Base Materials Becomes First Manufacturer With Full DNV Type Approval Across Entire Syntactic Buoyancy Material Range
- Robert Robinson
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Reinforcing its position as a global leader in high-performance subsea buoyancy materials, Base Materials has become the first syntactic foam subsea buoyancy materials manufacturer to achieve full DNV type approval (TAC) across its entire portfolio of Subtec® buoyancy materials.
The certification follows an extensive and robust testing programme carried out by DNV, the world’s leading classification society, and marks a significant milestone for the industry. With all seven Subtec® grades now fully type approved, Base Materials sets a new benchmark in quality assurance and performance consistency for subsea buoyancy.
The achievement builds upon the company obtaining type approval for its Subtec® 11500 material, designed for operations down to 11,500 metres, in November 2024 and showcases the business’ continued commitment to product development and technical excellence.
Stephen Sloan, Head of Commercial at Base Materials, commented: “Achieving type approval across the full Subtec® range is a major industry first and one we’re extremely proud of. It offers our customers full confidence that no matter the depth or criticality of the application, every Subtec® material meets the exacting standards of DNV.
“This milestone is a testament to the rigour of our testing processes, the expertise of our team, and our unwavering commitment to raising the bar in subsea material performance. With DNV type approval and Approval of Manufacture now in place across the Subtec® range, we undoubtedly offer the most comprehensively certified suite of syntactic buoyancy materials on the market.”
DNV is a global classification body that delivers testing, certification, and technical advisory services to the maritime industry. DNV certification provides assurances that the products and services accredited meet the regulatory and safety standards required for the end use applications.
With densities from 400 – 650 kg/m3 and grades to suit a range of seawater depths from 2,000 metres to 11,500 metres, Base Materials’ Subtec® buoyancy materials comprise high-grade hollow glass microspheres and a novel thermoset polymer matrix, producing ultra-high strength-to-weight characteristics with excellent water ingress resistance. Each grade in the range is colour coded to ensure depth ratings match within buoyancy assemblies.
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