Offshore operators could have access to new composite materials technology for pipelines, with the formation of a new joint venture specialising in thermoplastics.

Composite pipe manufacturer Airborne Oil and Gas, which has a manufacturing base in Amsterdam in The Netherlands and which supplies thermoplastic composite pipe, is linking up with Celanese Corporation, a chemicals and materials technology specialist, under a global technology agreement. Together Airborne and Celanese are planning to work together on developing and supplying composite pipe materials for deepwater offshore operations.

Airborne’s chief technology officer Marcus Kremers stated that the new multi-year alliance between the two companies should help to drive forward development of composite materials. “This strategic alliance is an important milestone in achieving a robust supply chain, ready for scaling up,” Kremer stated.