Abstract This paper outlines the background and evolution of the Cameron Isolation Needle Valve which is being used on a number of subsea completions worldwide. A series of tests were performed on a specific version of this valve to determine the operating loads required for ROV operation. The results of these tests and conclusions are discussed. The usefulness of this information is also defined. Introduction The development and Cameron?s experiences of their Diver/ROV operated Isolation Needle Valve began in 1980. The client oil Company had purchased subsea trees for installation in the Norwegian North Sea. The design specifications defined a need to include a robust, metal-to-metal sealing shutoff valve for inclusion in all hydraulic control lines and test lines which could potentially be exposed to well fluids. The working pressure of the valve was to be 10,000 psi and be capable of withstanding the standard API test pressure of 15,000 psi. The project design engineers were unable to source an acceptable, commercially available valve. This lead the design team to produce the original diver operated Isolation Needle Valve. The design objectives for this device were to be suitable for service in a marine environment and to be insensitive to depth limitations due to hydrostatic pressure. Later evolutions of the original design include provisions for ROV interfacing. This permitted the use of the valve in diverless installations and has become one of the diving criteria for specifying this device. A comprehensive test program was sponsored by a major client to determine the operating characteristics of the valve in simulated operating conditions. The client?s interest in the valve was for possible use in 1000+ feet of water which would subject the valve to near freezing temperatures. The intent of the test was to determine the suitability of the design for the intended application and verify the operating torques that would be required of the intended ROV actuating tools. The repeatability of the torque requirements and the effects of repeated testing were measured and will be discussed. It is interesting to note that the torque requirements and capabilities of this device are such that the ROV actuating tools which are designed for operating more traditional subsea tree gate valves are suitable for use with the Isolation Needle Valve. Background of Development and Applications Subsea production trees by their nature include numerous valves used to control the flow of production and control fluids into and out of the subsea well. Indeed the primary function of the subsea tree is to provide flow control of the well at the wellhead. Typically, the subsea tree will include numerous backup sealing devices so that in the event of a primary seal failure, there will be a backup seal which will prevent a well fluid leak to the environment. The very nature of the redundant features of most subsea trees present some unique problems in that some of the control lines and test lines can be charged with well pressure in the event of a primary seal failure.