HOUSTON—U.S. offshore drilling contractor Diamond Offshore Drilling has extended an exclusive license with Trelleborg A.B. covering the supply of buoyancy systems.
The Swedish rubber parts maker said June 18 that the license had been extended to 2029, following the manufacture of four strings of helically grooved buoyancy units for the U.S. contractor. Developed jointly between Trelleborg's offshore operation and Diamond Offshore Drilling, the buoyancy units integrate "vortex-induced vibration" suppression and drag reduction with drill riser buoyancy.
The process eliminates requirements for ancillary suppression equipment. This, Trelleborg said, increases rig efficiency "without compromising on safety or structural integrity."