Wood leads industry’s longest joint industry project for subsea umbilicals risers and flexibles facilities integrity management

Wood is leading the industry’s longest joint industry project (JIP) regarding SURF (subsea umbilicals risers and flexibles) facilities integrity management, SURF IM Network.

Representatives from various companies in the industry recently attended a three-day workshop in Houston.

Adriana Botto, global innovation lead, asset performance optimisation, says: “Today’s fast-paced marketplace requires mutually beneficial partnerships to solve the challenges the industry is facing. While cooperating with other companies in your own industry may seem counterintuitive to competitiveness, it’s not. JIPs are all about collaboration and that starts with a shared purpose, to build a sustainable and enduring industry. By collaborating externally, operators can arrive at a solution in less time, innovate faster and even identify problems that may not be prevalent issues yet.

"Our workshop environment epitomises this approach. At the start of any JIP, members sign a contract with confidentiality clauses in place which ensures that each company feels comfortable and empowered to share experiences. Discussions take place with an attitude open to listening, considering alternatives, exploring without barriers, and sharing experiences and knowledge. During the lessons learned forums, operators often share past failures, which is the cornerstone of trust and transparency."

During the recent workshops in Houston, many of the operators in attendance presented on:

• subsea condition monitoring app development
• state-of-the-art fast ROV (remotely operated vehicle) survey via remote operations
• experience with flexible pipe
• experience with flow induced vibration on XT flowloops
• digital twin solutions
• inspection video library tool
• experience with autonomous/unmanned technologies

In 2020, the SURF IM Network will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. A fantastic achievement and great example of enduring relationships with collaboration at the core.

For more information about the SURF IM Network, please contact Adriana.botto@woodplc.com