The maritime and offshore industries are ever-changing. We know innovation is key to keeping up with safety assurances, sustainability demands and cost-effectiveness. One significant innovation that has made its mark over the last two decades is SPS Cold Work repairs.
That’s right, SPS Cold Work is turning 20 years old this year! To celebrate the anniversary of one of our most pioneering engineering solutions, we’ll be delving into the history, benefits and growing importance of SPS Cold Work repair in the maritime and offshore sectors.
From Riveting to Welding and Beyond
Since the mid-20th century, welding has progressively replaced riveting as the preferred method for joining metal plates in shipbuilding and repair processes. The reasons for this shift are clear: welding offers increased effectiveness, strength and cost benefits. This process has revolutionised how ships and offshore assets are constructed and repaired.
As such, welding has become the tentative ‘gold standard’ in fabrication, but it’s not without its challenges, especially when it comes to repairs at sea.
The Challenge of Hot Work Repairs
When repairing a defective structure, the conventional method involves a ‘crop and renew’ process. However, safety is a primary concern of this method. Hot work activities can pose serious hazards like fire, explosions and toxic fumes. To mitigate these hazards, expensive precautions are typically required. Tanks, for example, may need to be cleaned and entered, and in many cases, production units must be shut down, halting operations to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.
Class-Approved SPS Cold Work Repair
In 2003, a significant shift in the industry occurred with the introduction of our SPS Cold Work method. This approach differed from traditional hot work methods, offering a safer, more cost-effective solution. SPS Cold Work repairs completed its first-class approved application on the bottom plate of the Cargo Oil tank aboard the FPSO Independence, setting a new standard in the industry!
So, what exactly is SPS Cold Work repair? Cold Working is a method that has gradually gained recognition and approval from all major classification societies as a permanent repair solution, replacing the conventional ‘crop and renew’ method. SPS eliminates the need for hot work on-site, making it the preferred choice for safe and efficient repairs. Here’s what Andrea Galter, Operability Lead Engineer SBM Offshore, had to say about the process:
“The SPS Cold Work solution reduced the amount of in-situ offshore work and POB requirements, allowing the FPSO to remain in operation. Fire-related risk was eliminated during the repair. SPS Cold Work was a great solution, as well as being Class approved, for steel repairs where both hot work and POB are a constraint.”
The Bottom Line: Why Choose SPS Cold Work Repair?
SPS Cold Work repair has quickly expanded its footprint to drilling platforms and marine vessels. This versatility makes it a go-to solution for maritime and offshore repair applications.
Jonny Lim, Director of Business in Maritime & Offshore at SPS Technology, comments:
“It’s forecasted that SPS will be the preferred method to replace traditional crop and renew processes. A growing number of long-term agreements with various operators worldwide confirms this. The reason is simple: Why cut and weld if you can use SPS Cold Work…”
Enquire about SPS Cold Work
SPS Cold Work repair eliminates the risks associated with hot work, reduces operational downtime and ensures the safety of both personnel and assets. If you’re in need of cost-effective repair solutions, get in touch with our engineering experts here.
