SubSea ESP installations not only take the importance of runlife to its highest level due to the high workover cost and potential difficulty with rig availability, but they require a high level and ability of project management on the vendors part. There are currently only two ESP suppliers that have installed SubSea ESPs with success. Both companies are capable, but vendor selection for SubSea applications would depend largely on the people each of the companies were willing to commit to the project.

Testing requirements for SubSea ESPs are also much more strenuous then other ESP applications. In-house testing, SITs, Drift Testing, Space out testing, etc. all have detailed QHSE plans and are normally done months before the actual installation.

Other challenges with SubSea ESPs are managing the interfaces and the specifications of the umbilical. Usually SubSea ESPs are dual installations to minimize the workover frequency and wet matable connectors are employed of which there is only one supplier with significant experience. It is also common for SubSea ESP installations to have a combination of more than one type of Artificial Lift – which would also include either SubSea Multiphase Pumps or Gas Lift

SubSea ESPs require a team of people from the vendor that are experienced and have a high motivation to ensure the first installations are 100% successful. It has been done on previous projects and can be done on your project as well.