Samson Provides Enduring Advantages in Rope Technologies

With new contracts that require continuous lengths of rope for use in deep waters, Samson will push production of its high performance, synthetic ropes farther than ever with the expansion of its Louisiana manufacturing facility.

After the successful introduction of its latest, patented DPX fiber-based rope (Quantum-12) last year, Samson Rope Technologies further established itself as one of the leading providers of high performance ropes for offshore operations. Samson continues to build on its long history for innovations in synthetic rope technologies. The company offers five standard, Dyneema-fiber ropes, along with options for specialty engineered jacketed braids for even more customized performance levels.

Samson synthetic ropes offer the same strength as wire ropes at 1/7th the weight and reduced space requirements. This reduces maintenance costs, provides safer and easier handling, and delivers greater length potential in the same amount of space. Another advantage from Samson's synthetic ropes is in their low specific gravities which allow them to float. They also typically have a service life that is three years longer than wire ropes.

Shell appreciated the advantages Samson ropes offer when it awarded the company a contract to provide a winch and winch line for Shell's Perdido Spar in November 2007. The spar, located in 8,000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, will require rope in a continuous length of 9,200 feet. The rope Samson will use is the Quantum-12, a 12-strand rope made in Samson's patented construction method, which provides high strength, a increased coefficient of friction, and advanced abrasion and cut resistance.

In February 2008, Samson began work on the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana. The expansion will add 35,000 square feet to the facility, new equipment and 40 new employees. Expected to be in operation by first quarter 2009, the new equipment will allow Samson to produce 12-strand ropes with a diameter up to 192mm over 3,000 meters long.

"We are very excited about this expansion and the opportunity to bring our expertise in technology and innovation to the offshore industry," Samson President Tony Bon said. "Samson has a long history of providing custom-engineered solutions supported by our technical field service team. We feel we have a lot to offer and are committed to providing our customers with the best products and services available."

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