Cooperation between three companies developing innovative solutions for deepwater installation has led to the introduction of a new system capable of handling heavy loads at depths of well over 3km.

The companies involved are Deep Tek, a provider of a wide range of services to the oil and gas, salvage, scientific research and deep water mining sectors; Lankhorst Ropes, a leading rope technology innovator and manufacturer of high performance synthetic ropes; and DSM Dyneema, the producer of Dyneema ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre.

The new system is an outstanding example of the integration of world leading technologies from along the supply chain, says Jorn Boesten, Segment Manager Offshore at DSM Dyneema. “Dyneema fibres have outstanding potential in deep sea environments, and we are very happy to work together with Lankhorst Ropes and Deep Tek to maximise this potential,” he added.

Integrated system

Working closely together, the three companies have developed a fully integrated system based on Deep Tek’s drum winch technology for deploying and recovering payloads in even the deepest waters. The company has developed and patented a spooling pattern that allows multiple layers of synthetic fibre rope to be spooled onto a load bearing winch drum with no risk of cutting in.

Lankhorst has created a new rope design with fully optimised fatigue and load bearing characteristics for use in the deepwater lowering system. This rope is based on DSM Dyneema’s DM20 XBO fibre and a proprietary coating technology.

“All three partners believe the prospects for the new deepwater lowering system are excellent, and we will all be putting our weight behind the technology to make sure it succeeds in what are very competitive markets around the world,” said Wilco Stroet, Senior Vice President Maritime, Oil and Gas at Lankhorst Ropes.

Maximising output

The new fully integrated and monitored system makes use of a rope condition management system and takes full advantage of Dyneema fibre’s outstanding strength, enabling vessel owners to maximise their vessel output by dispensing with the weight of steel wire, the manufacturer reports.

 It is currently being qualified by classification society DNVGL using Assurance Case methodology, which enables introduction of new technology without relaxing certification requirements.

Deep Tek’s Managing director Moya Crawford says the joint development leverages the three companies’ technological capabilities and expertise, for the benefit of their customers. “It responds to the needs of vessel owners that wish to install higher loads in deeper waters using smaller and more economic vessels than before,” she commented. “It also addresses concerns of major oil companies about the rising cost of developing deepwater fields.”

www.dyneema.com