Trelleborg Launches Buoyancy Repair Service in Africa

Trelleborg’s offshore operation has formalized its Drill Riser Buoyancy Modules (DRBM) repair offering in Africa, following its collaboration with flotation repair provider, ProFloat. Trelleborg is the only DRBM supplier offering a repair center in Africa approved by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

This new service will deliver significant time and cost savings to Trelleborg’s customers, who will now be able to have their buoyancy repaired at ProFloat’s facility in Cape Town, or at an agreed location in Africa, instead of shipping it to Trelleborg in Houston. ProFloat underwent a stringent onsite audit to ensure that its processes and workmanship met Trelleborg’s high standards. Following the assessment ProFloat was named as an authorized DRBM repair center for Trelleborg.

Shaun Louw, Managing Director at ProFloat, says: “We are thrilled to be appointed as Trelleborg’s exclusive repair agent in Africa. Damage to DRBMs can happen at any time and have an adverse impact on meeting project deadlines, so it is critical that the module is assessed, repaired and returned to site as quickly as possible. By working in collaboration with Trelleborg, we can repair the buoyancy to the highest performance possible using OEM approved processes, materials and standards.”

Mark Angus, Executive Vice President for Trelleborg’s offshore operation, says: “When we supply customers with our products, the service doesn’t stop there. We believe that after sales care and value added services, such as local buoyancy repair to OEM standards, are imperative. As such, we are delighted to be able to offer this service to our customers operating off the African coast, through our partnership with ProFloat. This is the first step to providing a global repair offering, so that we can support our customers whenever and wherever they need us.”

DRBMs are installed to reduce a drilling riser’s net weight in water, and ensure that the structure and drilling vessel are supported. Trelleborg offers a range of DRBMs and ancillary products to fit all styles and types of drill riser.