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pushing for networks that also increase safety, automa-

OE: Thank you for taking the time to tion, and monitoring -- specifcally in the oil and gas speak with us today. Could you introduce sector. Expanding the usage of these networks on dif-

Pioneer Consulting to our readers and ferent fronts is also a recent trend in the industry, with provide an overview of the company and suppliers working to provide more than just communi- the services it offers within the offshore cation applications for their cable products. Suppliers energy sector?

and purchasers are looking to incorporate additional

Pioneer Consulting is an international telecommunica- sensing capabilities into their networks, such as perma- tions consulting, engineering, and market research com- nent reservoir monitoring and downhole applications to pany that advises clients on the planning and implemen- tation of submarine fber optic cable networks during all name a few in the oil and gas sector.

phases of system development. Our accurate, insightful,

OE: Can you talk about the technical as- and thorough advisory services provide clients with objec- pects of subsea fiber optic cables? How tive and independent guidance in support of their proj- do these cables differ in diameter, capac- ects and strategic goals. Pioneer’s capabilities range from ity, length, material, cost etc.? How is this market analysis and feasibility study to system design and technology evolving?

engineering and supply, in addition to providing full-scale

Much like standard telecommunication systems, off- project implementation and management.

shore energy cable systems typically consist of a backbone

Within the offshore energy sector, Pioneer offers all or trunk section that connects major onshore sites to the consulting services applicable to other telecommunication offshore assets. This backbone cable typically consists of projects, while leveraging over 20 years of experience in the same type of cable, repeater, and branching unit prod- navigating the complexities of the oil and gas and offshore ucts found in standard telecommunication projects, which energy sectors. Pioneer provides clients with the project provides the beneft of using off-the-shelf products in place knowledge and planning they need. This is accomplished of bespoke, specialized products. Moreover, existing cable through deep understanding of the nuances related to the protection products such as URADUCT and mattressing are used extensively to protect both the optical cable and special products and rigorous requirements that are asso- ciated with offshore energy projects, which often include the offshore energy assets that the cable crosses.

strict offshore asset restrictions, health and safety speci-

Beyond the backbone, however, are where the special- fcations, special powering and optical design principles, and the unique subsea equipment designed specifcally for ized products come into play. In order to facilitate connec- tions to foating production platforms, specially designed these types of projects.

umbilical and riser cables are required. These umbilicals are typically large enough to encompass multiple standard

OE: What are some interesting trends subsea telecommunication cables and thus average be- and practices you are seeing today when tween 80-120mm or greater in outer diameter, depend- it comes to the adoption of subsea fiber ing on the application. These umbilicals are designed with optic cable technology in the offshore en- similar strength steel wire members, and polyurethane ergy industry?

and armor layers, compared to the optical cable that they

Recent trends in modern fber optic communication house, and can also support a wider range of applications, systems point towards a growing need for robustness including power cable, electrical monitoring, and hydrau- and reliability. Current systems are being designed and lic and injection hoses. Umbilicals provide connectivity manufactured with redundancies in mind, both with between subsea assets and offshore assets, such as foating respect to transmission paths (i.e. mesh networks) and oil platforms, via a specially designed catenary or free- at the component level. Not surprisingly, the main goal hanging section of cable. This catenary is suspended in the of any fber optic communication system is to facilitate water column using buoyancy and ballast modules affxed reliable communications, however, owners have been

MAY/JUNE 2023 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 47