How Brimmond's Power Reeler™ Simplifies Offshore Operations

The Power Reeler™ is an integrated system consisting of an HPU, reeler and control panel.  It was developed after Brimmond identified a gap in its rental fleet and recognised increasing customer demand for a more integrated solution.   

Customer Challenges

Offshore vessels typically have limited deck space, making it challenging to accommodate multiple pieces of equipment. Traditional deck packages often require separate HPUs, reelers and control panels, resulting in a larger footprint, longer mobilisation and demobilisation times, and more complex installation. 

Additional equipment also increases the number of lifting operations, hydraulic hose connections and potential trip hazards on deck.  Customers increasingly required a simpler, more efficient solution that reduced operational complexity while maintaining flexibility.  

Objectives

As with all Brimmond developments, the customer was central to the design process.  Our objective was to improve the customer experience by providing a complete, solution that reduced setup time, simplified operation and increased efficiency offshore. 

At the same time, we wanted to differentiate ourselves through quality, usability and reliability by building on the proven performance of Brimmond’s existing equipment.

Development Approach

The development of the Power Reeler™ followed Brimmond’s standard engineering process, including design reviews, workshop feedback, lessons learned and continuous improvement throughout the project. 

Customers were actively involved throughout development, reviewing 3D models and suggesting further operational improvements.  This collaborative approach allowed us to develop a unit capable of powering multiple tools while remaining simple and intuitive to operate.

Key Design Features

The Power Reeler™ incorporate an HPU, reeler and control panel into a single compact unit and includes: 

• Digital flow meters
• Illuminated controls
• Flexible pressure settings
• Easy tool changeover
• Wet swivel technology 
• Enhance safety features, including lighting for night-time operations and additional hydraulic interlocks and isolations from the topside to subsea.
• Standardised Brimmond components 

These features improve useability while maintaining flexibility across a wide range of offshore applications.  

The Result

By combining multiple systems into a single unit, the deck footprint is significantly reduced and mobilisation and demobilisation are simplified. 

The integrated design delivers: 

• Faster setup
• Improved operational flexibility
• Reduced downtime
• Fewer lifting operations
• Reduced hose management
• Fewer trip hazards
• Reduced contamination and spill risk through wet centre swivel technology 

Collectively, these benefits lead to improved operational efficiency and reduced project costs.  

Offshore Deployment

The Power Reeler™ was successfully deployed during the decommissioning of a major North Sea oil field, operating from an offshore vessel.  

During the project, a single unit powered five separate hydraulic tools, including a diamond wire saw, drilling and pinning equipment, and subsea chain hoists.  

Working closely with the customer, Brimmond also delivered bespoke modifications, including a dedicated diver’s control panel and a seven-station control panel.  Yard trials were carried out before mobilisation, allowing the design to be refined ahead of offshore operations.

The Power Reeler is an example of Brimmond’s customer-focused approach to engineering.  By listening to feedback throughout development and adapting the design to meet operational requirements, we delivered a solution that improves efficiency, simplifies offshore operations and adds real value for customers.  

As operational requirements continue to evolve, we will continue to refine and expand the Power Reeler range, ensuring its rental fleet remains aligned with the needs of the industries it supports.