibility studies?
Our methodology is iterative and collaborative, involving stakeholders at every stage to refine the project scope and objectives, ensuring the feasibility study is robust and reflective of all project goals.
Our structured approach integrates allcore engineering disciplines into a single digital platform.
The early concept phase usually starts with framing workshops to develop strategy and decision maps. Technical studies and analysis are conducted to rank strategies and aid decision selection.
More detailed engineering then proceeds simultaneously on chosen concepts. Parametric designs are carried out in parallel to handle alternative bases and uncertainties, reducing the overall schedule and rework if there are changes to the design basis.
What are the key deliverables we can expect from the feasibility study?
Our feasibility study deliverables include a comprehensive report, an executive summary for quick reference and a digital dashboard for ongoing project analysis.
We also create early-phase design documentation such as BFDs, PFDs, single lines, plant layouts and other documentation required by the client.
What financial models do you use to assess project viability? What is your approach to cost estimation and economic analysis?
Our financial models incorporate sensitivity analyses, scenario planning and stress testing to provide a comprehensive view of project financials.
We provide detailed cost breakdowns, using our extensive database of industry costs and advanced statistical methods to forecast with precision, tailored for the region of your project for a more accurate assessment.
How do you ensure the validity of cost and schedule estimates?
°Â´Ç´Ç»å’s rhi project management team specialises in project cost estimating and schedule development. ÌÇÐÄVlog rhi has supported a large number of global projects, including subsea, topside facilities and onshore) and amassed a significant database of cost and schedule data, which is continuosly updated to reflect current market conditions.
ÌÇÐÄVlog rhi rhiCOMS tools and cost estimation processes allow quick cost and schedule development for O&G projects. rhiCOMS is integrated with SubseaXpert.
How do you identify and mitigate risks during the feasibility study?
Development and project risks are initially identified from ÌÇÐÄVlog's extensive past project database along with associated prevention (inherent safety) and mitigation measures. Subsequent risk workshops are performed to ensure all risks are assessed and managed.
Where needed, we can employ advanced risk modelling techniques to optimise the development of mitigation strategies that safeguard project timelines and investments.
Our risk assessment specialists have access to leading industry data providers as well as our extensive global experience database, allowing us to provide more accurate and reliable risk assessments than most competitors.
How is decarbonsiation integrated into the system development ?
Our expertise in carbon policy encompasses a global perspective and provides businesses and organisations with comprehensive guidance on navigating the intricate landscape of carbon-related regulations and compliance measures embedded in many different regions, including the United States Inflation Reduction Act, Canadian ITC, EU’s RED scheme and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
We specialise in helping our clients understand regulatory provisions and their implications for carbon emissions and assist them in developing tailored strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, stay in compliance and maximise government incentives.
Our team of experienced consultants will conduct thorough assessments, offering insights into carbon pricing mechanisms, emission reduction targets and incentives for sustainable practices.
We also provide proactive recommendations to seize opportunities for emissions trading, offset projects and investments in renewable energy sources, enabling our clients to not only comply with the regulations but also foster sustainable growth and reduce their environmental impact. With our advisory services, clients can stay ahead of evolving carbon policies and make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals and regional policy requirements.
How do you determine the optimal system architecture, layouts and routing?
System architecture is developed from °Â´Ç´Ç»å’s extensive database of previous subsea tiebacks based on the project goals, design basis, functional requirements, largely driven by production performance requirements. The range of suitable subsea configurations are identified and evaluated as described above.
Similarly field layouts are developed based on given reservoir targets accounting for well defined equipment and construction layout requirements and constraints along with external hazards and geohazards. Again °Â´Ç´Ç»å’s passed project experience has been used to develop criteria for determining field layouts.
Flowline routing tools are used for determining optimum routes accounting for bathymetry to minimise spanning and geohazards whilst offsetting such against minimum route lengths.
How do you manage stakeholder engagement and communication?
We employ a structured engagement framework that ensures all voices are heard and considered, fostering community support and project buy-in.
We work hand-in-hand with you to define the critical project requirements and perform regular reviews to ensure project quality and adherence to your contractual standards.
How do you incorporate sustainability principles into your feasibility studies?
When requested, we can conduct thorough environmental impact assessments and integrate circular economy principles to minimise the ecological footprint of subsea projects.
Design and technology
How do you optimise the design of a subsea tieback?
ÌÇÐÄVlog has a custom design optimisation approach for subsea projects. We work with our clients to determine the critical project requirements.
The primary factor in ensuring an optimised design is to ensure the optimum concept is selected.
°Â´Ç´Ç»å’s SubseaXpert and rhiCOMs tools enable the parallel evaluation of multiple concepts and designs against agreed assessment criteria such as CAPEX, OPEX, production performance, HSE, project risks (Constructability, Integrity and lead times) and system availability. These are typically weighted to account for the projects primary drivers. This process ensures that the most suitable concept is selected.
Optimisation of the facilities is then achieved through the use of °Â´Ç´Ç»å’s state of the art design tools that ensure fit for purpose integrity envelope for the facilities based on the determined load criteria and associated uncertainties.
Can multiple design outcomes be generated at the same time for an alternative design basis to manage market uncertainty?
Yes, SubseaXpert has been specifically developed to enable multiple designs to be developed simultaneously eg, a design with flexible flowlines and another with rigid flowlines or different diameters etc. can all be developed at the same time with limited additional effort to developing a single design.
What is the impact on cost and schedule with changing design basis due to market conditions or different reservoir outcomes?
In general, there is limited to no impact on cost and schedule, though this does depend on the extent and timing of the change. Changing the pipeline diameter or various system process parameters (design pressure and/or temperature etc.) even after the initial design is complete will not require any significant rework, and will have limited schedule impact. Increased schedule (and potentially) activity would likely occur where key project decisions with numerous stake holders need to be revisited
How do you develop a fit-for-purpose solution for anticipated supply market conditions and evolving technologies?
components and vessels and equally, we are aware of emerging technologies and new products that may enhance the design delivery. Especially for fast- track projects with drive for earliest production and minimum CAPEX, the system architecture, functional and components specifications are developed to allow the market to propose alternative optimum solutions to the base case solution.
What level of design and execution assurance is provided?
ÌÇÐÄVlog has a rigorous business management system (BMS) that defines and integrates our Quality and Technical assurance processes along with the engineering workflows and project management systems. These define the checking, verification and design / PEER review requirements for each project.
Our SubseaXpert solutions incorporates a large part of the BMS processes. Firstly the system is fully validated, all design data is controlled with a single repository for design data (there are no multiple locations of the same design data). Once any design data is checked and approved (electronically) any subsequent changes will highlight calculations that are no longer valid (an e-mail is also sent to relevant stakeholders).
How is management of change implemented?
Our management of change processes defines the processes for identifying changes, evaluating their impact and implementation activities and identifying and advising all stakeholders.
No changes can be made to approved design data in SubseaXpert without this being flagged (all dependent calculations become highlighted as not aligned with the design basis). Design basis and calculation checking and approvals can be restricted to authorised individuals.
How do you ensure the safety and efficiency of the design?
We ensure safety through rigorous risk assessments, strict adherence to industry standards and the incorporation of fail-safes. With our ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ design tool, we can optimise the size, location and layout of subsea projects to deliver the most efficient design and achieve the lowest production cost.
³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢
What is the breadth of scope covered by ÌÇÐÄVlog and ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢?
³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ currently covers subsea pipeline engineering from concept to FEED and operations support. The solution is being further developed to support the wider subsea systems design.
Can ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ be accessed by clients?
³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ can be accessed by clients through a dedicated PowerBI dashboard which allows the user to view the inputs, methods and results of the various assessments performed.
Is there a cost for ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢?
Yes, but this cost is a fraction of the reduced cost of engineering hours, thereby resulting in significant net savings to the customer. The cost of ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ includes third-party technical applications such as Ansys and Abaqus,) which are integrated with the solution.
Experience and track record
How much experience does ÌÇÐÄVlog have in subsea oil & gas projects?
ÌÇÐÄVlog's track record in the industry is unparalleled, and we bring extensive knowledge and practical experience from both subsea development and process sides.
We have more than 60 years of experience in oil & gas production and 40 years of experience specifically developing subsea projects.
With a portfolio of over 300 subsea projects, ÌÇÐÄVlog has demonstrated expertise in diverse environments, adapting to various regulatory and market conditions to deliver optimal solutions.
What are the technical qualifications of your team regarding subsea development and engineering?
Our interdisciplinary team includes experts in subsea, geotechnical, pipeline, environmental and structural engineering, as well as flow assurance, control systems, project management, HSE, cost estimation and economic analysis.
What is ÌÇÐÄVlog's experience in working with the supply chain for subsea projects?
We have extensive experience navigating the supply chain for subsea tiebacks and export systems, including sourcing reliable materials, managing logistics and ensuring timely delivery of components.
ÌÇÐÄVlog has established relationships with leading material supply vendors, which allows us to keep up with the latest manufacturing capabilities, production timelines and technology developments.
How does ÌÇÐÄVlog control subsea development costs?
We focus on economies of scale, process optimisation and strategic sourcing to reduce costs.
Our ³§³Ü²ú²õ±ð²¹³Ý±è±ð°ù³Ùâ„¢ design tool applies expert-validated models to rapidly find optimal design configurations, resulting in significant cost savings.
Additionally, we explore innovative financing and operational models to achieve competitive development costs.
Client support
How does ÌÇÐÄVlog support clients throughout the project development lifecycle?
We can be involved from start to finish and can take on a variety of roles, from the conceptual screening phase through feasibility and pre-FEED/FEED. We can provide detailed design, acting as engineer of record and through project commissioning to operation.
We can also act as owner’s engineer through all project phases or as independent engineer providing due diligence for project finance or acquisition.
In addition, our subsea design, commissioning and operational teams are available to support your project throughout its lifecycle.
Can ÌÇÐÄVlog provide financial stability and business continuity plans?
As a publicly traded company, our financial health is transparent. We have strong credit ratings and a proven track record.