The situation
Subsea pipelines are high-value assets with defined service lives. Over time, damage can occur due to ageing, external impact, trawling, anchors or other events. When a pipeline has a leak, damage or reduced integrity, the operator must act to preserve safe operation.
In this case, the work includes pipeline clamps for a carbon injection line at Snøhvit, as well as contingency-related pipeline repair applications. The customer, IKM PRS Services AS, works with major operators on repair, modification and upgrading of subsea pipelines.
The specific technical challenge was that one of the pipelines had a bend or kink. This made the clamp and installation approach more complex, especially because the installation must be performed remotely with ROV at around 300–400 m water depth.
The project is preventive: the pipelines are still operating, but damage has been identified and must be addressed before it develops into a more critical situation.
The Solution
Concept
IK Subsea used proven pipeline clamp technology, adapted to the specific pipeline geometry and ROV installation requirements, to restore and preserve pipeline integrity without replacing the damaged pipe section.
Engineering highlights
- Built on “field-proven building blocks” rather than untested prototype technology.
- Standard IK Subsea repair methodology adapted to this specific project.
- ROV-friendly design using fewer tools and a simpler installation approach than alternative clamp concepts.
- High-pressure design basis.
- Designed for 30-year service life.
- Special adaptation of the installation tooling to handle the bent / kinked pipe geometry.
- KISS-based engineering philosophy: reduce complexity while maintaining function and integrity.
Delivery & execution
- IK Subsea delivers the clamps, tooling, procedures and documentation.
- FAT is carried out at IK Subsea’s workshop to confirm that the equipment works as intended.
- The FAT simulates the full subsea operation.
- Subsea7 is responsible for the marine installation.
- IK Subsea will typically support offshore as supervisors/advisers, because they know the clamp and tooling best.
- Installation is planned for summer 2026.
Verification and qualification
- Integrity documented through calculations.
- Material and manufacturing documentation provided.
- Sealing and strength testing included.
- FAT confirms the equipment and simulates the full subsea operation.
- Installation procedures are delivered.
- Inspection and test plans are provided, including responsibilities and process control.
- Documentation covers both the clamp/tooling and the process leading up to execution.
Key Facts
| IK Group company | IK Subsea |
|---|---|
| Segment | Subsea / Pipeline Modifications |
| Location | Snøhvit / Norwegian Continental Shelf |
| Year | Installation planned for summer 2026 |
| Asset type | 8" subsea pipelines / carbon injection line |
| Water depth / Pressure / Temp | Approx. 300–400 m water depth; high-pressure pipeline |
| Design life | 30 years |
| Delivery model | ROV-installed subsea repair clamp; marine contractor installation |
| Customer | KM PRS Services AS |
| End customer / operator | Equinor |
| Marine contractor | Subsea7 |
Challenges
Damaged subsea pipeline requiring integrity restoration
One pipeline had a bend / kink, requiring a customised approach
Approx. 300–400 m water depth, outside possible diver depth
ROV installation, requiring simple and robust tooling
High-pressure pipeline design requirements
30-year design life requirement
Need to minimise complexity while preserving full functionality and integrity
Need to document both the clamp, tooling and execution process
Preventive repair must be completed without disrupting normal operation
Results
Reduced operational risk
The solution helped reduce the risk of leakage, downtime and reputational damage.
Complete repair clamp delivery
IK Subsea delivered pipeline repair clamps, ROV installation tooling, procedures and required documentation as one coordinated scope.
Tested and documented solution
FAT, test documentation and the full documentation package were included to support safe offshore execution.
Offshore advisory support
Offshore advisory support was available where required to assist installation and execution.
Repair of damaged pipeline sections
The solution enables repair or integrity restoration of damaged subsea pipeline sections.
Built for demanding service
The repair clamps are designed for high-pressure service and a 30-year design life.
Adapted to complex pipe geometry
The solution was adapted to a bent or kinked pipe geometry.
Avoided pipe replacement
The customer could avoid pipe replacement or new spool installation.
Preventive intervention
The work could be handled preventively, before the issue developed into a corrective repair.
Supports long-term integrity planning
The repair supports the customer’s broader integrity process, from inspection and intervention to updated RBI and integrity plans.
