Steel tube umbilicals (STUs) are not traditionally considered a critical part of the subsea architecture as they are flexible and robust structures. In deepwater however, umbilical design becomes increasingly sensitive to fatigue and strength limits due to friction between components. The deeper the water, the more prevalent these issues become.

DEEPSEA is a leading provider of advanced engineering services for deepwater steel tube umbilicals, usually in support of the main design process for Operators, Contractors and Suppliers, and frequently in a design verification role. Comprehensive STU design in deepwater requires a detailed understanding of these structurally complex systems along with thorough knowledge of the different manufacturing processes. An additional requirement in deepwater is the ability to fully evaluate the installation loading conditions, particularly the tensioner crush loads and the high tension-curvature combination at the overboarding location.

With the development of advanced proprietary numerical tools and through involvement in projects with Installation Contractors and STU Suppliers, DEEPSEA has established the experience and capability to design and analyse deepwater STUs, providing technical assurance in design, through procurement and manufacture to installation and operation. Use of this knowledge permits evaluation of design decisions with high commercial implications, such as the addition of deepwater buoyancy to avoid TDP (Touch Down Point) compression or the inclusion of additional strength members, to be made with confidence.

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