Special Periodic Surveys: Why Offshore Equipment Can’t Afford Shortcuts

Every five years, offshore drilling rigs face one of the most important milestones in their lifecycle: the Special Periodic Survey. These surveys are designed to ensure that well control equipment remains compliant, reliable, and safe under the toughest conditions.

The SPS is not a formality. It is a crucial safeguard for the crews on board, the operators who rely on performance, and the reputations that depend on operational integrity.

The risks of cutting corners in this process are significant. Equipment that has not been properly inspected or maintained can fail when pressure is at its highest, leading to downtime, financial loss, or worse, safety incidents that cannot be undone. In today’s highly regulated industry, where reputational and financial costs are higher than ever, non-compliance is not an option.

Subseaquence delivers SPS projects with proven precision. Our teams provide end-to-end support, from mechanical and electrical checks to hydraulic and subsea inspections. Every survey we complete meets API 53 requirements, leaving our clients fully compliant and audit-ready. This level of detail is not about box-ticking, it is about ensuring the final line of defence offshore, the Blowout Preventer, is always ready when it matters most.

With more than 1,000 projects completed worldwide and over 700,000 offshore man-hours without a single incident, Subseaquence has built a reputation for excellence. Our track record proves that SPS cycles are not just about compliance, but about protecting people, assets, and operations. Offshore, there is no room for shortcuts. There is only room for safety, reliability, and trusted delivery.