Mediterráneo Señales Marítimas (MSM) has supplied a special mark buoy designed for the marking of subsea infrastructure at Oombo Field, operated by Sonangol, in Angola, contributing to safe navigation and reliable identification of the offshore operational area. The offshore installation was carried out by Aequora Marine Consulting, ensuring the successful deployment and commissioning of the buoy in the operational area.
The project required the design and manufacture of a special buoy, model EBM30HV, developed in accordance with IALA Recommendations and Guidelines to ensure reliable, safe and highly visible marking in a strategic operating area for the offshore industry.
Elastomer technology for an extended service life
One of the key features of this project is the use of a 3-metre diameter elastomer float, a technology especially suited for offshore applications where mechanical strength, durability and reduced maintenance costs are critical factors.
The flexibility of elastomer allows the float to absorb impacts without deformation, providing high resistance against the demanding conditions of the marine environment. In addition, its resistance to abrasion, marine corrosion and UV radiation helps reduce maintenance requirements and extend the service life of the system.
Thanks to its optimised design, with excellent reserve buoyancy and stable hydrodynamic behaviour, this technology maintains its performance even in harsh marine environments, making it a reliable solution for the marking of offshore areas.
Designed for demanding conditions
The EBM30HV buoy has been designed to operate reliably under the environmental conditions of Oombo Field, where subsea infrastructure requires permanent and clearly identifiable marking to ensure the safety of navigation and maritime operations.
Its design incorporates a high-visibility superstructure and an optimised configuration to facilitate inspection and maintenance tasks, reducing intervention times and operational costs throughout the system’s service life.
The solution has been developed to provide long-term operational performance, minimise maintenance requirements and deliver robust behaviour against the demanding conditions of the offshore environment.
Complete equipment for maximum visibility
To ensure the correct identification of the special mark by maritime users and provide effective marking of the operational area, the buoy has been equipped with several signalling and aids to navigation systems:
- Yellow self-contained LED lantern.
- RACON for radar identification.
- AIS AtoN system.
- High-performance radar reflector.
- Additional solar panels to maximise energy autonomy.
- Battery system designed to provide reliable operation in hot climates.
Following its offshore installation, all signalling systems were successfully verified and commissioned.
Maritime Marking solutions adapted to each project
This supply reinforces MSM’s experience in the design and manufacture of special buoys for offshore applications, providing solutions adapted to the specific requirements of each project and aligned with international maritime marking standards.
The combination of elastomer technology, advanced electronic equipment and a design compliant with IALA recommendations enables MSM to deliver aids to navigation prepared to operate safely and reliably over long periods in demanding marine environments, contributing to the safety of offshore operations and navigation.
Project images courtesy of Aequora Marine Consulting.
