Underpinning RTD actions in the area of sub-sea technology is the industry's wish to standardise equipment and simplify systems. Fit-for-purpose technology with maximum reliability/minimum need for human intervention is the requirement. Operations in hostile, deep and remote areas such as West of Shetland with limited weather windows for repair and maintenance will place increased demands on the reliability of all equipment.

RTD objectives in this area are given in Tables 16, 17 and 18.

Table 16 Sub-sea technology design and performance

Table 17 Production chemistry

Table 18 Fluid management and transportation