Thermoplastic Composite Pipe Ordered for Deepwater Field
Deepwater operators can now utilize carbon fibre jumpers for installations in environments exceeding 2,200 meters of water depth.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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McDermott has placed an order with Strohm for four thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) jumpers to be used in a Southeast Asian gas field. The installation is planned for water depths exceeding 2,200 meters.
Why it matters
The deployment of carbon fibre jumpers at significant depths reflects a move toward materials that offer higher pressure resistance and corrosion immunity in challenging subsea environments. Operators managing deepwater assets often seek such solutions to reduce installation weight and maintenance costs compared to traditional steel piping.
The contract for the four carbon fibre PA12 jumpers is valued between €10 million and €20 million. Each of the 6.9-inch diameter units measures approximately 1,000 meters in length.
The players
McDermott
A global provider of engineering and construction solutions for the energy industry.
Strohm
A developer and manufacturer of thermoplastic composite pipe technology for subsea applications.
The details
McDermott will perform the installation using a vertical lay system, a process selected to handle the deployment of these composite pipes in ultra-deep water. Unlike standard steel alternatives, the carbon fibre PA12 construction provides a lighter weight profile, which is critical for structural management in installations at depths exceeding 2,200 meters.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Announcement of the contract award.
Market Landscape
This order follows the industry trend of adopting thermoplastic composite pipe technology as a durable, lightweight alternative to steel for extreme subsea environments. The move marks a shift in deepwater engineering standards for pressure-sensitive gas infrastructure.
Operators currently maintaining or planning deepwater fields should review the load-bearing and corrosion-resistance data of carbon fibre alternatives against traditional steel options. These material shifts are increasingly vital for managing the operational risks associated with subsea installations at extreme depths.
The takeaway
The move to carbon fibre underscores a broader industry pivot toward advanced materials that can withstand high-pressure, ultra-deep environments without the weight of traditional alloys. Engineering managers should track the installation performance of these specific 6.9-inch diameter jumpers to benchmark against their own subsea asset maintenance schedules.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure upgrades, visit the Oil and Gas section.
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