2026 Subsea Engineering Special Report

This annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the offshore subsea sector, highlighting market outlooks, technological advancements and key industry projects shaping 2026 and beyond, including ROV/AUV updates and flow assurance strategies.
Courtesy DeepOcean
DeepOcean pipeline inspection

In this 2nd annual report, Offshore features in-depth subsea analysis and market outlooks for the sector as well as remote operations updates, a flow assurance joint industry project, real-time monitoring and AI applications, late-life asset recovery, deepwater seismic monitoring, and the proven results of early collaboration.

Key topics covered:

  • Subsea EPC forecast
  • Tieback developments
  • Late-life assets
  • ROV technology
  • Flow assurance
  • Seismic surveying
  • Early engagement and standardization

The Offshore editorial team wrote or arranged the material for this special section, putting a strong emphasis on critical subsea engineering topics that will likely trend in 2026 and beyond. You'll need free site-access membership to view the articles below. If you are not already a registered website user, you can sign up for free.

 

Market outlooks:

ID 247676904 © John Krutop | Dreamstime.com
subsea equipment lifted from Appleton Docks to a heavy lift barge
Despite a 20% YoY drop in 2025 EPC awards, the subsea sector shows resilience with strong demand for subsea trees and pipelines across the globe.
Jan. 8, 2026
Courtesy TechnipFMC
TechnipFMC iEPCI subsea field
The subsea sector is poised for a resurgence in project sanctioning over the next three years, driven by increased final investment decisions and a focus on tieback developments...
Jan. 2, 2026

Case studies:

Courtesy Island Offshore
Island Valiant vessel
The Mermaid Subsea Services (UK) recovery campaign involved seabed excavation, controlled severance and environmentally compliant waste management.
Dec. 19, 2025
Courtesy DeepOcean
Illustration of the FlowHeat system installed on a pipeline
With promising trial results showing 85-90% thermal efficiency, a new subsea pipeline heating technology offers reductions in capex, opex and CO2 emissions.
Jan. 14, 2026
Courtesy Sonardyne
Trials of the OD OBN technology
A new system allows seabed nodes to remain operational for years, enabling on-demand seismic data collection without repeated deployment or retrieval.
Jan. 15, 2026
Courtesy Aker BP / SLB OneSubsea
subsea template being lowered into water
Vår Energi partnered with OneSubsea to overhaul its project delivery approach, emphasizing early involvement, integrated teams and standard solutions to reduce delays and improve...
Dec. 19, 2025

Commentary:

ID 141694023 © Flinthard | Dreamstime.com
ROV teamwork
Clear communication among offshore personnel, vessel crew and ROV operators is crucial for adapting to changing subsea conditions and ensuring safety.
Jan. 12, 2026

Download the e-book:

Kermit Mullins/Offshore/EndeavorB2B
2026 Subsea Engineering Special Report

For more information about Offshore's special reports, contact Editor-in-Chief Ariana Hurtado at [email protected].