LIFE EXTENSION

Multi-level support for planning and execution of life extension strategies for existing assets and fields, from FEED studies and IMR tooling to permanent subsea pipeline clamp and connector solutions.

As offshore assets age and approach the end of their original design life, operators face critical decisions on how best to manage their infrastructure through decommissioning, repurposing, or life extension. A core part of repurposing and life extension planning involves detailed assessment of pipeline condition and integrity risks, ensuring continued safe, reliable, and efficient operation beyond original design parameters.

Connector Subsea Solutions (CSS) provides multi‑disciplinary support throughout this process, combining inspection, engineering, and MORGRIP^® technology to help extend the life of subsea assets.

PIPELINE INSPECTION AND CONDITION ASSESSMENT

The first step in any life extension programme is a full evaluation of the pipeline’s condition. This typically includes external and/or internal inspection techniques, many of which require pipeline coating removal. CSS provides complete tooling and operational support for these activities in both deep- and shallow-water.

Where inspection access or coating removal is required, CSS Pipeline Lifting & Handling Frames enable safe and controlled manipulation of the pipeline on the seabed. These systems are designed for use in both diverless and diver-assisted campaigns, improving efficiency and safety during inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) operations.

PLANNED OPERATIONS AND RISK REDUCTION

Once inspection findings are available, planned interventions can be carried out to reduce risk and extend operational life. CSS supports a wide range of activities, including:

• MORGRIP^® Clamp Installation: Permanent structural and leak-sealing clamps installed to reinforce areas of reduced wall thickness or localised damage identified during inspection.
  
• Free Span Correction: CSS Pipeline Lifting & Handling Frames have supported more than 1 000 diverless free span correction operations to lift, reposition or support exposed pipeline sections.
  
• Tiebacks and Spool Replacements: Enabling new production, flowline expansion or the rerouting of existing infrastructure using MORGRIP^® mechanical connectors designed for tieback integration or section replacement.
  
• Contingency Planning: Establishing an Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) around MORGRIP® clamps and connectors, supported by CSS diverless tooling, to enable a rapid repair response to potential failures during extended service life.
  

Proactive planning and installation help mitigate increasing integrity risks as pipelines operate beyond their original design life, giving operators confidence in ongoing system safety and reliability.

TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR EXTENDED ASSET LIFE

CSS delivers fully customised engineering, equipment and tooling packages to support successful life extension in any operating environment and at any water depth.

By engaging CSS early, following inspection or integrity assessment, solutions can be tailored to specific installation challenges, such as vertical riser repairs, bends or constrained seabed locations. Drawing on our track record across some of the world’s most challenging deepwater operations, the combined experience of our engineers and offshore personnel ensures that every pipeline intervention is fully optimised. This enables cost-effective solutions that minimise downtime while restoring and maintaining system integrity.