Connector Technology News

Logistics software company WiseTech Global has announced its acquisition of Singaporean supply chain tracking and management software firm Containerchain.Based in Singapore, Containerchain provides optimization services such as real-time tracking, operational planning and automation to logistics communities in Europe, the US and the Asia-Pacific region.Containerchain serves the container community of empty container depots, road transporters, container terminals, warehouses, shipping lines and cargo owners. Its customers include Qube Holdings, CMA CGM, ACFS Port Logistics, Arrow Transport and Logistics, Chalmers, DP World Logistics Australia…

Connector technology developer First Subsea has received APL 17LI certification for its bend stiffener connectors from the American Petroleum Institute, the company announced today. The bend stiffener connectors are used for flexible riser and umbilicals and offshore wind cable connections and are now certified as Load Transfer Devices under the API's specification for flexible pipe ancillary equipment. First Subsea’s bend stiffener connectors use ball and taper technology to provide a powerful grip for connections to I/J tubes, and for offshore wind.

Chris Peitchinis outlines the benefits of using PYPLOK mechanically attached connectors which reduce new installation or maintenance repair costs. PYPLOK connectors are attached cold, in seconds, by swaging the connector on the pipe or tube with a hydraulic hand held tool. All the labor and associated costs of a conventional welded connection are eliminated. •    No special skilled labor required vs. qualified welder. •    Actual swaging time is measured in seconds vs. hours for a welded joint. •    No fire watch personnel required.

After the inauguration of the new drilling riser manufacturing facility in Rio das Ostras, Aker Solutions has signed an agreement with Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás S.A. for the delivery of a fourth deepwater marine drilling riser system. The value of the agreement is approximately USD 55 million. The project scope comprises the production of a deepwater marine drilling riser system, including tools and buoyancy modules, for the rig Alpha Star, which will be able to operate in water depths up to 2,700 meters in Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Southeast Asia. Delivery of the deepwater marine drilling riser system is scheduled for Q3 2010. The system will be manufactured at Aker Solutions' facility in Rio das Ostras, Brazil.

Maersk Contractors has awarded Aker Kvaerner a contract to deliver a spare riser for their ongoing semi-submersible drilling rig building program. The spare riser comes in addition to orders received in 2005 and 2006 for three complete riser systems to be delivered from 2008 to 2010. All risers are equipped with an industry leading connector technology designed for safe and reliable operation in ultra-deep water. The first riser of four riser systems will be delivered in January 2008 and manufacturing of riser joints for Maersk starts in May this year. The projects are on schedule and included in the deliveries are the new Aker Kvearner telescopic joint / tension ring systems which provide enhanced environmental protection with a triple packer system.

Maersk Contractors has awarded Aker Kvaerner Subsea a contract to deliver two deep water drilling risers, equipped with an industry leading connector technology. The contract is valued at $32 million, excluding options, and positions Aker Kvaerner as one of the market leaders in riser technology. The order is for two 2250 meter risers, with options for a third 2250 meter riser and optional additional length for each riser of 750 meters. The risers are designed to operate in water depth down to 3000 meters. The project will be managed by Aker Kvaerner Subsea's umbilical and riser group in Mobile, Alabama, USA, with the first riser to be delivered in January 2008, followed by delivery of the second riser in January 2009. The CLIP riser connector is a proven technology in deep water.