HOUSTON, TEXAS — January 12th, 2004 — Flotation Technologies, Inc., a global leader in deepwater buoyancy systems, today announced the purchase of a newly designed Turret Buoy Retrieval System by SBM-IMODCO for the White Rose project. Designed by Flotation Technologies, the Turret Buoy Retrieval System allows for easy recovery following a disconnect.
When threatened by icebergs, or other natural dangers, the White Rose Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will need to disconnect and retreat to a safe distance. Once clear of danger rapid recovery of the turret will save substantial production time and costs. Flotation Technologies designed the Turret Buoy Retrieval System to allow the FPSO to quickly and efficiently recover the turret and resume production without the use of divers and/or ROVs that can be dangerous and expensive.
"The Turret Buoy Retrieval System provided by Flotation Technologies is the first of it's kind," stated Graeme Steele, Installation Engineer for SBM-IMODCO. "It acts as the first stage of the retrieval, providing quick access to the reconnection chain."
As opposed to most retrieval systems, Flotation Technologies designed the Turret Buoy Retrieval System for SBM-IMODCO using the turret itself as the release canister. The buoy is constructed from 500msw-rated Sphere-liteÔ syntactic foam and features a GRP protective coating. This coating protects the buoyant, syntactic core and provides superior color retention during rough offshore handling.
"This project provides further proof of Flotation Technologies commitment to innovation," commented Tim Cook, President of Flotation Technologies. "We have always been much more than just a buoyancy provider. Flotation Technologies' commitment to custom engineering and fabrication allows us to provide real solutions to real problems."
About Flotation Technologies
Flotation Technologies, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of deepwater buoyancy systems using high-strength Flotec™ syntactic foam and polyurethane elastomer products. Providing quick-turnaround custom engineering and fabrication to the Offshore Oil, Oceanographic, Seismic and Government markets, Flotation Technologies delivers consistently reliable buoyancy for a host of marine applications. Flotation Technologies manufactures such innovative products as flexible riser buoyancy, modular buoys of any size, ADCP buoys, ROV/AUV buoyancy modules, pipeline/sled buoyancy, QuickLoc™ cable floats, Hardball™ umbilical floats, and elastomeric bend stiffeners and bend restrictors. For more information on Flotation Technologies visit www.flotec.com.
Media Contact:
Fred Maguire, Sales & Marketing Manager
Flotation Technologies, Inc.
207.282.7749/fmaguire@flotec.com