Thermoplastic piping systems are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for offshore environments. The automation possibilities allow smooth and remote operation of unmanned wind parks and substations. 

Polymer piping systems from GF Piping Systems offer key advantages for floating offshore wind:

• Corrosion-free and maintenance-free, eliminating the need for coatings and reducing leakage risks

• Long service life of 25+ years, lowering operational costs and avoiding mid-life replacements

• Up to 60% lighter than steel, simplifying installation and enabling efficient prefabrication

• Reduced environmental impact, with lower CO₂ emissions and available Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

   

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Yes, GF Piping Systems’ plastic piping can be recycled. As part of our sustainability strategy, we aim to reduce waste and promote responsible end-of-life practices. Our durable, engineered thermoplastics are not comparable to single-use plastics and can be recycled through mechanical or advanced methods, depending on operating conditions (f.e. media used), material as well as local recycling availability. However, current regulations do not allow recyclates to be reused in pressure piping applications.

Learn more in our detailed product recycling article to support our sales team.

GF Piping Systems offers a range of UV- and weather-resistant piping solutions designed for long-term outdoor use, including in offshore environments. These systems are engineered to withstand prolonged sunlight exposure without compromising mechanical performance or requiring additional surface treatment.

For example, ecoFIT (PE100) is ideal for transporting aggressive media outdoors and maintains durability even under direct UV and weather exposure. SeaDrain® White features built-in UV protection and a bright-white finish, eliminating the need for painting or extra maintenance in customer-facing areas.

Yes, metal valves can be integrated into the system; however, due to their significantly higher weight, special bracketing must be used to avoid introducing additional stress on the piping system.

For operating pressures up to 16 bar, GF offers a comprehensive range of plastic valves that deliver the same functionality, with additional advantages. These plastic valves are corrosion-resistant, up to three times lighter than metal alternatives, and compatible with automation and actuation options. They ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance requirements.

The material choice depends on your application requirements. It depends on the application, but here are the most commonly used materials and their distinct material advantages:

• Polybutene (PB): Known for its high creep resistance and chemical durability, PB is ideal for drinking water systems, compressed air lines, and chilled water circuits. It does not impart taste or contaminants, making it safe for potable water applications.
  
  
• Polyethylene (PE): PE is prized for its high elasticity, corrosion resistance, and versatility across various dimensions. It is well-suited for ballast water systems, water treatment applications, and fresh and seawater cooling systems. Its flexibility also helps dampen torsional and vibrational stresses on offshore vessels floating foundations and offshore wind turbines towers.
  
  
• Polypropylene (PP): Available in variants like Random Copolymer (PP-R) and Homopolymer (PP-H), PP is favoured for drinking water applications and black and grey water applications on board offshore vessels, substations and production platforms. It offers high flexibility, which is crucial for adapting to torsional and bending stresses in asset structures.
  • Drinking Water Solution
  • Black and Grey Water Solution
     
• PVC Materials: PVC-C (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) and PVC-U (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) are also used depending on specific application needs. PVC-C is known for its higher temperature and enhanced chemical resistance, which makes it suitable for more demanding offshore environments. On the other hand, PVC-U offers excellent mechanical strength and is often used in piping systems requiring rigidity and dimensional stability.

Additionally, multilayer pipes and fittings, as well as pre-insulated pipes such as COOL-FIT (pre-insulated PE), provide added benefits. Multilayer constructions combine different materials for optimal performance in various conditions, while pre-insulated pipes offer enhanced energy efficiency and protection against external environmental factors.

Each plastic material is rigorously tested and certified to meet stringent safety and performance standards required for marine applications. They offer advantages such as lightweight construction, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion, contributing to improved efficiency and longevity in maritime operations.

• View our application matrix to find the best material fit.
• Speak to our experts for a personal consultation

Yes, our offshore solutions (metric and schedule) are approved by all major classification companies like ABS, BV, DNV, RINA, or LR (and many more) and are safe to use on board.any offshore asset within none critical/hazardous areas, (not currently ATEX approved).

The suitability of a piping system for safe and efficient operation hinges on its compliance with stringent regulations set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the US Coast Guard and leading classification societies such as ABS, DNV, LR, and BV. Approval is contingent upon factors such as the system’s application, location within the asset, pressure requirements, IMO regulations, and fire classification.

Materials used in marine offshore piping systems must undergo rigorous testing and certification by classification societies to ensure they meet stringent safety and performance standards. Thermoplastic and multilayer piping systems are highly favoured in offshore and marine environments for their corrosion resistance, lightweight construction, and extended lifespan. GF Piping Systems offers a comprehensive range of approved plastic materials and valves that comply with these rigorous IMO regulations, ensuring reliability and compliance in maritime operations.

Click here to access the overview of our offshore energy approved portfolio.

Marine Offshore piping systems control the flow of fluids and gases in various applications, including shipbuilding, retrofitting, repair and maintenance offshore substations and platforms floating foundations and wind turbine nacelle and tower. They are used in over 30 onboard applications, such as engine and transformer cooling, bilge and ballast systems, water treatment, hot and cold water supply and HVA/C systems. These systems ensure the reliable operation of assets including offshore and offshore wind support and installation vessels, substations, production platforms, FPSO, FSRU, floating foundations and wind turbines.

View all application possibilities here.

It depends on the application and regional climate conditions. While plastic pipes have significantly better thermal insulation properties than metal, reducing heat transfer and condensation risk, insulation is still recommended in temperature-sensitive applications such as cooling, refrigeration (HVAC/R), or when exposed to extreme ambient conditions.

To simplify this process, GF Piping Systems offers COOL-FIT a fully pre-insulated plastic piping system that eliminates the need for on-site insulation. It includes factory-insulated pipes, fittings, and valves, ensuring high energy efficiency, corrosion resistance, and quick installation.

Our experts are happy to help define the right system and insulation thickness based on your project’s specific requirements. Reach out and speak to an expert.

When it comes to bulkhead penetration for plastic pipes, thermoplastic pipes can be protected in fire-rated divisions using innovative solutions. Specific approved penetrations can restore the integrity of the deck and bulkhead in case of fire. The penetration prevents smoke and flame from being propagated from one fire zone to another.

GF Piping Systems' offshore-approved solutions have been tested and approved by the major penetration makers in the market. 

Our team of piping experts is ready to assist with your specific needs. Please reach out to us here.

Connecting GF pipes and fittings to an existing piping system on board an offshore asset  is straightforward. You can use flanges or threaded joints for a secure fit. Here’s how you can do it:

Flanges: Flanged connections provide a robust and leak-proof method to join pipes. They are ideal for high-pressure systems and allow easy disassembly for maintenance.

Threaded Joints: These are perfect for smaller pipe diameters and offer flexibility and ease of installation without the need for welding.

For joining diverse piping materials, we recommend using:

• UNI-Coupling: This patented solution prevents leakages and ensures high reliability and durability of joints. Its spherical profile on the patented anchoring grip ring provides a secure hold on the pipe, especially on hard surfaces such as thin-walled stainless steel and cast iron. UNI-Coupling enables an angular deflection of up to 2° in any pipe direction and is very easy to install, even in confined spaces.
  
  
• MULTI/JOINT: Connecting pipes of different diameters and materials quickly, safely, and simply, MULTI/JOINT offers a wide range for restraint and non-restraint connections. Thanks to the one-size-fits-all principle, stock costs can be saved. The joint is corrosion-resistant.

Our team of offshore piping experts is ready to assist with your specific needs. For assistance in your project, please reach out to us here.