US drilling firm extends Trelleborg contract

Houston, Texas – US offshore drilling contractor Diamond Offshore Drilling has extended an exclusive license with Trelleborg AB covering the supply of buoyancy systems.

The Swedish rubber parts maker announced 18 June that the licence had been extended to 2029, following the manufacture of four strings of helically grooved buoyancy units for the US contractor.

Developed jointly between Trelleborg’s offshore operation and Diamond Offshore Drilling, the buoyancy units integrate ‘vortex-induced vibration’ (VIV) suppression and drag reduction with drill riser buoyancy.

The process eliminates requirements for ancillary suppression equipment. This, said Trelleborg, increasing rig efficiency “without compromising on safety or structural integrity.”