Offshore Energy Sector Undergoing Fundamental Shift in Engineering and Risk Management Approaches

Industry Restructuring for Complex Offshore Challenges

The offshore energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation in engineering approaches and risk management strategies, according to industry analysis. Sources indicate that Acteon has consolidated multiple specialist subsidiaries into four integrated divisions to better address the increasingly complex challenges facing both offshore oil and gas and renewable energy projects.

Industry Restructuring for Complex Offshore Challenges
Addressing the Seabed Uncertainty Challenge
Rethinking Data Specification and Utilization
Innovative Platform Designs Transforming Economics
Future Growth and Operational Evolution

Analysts suggest this restructuring reflects broader industry trends toward integrated solutions that span the entire project lifecycle. The new organizational structure brings together complementary business lines covering mooring systems, marine foundations, geotechnical investigations, and engineering consultancy.

Addressing the Seabed Uncertainty Challenge

The largest risks to offshore energy projects often lie beneath the waves, reports indicate. According to Yann Helle, EVP Engineering at Acteon, seabed and soil conditions represent the single biggest uncertainty in installation and performance. Insufficient geotechnical data can lead to costly and dangerous outcomes, including piles unexpectedly sinking during installation or encountering uncharted boulders that halt progress.

The report states this risk is particularly acute in the renewable sector, where wind farms require dozens or even hundreds of installations. While oil and gas wells typically undergo extensive coring and soil sampling, the economics of renewables make that level of investigation unfeasible. Instead of 80 soil samples for 80 turbines, developers may take only six or seven, leaving significant gaps in understanding subsurface conditions.

Rethinking Data Specification and Utilization

Industry experts suggest there’s a tendency to over-specify data requirements which drives up costs unnecessarily. According to Helle, early collaboration between operators and contractors is essential for aligning on data needs from the outset. This approach reportedly enables companies to reduce costs and accelerate timelines without compromising quality or safety.

The analysis indicates that better data continuity across the asset lifecycle represents another critical improvement area. Information captured during site investigations and installation often gets “lost in translation” between capital expenditure project teams and operational expenditure teams. Digitizing and centralizing data from day one can transform this handover process, providing operators with benchmark asset condition data and enabling predictive maintenance strategies.

Innovative Platform Designs Transforming Economics

Industry reports highlight the rise of minimum facility platforms as an exciting development in offshore design. These lightweight, integrated structures can be installed quickly and cost-effectively while meeting the same legislative requirements as larger platforms. Originally developed as driller-led solutions, these platforms now incorporate processing systems and other functions while weighing less than 500 tonnes.

According to the analysis, minimum facility platforms can save between $5-10 million per installation and reduce carbon emissions associated with large construction ships. From final investment decision to first oil, these platforms can be deployed in as little as 14 months—a crucial advantage when oil prices are low or operators face financial constraints.

Future Growth and Operational Evolution

Looking forward, industry sources project growth from two main streams: small, shallow-water oil projects undertaken by new operators, and large renewable projects already sanctioned through 2028. The sector is also piloting remote operations to alleviate skill shortages, improve safety, and enhance work-life balance for offshore staff.

Ultimately, analysts suggest collaboration and early engagement represent the keys to unlocking the next wave of innovation in offshore engineering. By working more closely with engineering specialists, operators can identify the best value rather than simply the lowest price, potentially delivering projects faster, cheaper, and with a lower carbon footprint.