Philson: Offshore Industry News & Subsea Technology Insights

  • By Philson
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  • 13-Apr,2026

Advanced Pre-Span Rectification Solutions for Offshore Energy

As offshore energy projects push into increasingly remote and geologically complex regions, the industry is facing a critical challenge: Seabed Irregularity. To address this, we are proud to showcase our specialized Pre-span Rectification Solutions, designed to protect subsea cables and flexible pipelines from the risks of free-spanning over uneven underwater terrain.

Pre-Span Rectification Solutions for Offshore Energy

The Challenge of Free Spans

In ultra-deepwater operations, seafloor features like sand waves, rock outcrops, and trenches often prevent pipelines from resting flat on the seabed. This creates "Free Spans"—unsupported sections of cable that are highly susceptible to:

Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV): Caused by subsea currents.

Overbending: Due to gravity and environmental loads exceeding the Minimum Bend Radius (MBR).

Fatigue Failure: Leading to catastrophic downtime and environmental risks.

The Solution: Modular Bend Protection

Traditional rectification methods, such as rock dumping or dredging, are often cost-prohibitive in deepwater. Our firm provides a more efficient, hardware-driven alternative. By integrating Polyurethane (PU) Spine-type Bend Restrictors into the pre-lay strategy, we provide the cable with the mechanical "backbone" necessary to withstand span-related stresses.

Proven Performance in the Field:

This methodology was recently validated in our work on a Major FPSO Project in Brazil’s Pre-Salt Fields, where we supplied protection solutions for assets at depths exceeding 2,000 meters. In that project, our systems ensured total MBR control at critical interfaces, a technology that is now being adapted for broader pre-span rectification needs.

Key Advantages of Our Approach

1. MBR Locking: Our bend restrictors mechanically lock when the minimum bend radius is reached, ensuring the cable remains safe even when suspended over a seafloor gap.

2. Marine-Grade PU Material: Specifically formulated for 10+ year lifespans, our PU is resistant to saltwater corrosion and H₂S, making it ideal for the harsh conditions found in South America and beyond.

3. Operational Efficiency: The modular, lightweight design allows for rapid installation on the vessel deck, reducing offshore installation time by up to 40% compared to traditional steel structures.

Looking Ahead

Founded in 2015, our company has quickly become a leader in subsea protection by focusing on the intersection of advanced material science and practical offshore engineering. As the industry transitions toward deeper waters and floating wind energy, our Pre-span Rectification Solutions offer the reliability and scalability required for the next generation of offshore infrastructure.