Evolution of the TMT Electric Smart Torque Tool

From hydraulic uncertainty to controlled electric torque

Prior to 2014, subsea torque operations were dominated by hydraulic or manual tools. While proven, these systems often introduced uncertainty at low torque values, limited feedback to operators, and increased the risk of valve damage, rework, or extended vessel time.

In response, TMT introduced the ISO 13628-8 / API 17H Class 1–4 Electric Smart Torque Tool in 2014. The objective was straightforward: provide precise, repeatable torque control in a compact electric system that could be confidently operated by ROV pilots in demanding subsea environments.

The result was a tool that shifted torque control away from estimation and operator feel and hydraulic oil temperature fluctuations, toward measurable, software-controlled accuracy.

Proven track record in real subsea conditions

Since its introduction, the ESTT has accumulated a substantial operational history:

More than 60 Electric Smart Torque Tools built and in service globally
Over 9,330 rental days since 2019
Regular operations across Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the UK, Norway, Malaysia, South East Asia, China, and the Middle East
Successful deployments from shallow water below 100 m to ultra-deepwater exceeding 2,000 m

The tool is qualified for operation for the full class 1 – 4 torque range, to a depth of 3,000 msw with no configuration changes required, reducing project risk by eliminating the need for lengthy excursions to the surface to reconfigure the tool.

This history is particularly relevant for first-time users, as it demonstrates that the ESTT is not an experimental solution, but one that has been repeatedly proven in varied offshore environments and is now specified by many operators.

Building confidence with early adopters

As with any new subsea technology, early adoption presented challenges. Operators were understandably cautious about being first to deploy an electric torque tool subsea, particularly on critical assets such as tree valves.

In 2016, TMT was granted permission to test the tool in a subsea verification unit, allowing its torque accuracy to be independently verified. Woodside Energy Limited later showcased the tool at an industry event, providing additional exposure and third-party confidence.

A key breakthrough occurred when an operator faced the need to function tree valves with a damage torque of just 160 Nm. There was concern that hydraulic and manual tools would not provide sufficient accuracy at such low torque values. TMT demonstrated that the ESTT could reliably control torque in this range, enabling successful offshore operations without valve damage.

This project marked a turning point, with operators and ROV crews gaining confidence in both the tool’s accuracy and its ease of use.

Operational feedback from the field

Early operational feedback from ROV pilot technicians indicated strong confidence in the TMT Electric Smart Torque Tool from the outset, particularly noting the intuitive GUI and ease of setup, which allowed operators to quickly define parameters such as speed and torque limits. During offshore operations involving multiple high–turn-count valves with defined damage thresholds, the tool delivered consistent performance while maintaining control within specified torque ranges. The streamlined operation enabled valves to be functioned efficiently, contributing to measurable vessel time savings and reducing overall project risk.

Evolution to the Mk3 Electric Smart Torque Tool

Following the success and operational feedback of the Mk2 ESTT, TMT undertook a further two years of in-house development, verification, and testing. The result was the launch of the Mk3 Electric Smart Torque Tool in 2025.

The Mk3 retains the core features operators valued in the Mk2, while introducing enhancements specifically aimed at reducing operational complexity and risk:

Onboard compensation system for reduced setup complexity and time
Introduction of overvoltage circuit protection to avoid electrical faults
Lightweight construction to reduce manual handing strain
DataLync® for enhanced data handling and traceability
Improved heat management for extended duty cycles
Colour-coded, user-friendly connections to reduce setup errors
Intuitive transport cases designed for air freight and offshore logistics

These improvements were driven by operational feedback, with a focus on making the tool easier to deploy, easier to operate, and easier to trust for first-time users.

Broad platform and operator compatibility

The ESTT has been successfully operated from a wide range of ROV platforms, including Seaeye, Schilling, SMD, Fugro, and TMT systems. This compatibility reduces integration risk for operators, allowing the tool to be deployed without extensive modifications to existing ROV spreads.

The ESTT is now trusted by a broad cross-section of the offshore industry, including operators, contractors, and service providers across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Reducing risk for first-time users

For operators considering electric torque tools for the first time, the ESTT addresses common concerns:

Operational risk: Precise torque control and real-time feedback reduce the likelihood of valve damage or incomplete operations.
Project risk: Faster, more predictable operations help minimise vessel time and schedule uncertainty.
Financial risk: Reduced rework, fewer damaged components, and shorter campaigns lower overall project cost.
Personnel risk: An intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and simplified setup reduce operator workload and the potential for human error.
Environmental risk: Electric operation removes the need for hydraulic fluids, reducing the risk of oil leaks and subsea contamination.

An established tool, not an experiment

More than a decade after its introduction, the TMT Electric Smart Torque Tool has evolved into a mature, well-proven solution for subsea torque operations. The Mk3 represents the latest step in that evolution, building on thousands of operational days and extensive user feedback.

For first-time users, the ESTT offers a clear path to adopting electric torque technology with confidence, supported by a strong operational history and a focus on reducing risk at every stage of subsea operations.