Switzerland-based industrial technology company ABB aims to deliver the first in a series of fully-automated offshore production systems in 2020. The system will be able to produce up to 10 million tonnes per year and is expected to cost around €1 billion ($A1.27 billion). The project, which also involves Chevron and Total, envisages wholly unmanned facilities directly linked to and powered from shore. The technology has been designed for deepwater production, particularly challenging locations such as the Arctic.
Switzerland-based industrial technology company ABB aims to deliver the first in a series of fully-automated offshore production systems in 2020. The Subsea Power Joint Industry Program, set up in 2012 with investment from Statoil, aims to develop an automated seabed alternative to oil rigs, saving oil companies hundreds of millions of dollars, extending the life of existing assets, and allowing for exploration in remote areas. The project, which also involves Chevron and Total, envisages wholly unmanned facilities directly linked to and powered from shore. The technology has been designed for deepwater production, particularly challenging locations such as the Arctic.