Subsea tools and accessories
Key Points
Adjustment Type
Mechanical Screw Jack (ROV)
Power Options
Hydraulic / Electrical
Damping Performance
90% Impact Load Reduction
References
Troll Phase 3 / Johan Castberg / OCTP
Subsea Tools and Accessories
Nautilus Subsea develops tailor-made tools designed to perform specific and demanding subsea tasks. Many offshore operations take place in confined or space-restricted environments, and our solutions are engineered to function reliably under these challenging conditions.
Our tools are designed to be easy and safe to use, with a strong focus on operational simplicity and controlled load handling. Depending on project requirements, systems can be delivered with hydraulic and/or electrical functionality, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with different offshore setups.
All equipment is developed in accordance with applicable industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements. Structural integrity, functionality, and fabrication feasibility are key design priorities, ensuring that each solution performs reliably throughout its service life.
We bring the right expertise, experience, and references to every project. Our team has been involved in all project phases — from concept development and detailed engineering to fabrication follow-up and offshore supervision. With long-standing experience in developing tools for the subsea industry, we understand both the technical and operational realities of offshore work.
Over the years, we have been involved in the development of six different tie-in tools, demonstrating both innovation capability and field-proven performance. In addition, we can supply complementary accessories such as springs and water dampers to further optimize load management and operational control.
Subsea adjustable pipe supports (APS)
Subsea adjustable pipe supports (APS)
This is a mechanically adjustable support structure designed to position and support pipelines on the seabed or subsea structures. It is typically used during installation and operation to ensure correct elevation, alignment, and load transfer.
The support can be adjusted vertically to lift the pipeline to the wanted position. This is achieved through a mechanical screw jack adjustment system operated by an ROV. Once the desired position is reached, the mechanism is locked to maintain the set height.
In addition to vertical adjustment, the support can be configured to apply a predefined load to the pipeline. This allows controlled load transfer during installation, tie-in operations, or operational phases. The design may also permit limited lateral (sideways) adjustment.
Although the standard configuration is rigid, the support can be supplied with an optional spring or load-compensation element. Such an option may be used to reduce peak installation loads, accommodate minor vertical movements, or soften operational load effects. The spring function is not inherent but added when required by the project specification.
By combining innovation, practical offshore insight, and proven engineering, Nautilus Subsea delivers reliable and purpose-built tools for complex subsea operations.
Springs
Springs
Spring elements are available in multiple sizes and load classes. They can be designed to support heavy subsea structures, including large-diameter pipelines, jumpers, manifolds, or structural modules. The springs may be configured to provide load compensation, reduce peak installation loads, or accommodate controlled vertical movement during operation.
Water Dampers
Water Dampers
These accessories are typically used during installation phases. When lowering subsea structures, water dampers can reduce the vertical descent speed from typically 0.5 m/s to 0.05 m/s.
By significantly reducing the landing velocity, the impact energy is greatly decreased. Since impact load is proportional to velocity (and kinetic energy to velocity squared), this reduction corresponds to removing more than 90% of the impact load during landing.
This controlled deceleration minimizes shock loading on the supported structure thereby improving installation safety and reducing the risk of structural damage.
All accessories are designed for subsea service, with appropriate corrosion protection and compatibility with ROV handling and installation procedures.
