LS Cable & System has announced its partnership with leading global energy companies to develop next-generation deep-sea oil transportation technology.
On October 22nd, LS Cable & System revealed that it is collaborating with Norway’s DeepOcean, Equinor, Aker BP, and France’s TotalEnergies to co-develop the ‘FlowHeat’ electric heating submarine pipeline technology.
This innovative system differs from traditional methods that install external heating wires along the outside of pipelines. Instead, it incorporates heating cables inside the pipeline to prevent crude oil from solidifying even at low seabed temperatures. This approach is attracting attention as a new method for developing deep-sea oil fields.
LS Cable & System will design and produce the key component—heating cables—independently, with plans to begin solo manufacturing and supply from 2024. These cables are engineered to operate reliably in extreme offshore environments and will undergo field trials to verify their performance.
The technology promises simplified installation, higher efficiency, and an estimated reduction of approximately 35% in overall costs compared to existing solutions. Additionally, it can reduce carbon emissions by about 30%. Capable of operating at maximum depths of 3,000 meters and over distances up to 30 kilometers, the system can be installed using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV), significantly reducing construction time.
The project is led by DeepOcean, with Equinor, Aker BP, and TotalEnergies participating in field trials to evaluate real-world applicability in offshore locations such as the North Sea.
A representative from LS Cable & System commented, “This joint development highlights the global recognition of LS Cable & System’s cable technology and supply capabilities,” adding, “This marks an important milestone in expanding our business from traditional power and communication cables into the oil and gas industry.”
In addition, LS Cable & System, through its submarine cable subsidiary LS Marine Solution, is already supplying signal cables for defense applications. Building on this technological foundation, the company is accelerating its entry into critical infrastructure markets such as energy, marine, and defense sectors.
