Strohm, Petrobras, Shell to deploy TCP flowline and riser off Brazil

Strohm has entered into a joint industry programme (JIP) with Petrobras and Shell for its thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) flowline and riser technology.

Described as game-changing, the four-year project aims to deploy Strohm’s TCP flowline and riser technology offshore Brazil by 2024.

The JIP builds on earlier work performed in Brazil and commences this month. Strohm will develop, qualify and test the technology with the two operators to make it commercially available to the oil and gas industry.

The engineering activities and pipe testing will be carried out in the Netherlands and Brazil, while full-scale prototypes will be manufactured and installed offshore Brazil.

Strohm said that the TCP flowline and riser is a disruptive new, corrosion-resistant product with a three-decade design life. It has a superior fatigue performance and is lightweight resulting in a cost-effective free-hanging catenary configuration once installed.

“The unique programme will manufacture and pilot the installation of two TCP systems, one for TCP flowlines and the second for TCP risers”, the company stated.

“This will result in the industry’s first programme to mature the TCP Riser to TRL-6 (API 17N), proving it is an enabling technology and ready for deployment”.

The TCP riser is said to be low in its carbon footprint as it is spoolable and prepared in long lengths resulting in lower transportation and installation costs.

It is installed using vessels currently available in the market, and as it does not require any buoyancy elements during installation, costs are significantly reduced leading to an overall saving.

“The Brazilian pre-salt cluster currently has 20+ FPSOs in operation and each one is supporting numerous risers, providing a huge opportunity for us in the replacement market”, said Oliver Kassam, CEO of Strohm.

“In addition, the country also invests circa $1 billion in risers to support new FPSO operations each year, and this is set to climb in line with its ambition to become the world’s fourth-largest oil producer by 2029. This JIP confirms that TCP is well-positioned to be a game-changer for the deepwater sector and for Strohm”.