Airborne O&G, Símeros Partner on TCP Risers in Brazil

Oilfield technology firm Airborne Oil & Gas and engineering company Símeros Technologies have signed a collaboration agreement which aims to deliver the first qualified thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) risers in the deepwater region Brazil.

Last year, Airborne Oil & Gas started its TCP riser qualification program. The technology is believed to be a world first for fully bonded, free hanging composite risers with the aim of providing a disruptive new riser pipe technology for operators with international deepwater applications.

The program is receiving funding from a major operator in the region and is aimed at qualifying the TCP riser for dynamic deepwater applications, including for pre-salt and highly corrosive conditions, against an ambitious timescale.

Airborne Oil & Gas vice president Brazil, Renato Bastos, said: “Following our announcement in June last year regarding our TCP riser qualification program, we are very pleased with the opportunity to add Símeros to our partnering approach in Brazil to support on local qualification, development and manufacturing of the TCP end fittings.

“With tremendous support from our clients, we have developed the TCP riser with optimal characteristics for cost, weight and bend radius, while using robust materials with many years of proven track record in the field.”

The TCP Flowlines and Risers developed by Airborne Oil & Gas can be installed by existing flex-lay and reel-lay vessels and be installed in the flexible and cost effective free hanging catenary mode. “Installed in free hanging catenary configuration, our TCP Riser provides the opportunity for significant savings on typical FPSO development, through faster installation and avoiding the need to use buoyancy modules”, added Oliver Kassam, Airborne Oil & Gas CEO.

“With our track record to date delivering various applications for major operators around the globe – including hydrocarbon service – we are moving forward rapidly on this program to qualify the TCP Riser. Símeros has extensive experience in flexible pipe qualification testing and we look forward to a successful working partnership.”

Fabiano Bertoni, Símeros director said: “We are delighted to be working with Airborne Oil & Gas on this exciting qualification program which may change the face of the subsea industry in years to come. Brazil is a very attractive deepwater market and will likely play a dominant role in the global deepwater environment moving forward. The qualification programme for Airborne Oil & Gas’ TCP Riser includes rigorous testing with full monitoring by DNV GL and a clear staircase, leading to qualified TCP Risers for hydrocarbon and water & gas service, in deepwater and dynamic applications.”