Subsea Big Bags: Ballast Mattresses for Cables and Pipelines
Advanced technical fabric solutions designed for the ballasting, stabilisation, and protection of subsea cables, conduits, and pipelines. Our ballast mattresses (also known as grout bags or sand bags) are manufactured from ultra-high tenacity synthetic materials or in an eco-compatible version made of 100% natural jute, engineered to withstand extreme marine environments and strong bottom currents. They ensure perfect seabed anchoring for offshore infrastructure, filling voids and providing protection against impacts and abrasion.
Technical Features:
- Fabrics and Materials: High-density polypropylene/polyester (up to 300-400 g/m²) abrasion-resistant fabrics, or 100% natural and biodegradable jute.
- Marine Stitching: Special rot-proof yarns (for synthetic versions) and reinforced multiple seams designed to withstand high hydrostatic pressure during deployment.
- Reinforced Lifting Loops: Integrated heavy-duty loops or slinging straps, designed for safe deployment via pontoon cranes or ROVs.
- Safe Working Load (SWL): From 1,000 kg to over 5,000 kg, structured to accommodate high-density loads such as sand, gravel, or cement grout.
- Durability and Controlled Degradation: Anti-UV treatment and total resistance to micro-organism attack and marine corrosion for polymers; natural, progressive biodegradability for the jute variant.
- Safety Factor: SF 5:1 or 6:1 calculated for critical offshore lifting operations.
Specialised Configurations:
- 100% Jute Eco-Sustainable Version: An entirely natural solution that, once deployed, progressively degrades over time, allowing the ballast (e.g., sand or gravel) to be completely embedded into the seabed.
- Grout Bags (Injection Bags): Synthetic fabric structures equipped with self-sealing valves, designed to be pumped with cement grout directly underwater for a perfect orographic fit.
- Traditional Sand Bags: Ballast bags pre-filled at the quayside or on board the vessel for rapid and localised interventions.
- Optimised and Modular Shapes: Saddle bag designs to wrap around pipelines, pillow shapes, or modular mattresses for creating extensive protective covers.
