Mud Mats Systems for offshore platforms and subsea infield sites
A stable foundation is essential for the safe and efficient operation of fixed offshore platforms and subsea infield sites
Real Safety’s Mud Mats System is an ideal alternative to steel plate mudmats – specifically for offshore jacket and subsea infield structures during installation stage. These fiberglass mats are large, flat plates that are easy to install. There are no cumbersome bolts, nuts, nor washers. You simply slide the pre-cut plates underneath the pre-designed retainer.
The service life of any mudmat system is very short (sometimes only a few days). Once the piles are driven, and the jacket-to-pile connection is made, the mudmats serve no further purpose. However, a steel mudmat system continues to draft from the platform’s cathodic protection system – for the platform’s entire life-span. Since Real Safety Mud Mats are non-metallic, no anodes are required to protect it after its functional life-span and they can be left in place. This is important in reducing both weight and cost of the mud mat system.
The Mud Mats are typically used in areas where the seabed is composed of soft or loose sediments, which can create stability issues for offshore structures during installation. These mats are stronger, and easier to transport and install than traditional steel plates. They are also resistant to corrosion and have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means that they can support heavy loads.
What are the benefits?
- Due to the high-strength of GRP mud mat planking (flexural strength of 65,000 psi), many anodes are eliminated – lowering the expense of a project.
- By eliminating anodes and reduction in steel tonnage, Mud Mats are more cost-effective than steel plate mudmats.
- Reduction in the number of fabricated steel joints
- Environmentally friendly as they do not release harmful chemicals into the surrounding ocean waters
- Non-metallic, thus eliminating the need for cathodic protection.
We offer two mud mats systems:
- Standard Duty mud mats – this is about 23 times stiffer than ¼” steel plate and about 7 times stiffer than ⅜” steel plate.
- Heavy Duty mud mats – this is 94 times stiffer than ¼” steel plate and 28 times stiffer than ⅜” steel plate.
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Corrosion-resistant
High load capacity
High stiffness and flexural strength
Cost effective
Easy installation – No Bolting, No Epoxying
Real Safety’s fiberglass Mud Mats can be used on a variety of offshore and subsea infield structures, where there is a need for a stable foundation on soft or loose seabed sediments during the installation process.
The conventional means of supporting an offshore jacket template during the pile driving operations is by the use of mud mats as they provide a traditional soil bearing foundation.
- Fixed offshore platforms
- Subsea templates
- Subsea manifolds
- Subsea pump stations
Real Safety FRP Mud Mats offer several advantages over traditional steel plates.
They are highly resistant to corrosion, unlike steel plates, which are prone to rust and degradation when exposed to seawater.
These mats are also significantly lighter than steel plates, which makes them easier to transport, install and handle – and therefore, more cost effective. They also have a higher load capacity than steel plates, meaning they can support heavier structures with a smaller footprint.
Our FRP mud mats system offers significant cost savings and is efficient – making them the right choice for offshore platforms.
FRP Mud mats are important for fixed offshore and subsea fields because they provide a stable and mud free foundation during the installation of structures.
The absence of a proper foundation and structure can result in significant safety hazards, increased cost, environmental impact and a reduced lifespan for offshore structures.
The consequences can be catastrophic. In 1982, The Ocean Ranger, a semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling unit – based off the coast of Newfoundland, sank in a terrible storm. After the disaster, The Royal Commission concluded that Ocean Ranger had design and construction flaws, and that the crew lacked proper safety training, survival suits and equipment.
This incident led to the loss of all 84 crew members and highlights the importance of proper structural design, safety procedures and training.
If incidents happen, the company may be liable for damages and face legal and financial consequences, including:
- Fines and penalties
- Legal action
- Reputational damage
- Suspension of operations
- Increased insurance costs
- Regulatory scrutiny
KEY BENEFITS
Our GRP Mud Mat systems offer significant benefits in terms of safety, durability and cost-effectiveness, making them a logical choice for offshore platform construction.
- Developed for fixed offshore and subsea platforms
- Due to the high-strength GRP/FRP mud mat planking (flexural strength of 65,000 psi), anodes are no longer required and are therefore eliminated
- By eliminating anodes and the reduction in steel tonnage, Mud Mats are more cost-effective than steel plate plate mudmats
- Reduction in the number of fabricated steel joints
- Environmentally friendly – no release of harmful chemicals into the ocean
- Can withstand exposure to harsh offshore environments
- Supports during pile driving operation
- Mud mat systems are non-metallic, eliminating the need for cathodic protection
- Resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal material for use in offshore environments where exposure to saltwater and other corrosive agents is common
- Spans are 2 to 3 times more than steel plate
- Fewer number of beams to frame needed
- High stiffness
- Reduced weight – compared to steel
- Durability
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