Four oil operators have teamed up to develop better and stronger standardised subsea hardware to extend their capabilities in high pressure/high temperature conditions.

Anadarko and BP, together with ConocoPhillips and Shell, are collaborating on the plan to develop standard subsea equipment which can handle 20,000 psi and 350º F on the seabed, as part of a new joint industry program with FMC Technologies.

BP has of course spoken much in the past about its 20K project.

FMC Technologies chairman John Gremp said: “This agreement is a clear illustration of how leading companies with a common interest can come together to overcome the technological and economic challenges facing our deepwater industry.”

Equipment is to be developed which is capable of handling high pressure and high temperature reservoirs, FMC says, which “will serve to improve overall deepwater development through the standardisation of materials, processes, and interfaces, as well as the enhancement of reliability and operability”.