This new modular system offers a containerised approach to subsea pumping applications
A newly developed modular subsea pumping and fluid handling system—referred to as SubComm—has been designed by OceanOne to address several persistent challenges in offshore operations. With a focus on minimising vessel time, improving safety, and enhancing flexibility, the system introduces a standardised, containerised approach to subsea pumping tasks such as pigging, barrier verification, leak testing, flushing, and fluid retrieval.
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND CAPABILITIES
The system is built on DNV 2.7.3-certified 25-foot ISO container frames, allowing for road transport and rapid mobilisation to vessel. Its modular design enables tailored configurations for a range of operational requirements, using interchangeable components such as:
• Power and control modules, equipped with high-capacity pumps capable of handling both high-flow, low-pressure and low-flow, high-pressure conditions
• Reservoir modules compatible with various liquids, including monoethylene glycol (MEG), methanol, and diesel
• Filtration and manifold modules for clean, controlled fluid delivery
Designed for permanent subsea deployment, the system eliminates the need for surface return lines – reducing deck footprint and removing the risk of fluid return to topside. Rated for use at depths up to 3,000 meters (configurable to 4,000 meters), the SubComm system is suited for both shallow and deepwater environments. All operations are remotely managed via ROV, which interfaces with the unit for control, actuation, monitoring, and logging –eliminating the need for surface-based intervention.
INLINE INSPECTION SUPPORT
In a recent offshore campaign involving inline inspection pigging of a subsea pipeline, followed by chemical injection into a producing line, the modular system was used to streamline pig launching and fluid handling tasks. It was configured with various pump types to support leak testing, barrier verification, pigging, and injection operations. SubComm was also equipped with MEG and chemical storage modules to support fluid handling demands.
Because the system does not rely on surface return lines, it eliminates the risk of hydrocarbons returning to deck – removing the need for break-away systems and increasing overall safety.
The unit was deployed to the seabed at the start of the campaign and remained subsea throughout the operation, avoiding repeated recovery and redeployment. This allowed the team to continue working in sea states that would typically interrupt operations using conventional downline systems. According to operational records, the tasks were completed within the planned timeline, and vessel days were significantly reduced.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND TECHNICAL OUTCOMES
Key features contributing to system performance included:
• Compact footprint, allowing integration into limited deck space without additional infrastructure
• Subsea permanence, improving schedule adherence even in rough weather
• ROV operability, enabling remote control of valves, pressure management, and system monitoring
• Modular scalability, suitable for short-duration and multi-phase projects
• Enhanced safety, by removing surface fluid returns and reducing drift-off-related risk
The system’s design supports subsea continuity, safe fluid handling, and rapid mobilisation. By eliminating surface return infrastructure, it also minimises topside contamination and unplanned discharges.
MODULARITY IS KEY
The SubComm system demonstrates how a modular, ROV-operated, and subsea-persistent approach can improve offshore fluid handling operations. With its transportable design, configurable layout, and extended depth rating, it offers a technically robust and operationally efficient alternative to conventional topside-reliant equipment.
Evy Ann Sola is commercial manager at OceanOne:
