Mooring Systems Corrosion Failure Can Cost Billions – Imenco Presents the Reliable PACU™ Solution
In the FPSO industry, ensuring the integrity of mooring systems is crucial for both safety, environment and cost efficiency. Not investing in proper corrosion protection for mooring systems can cost several million USD during the life of the asset, and also cause a lot of harm to the environment’, says Johan Tønsberg, CEO of Imenco Corrosion Technology (ICT). He shares his insights on the critical role of corrosion-protection and discusses a unique and ground-breaking new solution developed and put to market by Imenco.
Understanding and Managing Corrosion Risks and Consequences
Corrosion in mooring systems is a well-documented issue, with potentially severe consequences if left unmanaged.
– Corrosion is an unavoidable reality in offshore environments. The challenge and opportunity lie in how we manage it, Tønsberg notes.
Failures in mooring systems most often lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, harm to environment, and substantial financial losses. As we have seen multiple examples in the industry recently. Tønsberg finds this development both concerning and frustrating.
– In today’s world, where the cost of failure is measured not just in financial terms but in human safety and environmental damage, it is imperative that we take a proactive approach to corrosion protection, says Tønsberg
As far as Imenco are aware, they offer the world’s only reliable and environment-friendly solution for corrosion protection of mooring-chains. And in fact, it is much more friendly to the environment – compared to the alternative. The solution is called Pacu™.
Imenco’s Unique Pacu™ – Reliable Corrosion Protection of Mooring Chains
Recognizing the limitations of existing methods, Imenco Corrosion Technology has developed a revolutionary solution that sets a new standard in mooring system protection. This solution combines advanced materials and innovative engineering to deliver robust, long-lasting protection against corrosion, tailored specifically for the harsh conditions faced by FPSO units and other ‘permanently moored’ units in Oil & Gas and Offshore Floating Wind.
– The FPSO industry operates in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. Our goal is to provide solutions that not only extend the life of mooring systems but also enhance safety and reduce the overall environmental footprint, Tønsberg says.
At the heart of Imenco’s wide range of ‘Smart Solution’ offerings is the Pacu™ solution, which is reliable, and a highly adaptable solution designed for any permanently moored structure. The Pacu™ system leverages the incredible strength and conductivity of the industry-leading Piranha® clamp, combined with tailored sacrificial anodes, to halt corrosion and immediately extend the lifespan of mooring systems.
Installed safely and efficiently using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a custom-built Tool Deployment Unit (torq-tool), Pacu™ eliminates the need for costly, unplanned mooring chain change-out operations, and thereby significantly reduces the carbon footprint of mooring chain management.
Tønsberg emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits of this approach:
– By significantly reducing the risk of unplanned mooring chain-failures and change-outs and extending the lifespan of mooring systems, we help our clients achieve significant cost savings while also contributing to reduced CO2 emissions. It’s a win-win for the industry.
The Pacu™ is Already Fighting off Corrosion
The Oil & Gas major, Shell, has already technical approved Pacu™ globally and has started installing Pacu™ on its FPSO-fleet. Shell engaged Lloyds in their technical approval process some years ago, and is installing Pacu™ on both old corroded cain as well as on brand-new chain.
Imenco Corrosion Technology’s Pacu™ represents a significant leap forward in cathodic protection technology for mooring systems. By attaching sacrificial anodes directly to mooring chains, the company has demonstrated that this system can dramatically extend chain lifespan. Imenco are currently undergoing a technology qualification process with DNV to get the Pacu™ certified. As part of this, Pacu™ achieved ‘Statement of Feasibility’ from DNV in august this year (2024), and Imenco is expecting the technology qualification to be completed by the end of the year (2024).
DNV project manager Emma Eng Berge says:
– DNV has supported Imenco with the initial steps of a technology qualification process for their PACU™ solution. A Statement of Feasibility was issued in August 2024, affirming that the technology is considered technically feasible for its purpose and for further qualification in accordance with the principles of DNV-RP-A203. This is based on the qualification basis developed by Imenco and a combined technology and threat assessment facilitated by DNV. The PACU™ solution is intended for cathodic protection of permanent mooring chains and is applicable for both Oil & Gas and Offshore Wind industries.
To stay ahead of the challenges posed by corrosion, explore how Imenco Corrosion Technology’s proven solution can reinforce mooring systems and drive long-term operational success. Contact a sales representative to learn more.
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| Additional Insights Imenco Corrosion Technology: Imenco Corrosion Technology delivers market-leading, retrofit corrosion protection solutions to Oil and Gas companies across the globe. Our reliable and field-proven solutions are developed and designed in-house. As part of the Imenco Group, we take pride in offering world-class protection for important maritime industries such as Oil & Gas and Offshore Wind. Pacu™: Imenco’s Pacu™ is a highly effective and reliable solution for protecting mooring chains from corrosion, significantly extending their lifespan. By utilizing sacrificial anodes installed with ROVs, Pacu™ reduces the need for costly, unplanned chain replacements. It is particularly valuable for industries like Oil and Gas, where corrosion management is critical for mooring system integrity, helping prevent failures and the need for heavier, more expensive chains. The Pacu™ is fully tested and field proven. Available for delivery worldwide. Piranha®: The Piranha® Anode Clamp from Imenco is designed for reliable corrosion protection in subsea environments. It offers quick ROV installation, ensuring strong mechanical grip and excellent electrical conductivity. Its flexibility allows it to fit onto plates, beams, rods, or bolts, making it suitable for a wide range of subsea structures. The Piranha® has established a strong track record, with more than 4000 successful installations around the globe over the last 10 years. |
