UK firm achieves DNV type approval for subsea syntactic buoyancy offering

UK-based syntactic materials company Base Materials has secured DNV type approval for its syntactic buoyancy material, enabling its use in subsea applications down to 11,500 meters. 

According to Base Materials, the company became the first in the sector to secure DNV approval of manufacture (AoM) for its entire Subtec product line.

DNV’s certification, recognized as a global standard for safety and quality in the maritime and offshore sectors, was granted after rigorous testing procedures. The certification validates the Subtec 11500 material for full-ocean-depth applications while ensuring compliance across the Subtec range, which includes seven material grades designed for use from 2,000 to 11,500 meters, the company noted.

“When it comes to the deepest and most critically rated subsea applications, the performance of materials and equipment alike are mission-critical for both crewed and uncrewed subsea vehicles. As such, we were delighted to work closely with DNV across the stringent testing of our Subtec® 11500 buoyancy material, designed and qualified for use down to 11,500 metres,” said Stephen Sloan, Head of Commercial at Base Materials.

“The approval showcases the unquestionable quality and robustness of the material. Additionally, it highlights our commitment to continually investing in research and development to provide innovative materials that set the standard in even the most critical applications.”

The Subtec buoyancy materials can be used for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), human-operated vehicles (HOV), trenching vehicles, oceanographic exploration, and ancillary equipment.

Base Materials explained that its Subtec buoyancy materials utilize hollow glass microspheres (HGMS) combined with a novel thermoset polymer matrix, resulting in “ultra-high strength-to-weight ratios” and water ingress resistance. Each grade in the Subtec range is color-coded to match depth ratings in buoyancy assemblies, with densities spanning 400 to 650 kg/m³.

According to the UK company, finished Subtec buoyancy modules are manufactured to exact customer specifications and drawings, with the option for the addition of a polyurethane (PU) protective coating for impact and abrasion resistance, aesthetic paint finishes, and custom markings.

Just recently, DNV signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seatrium, a Singaporean engineering solutions provider to the offshore and marine industries, to cooperate on strategic activities and projects in the areas of engineering, technology, and new product design.