Roxtec launches new firm. Targets North Sea offshore market

Roxtec, a Swedish developer and manufacturer of cable and pipe sealing solutions, has launched a new marine inspection, maintenance and training company targeting the North Sea offshore sector. 

Roxtec said on Monday that the new company, named Roxtec Services, was developed as a result of high demand for equipment inspection on naval ships, drilling rigs and floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

The initial focus of the company, according to Roxtec, will be the North Sea and the UK continental shelf, an area where Britain has mineral rights – with a view of expanding into international territories including Asia and South America.

Roxtec UK managing director, Graham O’Hare, said: “Roxtec’s products are widely used in the oil and gas industry, so we’re very familiar with the needs of this sector. Roxtec Services will deliver inspections, maintenance work, and installation training within the crucial area of cable and pipe transits.

“The decision behind launching Roxtec Services AB stems from the demand we have witnessed to inspect some 50,000 multi-cable transits in the last 12 months.

“We will be looking to service marine vessels and offshore units. The reason it is so important is that firms must prove they are maintaining performance and meeting safety requirements from the classification societies governing the territory.”

O’Hare added that many classification societies already call for frequent inspections and that Roxtec sees huge potential for the newly created company.

“The severe offshore environment causes severe material fatigue and means upgrades are frequently required to cables and pipes. Operators can suddenly find their rig or vessel is not protected against fire, gas, and water according to the regulations,” said O’Hare.

The company said that Roxtec Services will be able to ensure that client’s projects are fully compliant with international safety regulations referring to use and maintenance of multi-cable transits. It will also send out specialist offshore teams to inspect assets on behalf of clients before reporting back with recommendations in line with relevant international safety standards.

Alternatively, it can also install a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) system to tag transits so they can be checked remotely.

O’Hare said: “Currently there are at least forty offshore assets under construction worldwide using Roxtec’s sealing solution, and it is pleasing that a number of these are taking place in the North Sea, which is the initial focus of Roxtec Services.

“Our inspections will be able to assess if transits meet safety standards set by ABS, Lloyds, DNV GL and IMO.

“If the inspection report recommends corrective actions, the Roxtec Services maintenance team is ready to assist the operator with urgent actions onsite as well as with long-term services.”