British company AquaTerra Group has completed a pioneering intervention at one of the North Sea offshore facilities, restoring the functionality of a subsea pipeline using its C-Cure technical coating.
The project involved the internal rehabilitation of a 30-inch diameter subsea caisson, affected by structural thinning due to corrosion. In total, 30 linear meters were coated, establishing a continuous protective barrier against further damage. This action becomes the first of its kind executed within an offshore production platform without the need for total replacement.
Reduced Execution Time and Operational Savings
According to the company, the coating installation and curing were completed in a single 12-hour shift, while the entire campaign, including preparation, inspection, and demobilization, was completed in just one week. This contrasts with the extended downtime that a complete system replacement would entail.
The C-Cure solution demonstrated total adhesion and precise fit throughout the pipeline. This efficiency translates into an 80% reduction in repair costs compared to traditional methods, according to AquaTerra.
This operation represents the type of functional engineering that the offshore sector demands: fast, reliable, and safe solutions that extend the service life of key assets without compromising their performance or safety.
Stephen Taylor, group managing director, stated.
Outlook for the Subsea Pipeline and Offshore Infrastructure
The repaired structure will return to operation during the scheduled turnaround in 2026, with the expectation of operating without additional maintenance requirements for the remainder of the platform’s service life.
AquaTerra was responsible for the technical specification, logistics, supply of the coating system, as well as all field execution and post-installation inspections. This intervention sets a precedent for future offshore infrastructure restorations without the need for complex or costly replacements.
Source and photo: AquaTerra