Why Octopus Subsea Tooling™ (also known as OST™) is a Top Choice for Flange Tie-ins and Subsea Taut Wire Metrology

Flanges are a key part of subsea installations, being used to connect pipelines, spools and other crucial infrastructure. Octopus Subsea Tooling™ concentrates on the seabed infrastructure.

One reason their role is so important is because they’re both structural and functional. Their job is to maintain the integrity of the pipeline, making it easier to carry out maintenance. Flanges also serve as critical points for leak testing and pressure control. 

When dealing with harsh subsea conditions, getting flange tie-ins right the first time is absolutely vital.

Explore Our Range of Tie-In Products for Divers and Engineers 

Octopus Subsea Tooling™ specialises in subsea flange tie-ins, offering products, tooling and expertise that make the process much less risky. 

From flange catchers, drift pins, flange spreader paddles, rental storage boxes for tie-in equipment, and OST™ Metrology Jigs, we provide tailored solutions to ensure safe and accurate connections every time. In a field where even minor errors can lead to expensive rework or risks to the environment, Octopus Subsea Tooling™ helps teams achieve excellent results from day one.

The Role of Flanges in Subsea Installations

Flanges in subsea environments must withstand high pressures, various temperatures, and exposure to seawater. 

They are the joints that connect lengths of pipeline or connect spools to subsea structures like manifolds and PLEMs (Pipeline End Manifolds). In shallower water these flanged connections are often installed by divers, often in low-visibility environments with strong subsea currents / tides. Such conditions make tasks even more complex.

When a flange tie-in goes wrong, the consequences can result in hydrocarbon/product leaks due to damaged gaskets and result in partial or total shutdowns of a pipeline. That’s why the phrase “Get it Right First Time” holds special weight in this context.

Common Failures in Flange Tie-Ins

Despite the importance of flanges, errors in subsea tie-ins are still common. Many stem from the same core issues:

• Inaccurate measurements.  Misalignment can cause flange faces not to mate properly, leading to leak paths or bolt loading issues.
• Improper use of tools. Using makeshift or unsuitable tools leads to poor control during installation, increasing the risk of damaging the flange, flange gasket or associated hardware.
• Flawed bolt tensioning. Uneven or insufficient bolt tensioning can cause leakage at the gasket.
• Gaps in knowledge. Divers and supervisors may lack a clear understanding of flange mechanics, terminology, or sequence, leading to miscommunication and mistakes.

Many of these problems are avoidable. With the right tools, correct training, dive task planning and a detailed understanding of subsea mechanics, teams can reduce rework, avoid delays, and increase safety levels. 

Why Choose Octopus Subsea Tooling™?

Octopus Subsea Tooling™ is a leading specialist in subsea spool and flange tie-ins, delivering equipment and support designed specifically for these challenging tasks. Our range of products include:

Flange Catchers

Flange catchers are a critical alignment tool during installation. These devices are designed to catch and support flanges as they are brought into position, improving flange alignment control during handling. 

Our flange catchers are built to be reliable and easy to use. 

Flange Spreader Paddles

Flange spreader paddles make it possible to safely and evenly maintain flange gaps when ‘squaring’ flanges that suffer from a ‘cheese’ misalignment. Used on the ‘narrow’ side of the ‘cheese’ they will hold the gap while the ‘open’ side is pulled into square using such tools as bolt tensioning jacks. These paddles are essential during flange realignment operations, prior to gasket insertion with the OST™ GIT.

Octopus Subsea Tooling™  flange spreader paddles are engineered with subsea ergonomics in mind, offering safe force application and robust materials built for subsea conditions.

Storage Boxes – for securing flange tie-in tooling.

OST™ Storage Boxes are designed to store and deliver all the components and tools required for a tie-in. They can reduce confusion and wasted time by providing a standardised layout and easy access during operations. 

They also ensure that every tool and part, for flange tie-ins is present, correctly specified, and ready to use. The result is a smoother, faster installation with less room for human error.

Benefit using First-Class Engineering

Subsea work demands clarity. A common challenge is the misuse or misunderstanding of terminology—whether in briefings, procedures, or communication with divers. Octopus Subsea Tooling™ works with clients to ensure that terminology is standardised. 

When you combine excellent training with the right tools and engineered solutions, the results improve significantly. Octopus Subsea Tooling™ not only supplies the kit but provides technical guidance on best practices when using OST™ products. 

Made for the Real World

Octopus Subsea Tooling™ equipment is designed by people who’ve worked in the field. That means compact, durable designs that are easy to deploy, handle, and retrieve. It also means real-world testing, practical features, and continuous feedback from clients built into every generation of tools.

Offshore operators trust Octopus Subsea Tooling™ because the company’s products are built for performance. And when a client needs something custom designed or built, the engineering team works closely with them to develop fit-for-purpose solutions.

Browse our latest range of subsea installation aids.  Or simply contact us for more information.