• Pacu™ will revolutionize cathodic protection technology for mooring systems
• By attaching sacrificial anodes to the mooring chains, ICT has demonstrated through computer simulation and field tests that it is able to dramatically extend their lifespan
• Currently, there is no established protection against the corrosion of mooring chains on permanently moored offshore structures. Pacu™ is set to provide a comprehensive option for the complete protection of mooring systems
• The technology is fully commercialized, having been extensively tested and validated through a Technology Qualification Project with a major international operator

Imenco Corrosion Technology  a division of Imenco’s international group of companies, has launched its innovative and transformational Pacu™ cathodic protection technology to the market.

Initially intended for use in the chains of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units, the system is equally applicable to any mooring system such as those on floating wind platforms or offshore aquaculture installations. Pacu™ is designed to be attached to mooring chains. Comprised of ICT’s well-known Piranha® clamp and an integrated bracket-mounted sacrificial anode, the solution will dramatically extend the lifespan of mooring chains.

Currently the unpredictable rate of corrosion on existing mooring chains is widely accepted, with costly and time consuming replacements taking place but not solving the problem of a high turnover in the lifespan of chain and corrosion-related failure rates of mooring systems.

The product has undergone significant internal and external testing and with a move from qualification to commercialization, operators can now take advantage of the full ICT package, including computer modelling, testing, installation, and verification of the protection.

Prior to launch, ICT worked with a major international operator to complete a Technology Qualification Project with the objective of de-risking an anode retrofit solution for mooring chains. The project demonstrated that cathodic protection and the use of Pacu™ provided a viable solution for operators.

ICT’s Pacu™ will transform corrosion management, slowing the rate of corrosion significantly and prolonging the life of mooring systems. Applicable to all geographical regions, but particularly in those locations where problems with rapid corrosion have been identified as being common.

The use of Pacu™ will reduce the risk of mooring system failures while providing a cost-effective solution, which can be easily retrofitted to existing chains. The cathodic protection of chains opens up the opportunity to reduce corrosion allowances, thereby enabling thinner chains to be used in new and replacement systems. This leads to less weight and therefore less equipment needed for handling, transportation, and installation, reducing the carbon footprint of operations.

Nils Olav Digre, Vice President, Imenco, said: “This technology signals the start of real change in not only what can be done, but how it can be done, and it will elevate the potential for cathodic protection to a wider market. Pacu™ will transform chain management, providing a cost-effective, flexible solution, while supporting the drive for greener operations within the energy industry. Following significant testing, we are pleased to introduce this fully commercialized product to market.”

Pacu™ has multiple applications within the Oil & Gas industry including near-shore moorings and permanently moored offshore structures, but also in other maritime industries, including offshore wind.