The importance of choices made about technology, design, transport logistics, and installation when it comes to the lifecycle GHG impact
OSLO, Norway, 7 March, 2022 - DNV, Strohm, and the Non-Metallic Innovation Centre (NIC) have launched a report comparing the lifecycle carbon footprint of externally coated carbon steel pipe and thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP). The report shows that TCP has a significantly lower carbon footprint, in the range of 30-60%, than an equivalent carbon steel pipeline solution for the defined case study.
The companies considered all steps of the lifecycle carbon footprint which is a measure of the direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with all activities in the product's life cycle, from material extraction and production to the end-of-life stage of the pipelines.
The report outlines the results from a joint industry project (JIP) between DNV, Strohm, and NIC, focusing on the lifecycle of a 22 km pipeline transporting produced water for injection in a field outside Angola in Western Africa, with an operating lifetime of 20 years.
Prajeev Rasiah, executive vice president for Energy Systems, Northern Europe at DNV said: “This study shows the importance of choices made about technology, design, transport logistics, and installation of offshore pipeline solutions, when it comes to the lifecycle GHG impact."
“It focuses on the importance of efficient transport logistics and installation, including selection of vessels which have a high impact on the total carbon footprint for both steel and TCP. While admittedly limited to certain geographies and scenarios, the current case study has shown that TCP has an advantage within this area."
“Pipelines are a critical part of offshore infrastructures and should be considered when assessing the overall carbon footprint. Choosing a technology and design that provides the least GHG emission from a cradle to grave perspective is a step towards the goal of a low carbon future.”
Caroline Justet, business growth executive for energy in transition at Strohm added: “We are excited about the results of the study as it’s a great step towards establishing TCP as a suitable alternative to steel in offshore applications."
“The greatest GHG benefits from using TCP compared to steel will be in the cases when the pipe needs to be transported over long distances. TCP is spoolable and lightweight, allowing it to be delivered in long lengths and installed using small vessels or subsea pallets, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.”
"The NIC is proud to have been a part of this study which proves and now underpins one of the major benefits of non-metallic technology deployment. The findings from this collaboration complement a previous NIC study assessing CO2 footprint for onshore flowlines, with both studies showing consistent results. In a world where all companies are seeking to improve their environmental credentials, deployment of TCP can offer oil and gas companies an easily deployable and greener alternative to their historically steel based infrastructure."
"Though this study had a specific application it shows to the industry where the CO2 intensive steps are and allows designers to understand how to minimize the CO2 footprint for offshore applications. This will allow the wider industry to understand how the design and implementation of non-metallic assets can improve both sustainability and performance.” concluded NIC Director, Mihalis Kazilas.
For media enquiries please contact:
Neil Slater, Head of Media Relations, Energy Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 7876 578 353
E-mail: neil.slater@dnv.com
Penda Sall, Media Relations, Energy Systems
Tel: +33 (0) 651 69 88 64
E-mail: penda.sall@dnv.com
About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry standards, and inspires and invents solutions.
Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analysing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company's supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence.
Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps its customers seize opportunities and tackle the risks arising from global transformations. DNV is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.
About Strohm
Leading composite pipe technology company Strohm (formerly Airborne Oil & Gas) has the world’s largest track-record for Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) after being the first to bring the technology to the Oil & Gas industry in 2007. TCP reduces total installed and life cycle cost for subsea flowlines, jumpers and risers and has proven to reduce the CO2 footprint of pipeline infrastructures by more than 50%.
The company is committed to driving sustainability with its range of TCP solutions which enable clients towards their net-zero carbon emissions targets and supports the renewables sector.
TCP is a strong, non-corrosive, spoolable, lightweight technology which is delivered in long lengths, resulting in a significant reduction of transportation and installation costs. TCP is installed using small vessels or subsea pallets, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. It is also 100% recyclable.
Strohm’s shareholders are Aker Solutions, Chevron Technology Ventures, Evonik Venture Capital, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Shell Ventures, Subsea 7, Sumitomo Corporation and the private equity investor, HPE Growth.
The firm’s manufacturing facility is located at its headquarters in IJmuiden in The Netherlands. Strohm also has offices in Houston (US), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
Visit the Strohm website here.
About the Non-Metallic Innovation Centre
The Non-Metallic Innovation Centre (NIC) opened in September 2019, based at TWI’s headquarters near Cambridge. The NIC was formed as a partnership between TWI, and the oil and gas industry with the aim of advancing the use of non-metallic materials for industrial applications.
The NIC initiates research programmes with partners from academic institutions, research centres, composite & polymer materials manufacturers and oil and gas companies. These research programmes will span Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-6 to enable the wider deployment of non-metallic materials primarily in the oil and gas industry.
For more information about the NIC.