J+S Subsea has collaborated with Zero Waste Scotland to highlight the role of circular engineering in extending the life of subsea equipment through its Legacy Locker™ programme.
While sustainability is often associated with new technologies, Legacy Locker demonstrates that significant value can also be realised through the reuse and refurbishment of existing assets.
Building on Proven Experience
Since 2015, J+S Subsea has been refurbishing and re-certifying legacy subsea control equipment. What began as a practical response to client requirements has evolved into a structured programme, formalised as Legacy Locker™, focused on inspection, refurbishment, testing and return to service.
Challenging the Default to New Manufacture
The traditional approach within subsea operations has often been to replace ageing equipment. However, in many cases, assets can be maintained, upgraded or redesigned to extend their operational life.
As Ryan Gordon explains:
“Circular approaches are not new to engineering, but there has to be a shift in mindset. In many cases, the capability already exists within the asset. It is about recognising that value and applying the right level of engineering to return it to service.”
This shift allows operators to move away from a default replacement model and instead consider solutions that deliver both commercial and environmental benefits.
Delivering Commercial and Environmental Value
Operators are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, manage costs and demonstrate responsible procurement practices, all while maintaining operational performance.
Legacy Locker provides an alternative approach by enabling access to certified refurbished equipment more quickly than new manufacture. Each asset undergoes detailed technical evaluation, with components replaced or upgraded where required, documentation rebuilt where necessary, and full functional testing completed prior to release.
The result is reduced lead times, lower project costs and a smaller carbon footprint through asset reuse.
Expanding Capability to Meet Demand
As confidence in the model has grown, so too has the scope of the programme. What began with smaller subsea control components has expanded to include larger and more complex assets, such as Subsea Control Modules (SCMs) and Subsea Trees (XTs), reflecting both market demand and J+S Subsea’s engineering capability.
Supporting the Shift to Circular Engineering
The collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland highlights the increasing relevance of circular economy principles within offshore energy.
While circularity is not a new concept, evolving regulations and sustainability expectations are driving greater adoption across the sector. Organisations that begin adapting now will be better positioned to meet future requirements and deliver long-term value.
Watch: How Legacy Locker™ supports subsea asset reuse:
The next step is understanding what is possible with the assets you already have.
Get in Touch
If you are reviewing existing subsea assets or looking to reduce lead times, cost and environmental impact, Legacy Locker provides a practical alternative to new manufacture.
To explore the approach in more detail:
→ Read the full Legacy Locker™ case study
→ Speak to the team about your assets
