Wellhead support structure

The wellhead support structure with a suction anchor and guide device addresses the need for additional support in subsea wells by securely aligning and transferring loads to the seabed, enabling re-entry and plugging operations without drilling rigs.

WO2026127768A1 Publication Date: 2026-06-18EQUINOR ENERGY AS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
EQUINOR ENERGY AS
Filing Date
2025-12-12
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

⚠Technical Problem

Existing subsea wells often require additional wellhead support structures to handle increased loads and pressures, especially when re-entering or reusing abandoned wells for CO2 storage, without the use of drilling rigs, and existing methods fail to provide adequate support or alignment with existing tubulars.

⚗Method used

A wellhead support structure comprising a suction anchor and guide device is used to guide and secure the structure coaxially or concentrically with existing subsea wells, transferring loads directly to the seabed, allowing for the installation of wellheads without drilling rigs, and providing protection and alignment.

🎯Benefits of technology

Enables secure, load-bearing support for subsea wellheads, facilitating re-entry and additional plugging operations, while ensuring alignment and protection from marine hazards, without the need for drilling rigs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Herein disclosed is a method of locating a wellhead support structure (1) about an existing subsea well (5). The method comprises providing a wellhead support structure (1), wherein the wellhead support structure (1) comprises a suction anchor (2) and a guide device (3); and guiding the wellhead support structure (1) into a position about the existing subsea well (5) using the guide device (3). Herein disclosed is also a wellhead support structure (1) for location about an existing subsea well (5), wherein the wellhead support structure (1) comprises: a suction anchor (2); and a guide device (3) for guiding the wellhead support structure (1) into a position about the subsea well (5).
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