By: Camilla Leon and Alex Joseph
As the global energy industry shifts into a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and data-driven operations, few companies are as poised to lead the transformation of subsea operations as AkerBP.
At the heart of their strategy lies a revolutionary vision, one powered not just by cutting-edge technology, but by strategic collaboration and a deep commitment to performance, transparency, and innovation.
AkerBP has developed its ‘Subsea Transformation Program’ as a blueprint for the future. With ambitions to more than double its subsea infrastructure by 2027, the company is building toward a new operational paradigm, one where data is enhanced, digital ecosystems are tightly integrated, and performance is continuously optimised.
“Our vision is to deliver world-class operational performance with high production efficiency, low environmental discharges, and low costs,” explains Camilla Leon, VP Subsea, Aker BP and Elementz, Board Member. “We believe we can achieve this by liberating and sharing data, applying automation and advanced analytics, and building a common situational awareness across our ecosystem of partners and internal stakeholders.”
That ecosystem includes key collaborators such as Elementz, whose revolutionary integrity management software, Integrity Elementz, is playing a vital role in enabling AkerBP’s digital ambitions. As subsea operations become increasingly complex and data intensive, tools like Integrity Elementz will evolve alongside.
Central to AkerBP’s transformation is the Yggdrasil development, set to come online in early 2027. Once operational, it will mark a significant milestone when the majority of AkerBP’s production will stem from subsea assets. To meet this shift, the company is laying digital foundations now to ensure its operations are future ready.
“We’re implementing foundational projects to elevate our digital capability by 2027 and beyond,” said Alex Joseph, Aker BP Digital Program Manager, Subsea.
“It’s a long-term view, but we’re already seeing the transformation take shape.”
The rise of the Blue Digital Ecosystem
This transformation extends beyond infrastructure. AkerBP is envisioning a more collaborative, cross-functional role for its workforce, particularly subsea engineers. Through the ‘Blue Digital Ecosystem,’ engineers will become key enablers of cross industry innovation, facilitating knowledge sharing not just across Aker companies, but also into adjacent sectors like offshore wind, aquaculture, and marine conservation.
The inclusion of AI marks a pivotal shift in subsea technology. AkerBP has launched the ‘Scale AI’ initiative with its digital partners to accelerate adoption across its operations, including subsea, with a goal to drive productivity and unlock new levels of business performance.
“In the subsea space, AI isn’t just a tool, it’s an enabler of smarter, faster, more reliable decision-making,” continued Alex. “And it’s an integral part of our digital program.”
AkerBP also sees immense potential in digital twin technologies, particularly when combined with high velocity data environments and agentic AI. By investing in a robust data foundation now, the company is preparing to scale up simulations, predictive analytics, and real-time performance management in the years ahead.
Partnering for progress – the role of Elementz
With so many digital levers in motion, strategic collaboration is essential and Elementz plays a critical role.
“We rely on partners like Elementz to help us realise the full value of our digital objectives,” added Camilla.
To stay aligned with this future, AkerBP has highlighted key areas for Integrity Elementz enhancement, from user-friendly interfaces and automated work pack generation to live 3D visualisation during inspections and GIS-integrated positioning. These upgrades will be essential for enabling engineers to make faster, smarter decisions in the field.
“This collaboration with AkerBP represents a new chapter in subsea operations, where data isn’t just collected, it’s operationalised in real time to drive decisions, reduce risk, and extend asset life,” said Jason Brown, Elementz CEO.
“We’re proud that Integrity Elementz is a core part of this digital foundation, and we’re focused on evolving our solutions intelligently, integrating more deeply, and continuing to co-create meaningful value.”
AkerBP’s vision for the future of subsea is ambitious, but it’s grounded in a clear strategy to empower people, unlock data, and embrace innovation through collaboration.
As 2027 approaches, partners like Elementz play an essential role in helping realise that vision, supporting a smarter, more sustainable future for subsea operations.