Page 12: of Marine Technology Magazine (January 2025)

TECH TALK BATTERIES AND UMBILICALS

All images courtesy Southwest Electronic Energy Group

IMPROVING SUBSEA POWER

EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY

How battery technology can complement umbilicals mbilicals are a lifeline for subsea systems, deliver- ity makes them indispensable for critical subsea applications, ing power, communication, and hydraulic support from oil and gas extraction to deep-sea research.

to equipment operating in deep-sea environments. One of the key characteristics of umbilicals is their reliability.

UEssential for applications like oil and gas extrac- They are designed to endure extreme underwater conditions and tion and underwater robotics, these multi-functional cables provide consistent power and communication at great depths. ensure long-term connectivity in some of the world’s most They can transmit energy over long distances, making them challenging conditions. However, their deployment brings ideal for projects far from shore or centralized power sources. signi? cant challenges, including high costs and maintenance However, as projects move deeper and into more remote wa- demands. Subsea batteries are emerging as a complementary ters, the length and size of umbilicals required to meet power solution, offering enhanced power ef? ciency and reduced reli- and communication demands increases exponentially — as do ance on traditional umbilical set-ups, explains Leon Adams, operational costs.

VP of Sales and Marketing at Southwest Electronic Energy

Group, an Ultralife company. The Challenge of Umbilicals

Designed to ensure seamless operation in demanding under- Despite their strengths, umbilicals have limitations, which can water environments, umbilicals connect subsea infrastructure bring signi? cant challenges to subsea applications. The cost of to surface vessel systems and onshore facilities. These robust materials, installation, and ongoing maintenance is a signi? cant cables power remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), transmit barrier, especially for projects operating in remote or ultra-deep data for real-time monitoring, and supply hydraulic ? uids waters. Deploying these heavy cables requires specialised ves- and chemicals to control valves and actuators. This versatil- sels and equipment, increasing the project’s expense.

12 January/February 2025

MTR #1 (1-17).indd 12 2/3/2025 11:24:00 AM