Vallourec has broken ground on a new production line at its Serra facility in Espirito Santo, Brazil, dedicated to Proxxima resin systems with Goldilocks (GDLX) subsea thermal insulation technology.
The project marks a step in the industrial deployment of the subsea insulation technology licensed from ExxonMobil and is aimed at strengthening Vallourec’s line pipe offering for offshore projects in Brazil and international markets.
The Proxxima resin systems with GDLX technology are designed to provide enhanced thermal performance, extended cool-down time and faster insulation execution compared with conventional systems.
The technology has already been selected for ExxonMobil’s Longtail deepwater project in Guyana, for which Vallourec will supply thermally insulated line pipes as part of its integrated offshore offering.
The investment will expand Vallourec’s local capabilities and specialized expertise in Serra. Located near the Port of Vitoria, the facility is positioned to serve domestic and export markets and support the regional offshore value chain.
Vallourec said the enhanced capabilities provided by GDLX technology contributed to securing the Hammerhead and Longtail contracts, described by the company as its largest line pipe orders to date.
Vallourec is a global producer of premium seamless tubular products for the energy and industrial sectors, operating in more than 20 countries.