Partners Aim to Improve Riser Performance and Efficiency

Trelleborg said its offshore operation has signed a supply and license agreement with Reel Power Oil and Gas to collaboratively develop and market a new Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) suppression system aimed at improving riser performance and efficiency in demanding offshore environments.

“We strive to push the limits of the oil and gas industry to improve the performance and competitiveness of our customers. This new solution provides us with the opportunity to work with Reel Power to help them commercialize this technology and allows us to add this superior solution to our portfolio,” said Antony Croston, Business Group Director with Trelleborg’s offshore operation in Houston.

Croston continued, “We believe that this technology, which is not currently available to the market, will address some of the key drawbacks of existing VIV suppression solutions as well as take riser performance to the next level. It also offers an exciting and significant possibility to retrofit this solution to some of our existing technology and open it up to a wider market.”

Michael Spence, Senior VP with Reel Power Oil and Gas, added, “We chose to work with Trelleborg to develop and market our patented concept because of their knowledge of the target market and extensive track record in delivering new solutions that create value.”

The two companies intend to develop the new concept and make it available to the offshore oil and gas market as it has the potential to reduce operating costs, improve riser and wellhead integrity and extend vessel uptime. This includes in areas currently deemed not feasible for development where volatile weather limits operational windows.