24 Sep 2013

OFFSHORE & TRAWL SUPPLY AND DSM DYNEEMA ARE PROUD TO CONGRATULATE COSTA CROCIERE AND TITAN MICOPERI FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE COSTA CONCORDIA PARBUCKLING PROJECT

The Netherlands, 24 September 2013 - DSM, producer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE), branded as Dyneema®, and OTS (Offshore & Trawl Supply AS), a Norwegian manufacturer of synthetic fiber ropes of extreme strength, are proud to congratulate Titan Salvage and Micoperi for their outstanding achievement in the Parbuckling project.

Dextron® 12 Plus ropes made with Dyneema® fiber took the strain of the Costa Concordia, holding it in position and relieving some of the tension felt by the engineers from Titan Salvage and Micoperi during this historic marine exercise.

Up ending the wreck, known as ‘parbuckling’, has been the most critical stage of a marine salvage operation, like no other in history, involving the best international expertise and advanced technologies. Before this extremely difficult and critical operation could be executed, the wreck had to be held in position to prevent the Costa Concordia from sliding off the reef, and subsea cliff, into deeper waters. In order to protect the immediate marine environment, the salvage team was confronted with a unique and extremely complex engineering operation.

Dextron® 12 Plus ropes made with Dyneema® fiber, manufactured by OTS AS in Norway, were selected by the salvage team. OTS`s patented Protective Jacket, a technology developed by OTS, was fitted on the ropes to protect the load bearing structure against abrasion. Lines made with Dyneema® have a proven track record in maritime and offshore operations, including salvage lines. The combination of high strength with low weight enabled safer and easier handling compared to steelwire and chain. Synthetic fiber ropes are more frequently used in salvage operations in order to protect the immediate environment. Prior to the lines being commissioned, several load cases were carefully evaluated in order to estimate the behavior of the load bearing core during the salvage operation.

OTS and DSM have been supporting Captain Nicholas Sloane, Senior Salvage Master on the COSTA CONCORDIA Removal Project, throughout this project. According to him, the enabling technology, most of which is taking place under water, saved many days in installing the subsea hold-back system, minimizing the physical efforts required by the dive team. It also prevented elasticity and maintained the required strength while helping preserve the precious marine environment at the same time.

The Dextron® 12 Plus ropes with Dyneema® will remain connected to Costa Concordia throughout the winter, through to April/May 2014. They will hold the righted vessel in position while the sponsons (steel tanks, similar to those on the port side) are attached to the starboard side of the ship, after which refloating will begin prior to towing to its final destination.

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Notes for editors

About OTS

OTS - High-Strength, Lightweight Fiber Ropes For Offshore, Seismic, Towing and Fishery

Offshore and Trawl Supply (OTS) is a leading manufacturer of synthetic fiber ropes for operational installations in the offshore oil and gas market. Based in Norway, it specializes in the production, design and engineering of high-tech fiber ropes, as well as combined products, including thimbles, shackles, chains and buoys.

The OTS factory, situated near Aalesund in Norway, is one of the most modern sites in Europe. Fitted with the latest production lines, it uses high-tech fibers to produce ropes with diameters of up to 350mm. More information can be found on www.otsas.no.

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

UHMWPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 23,500 employees deliver annual net sales of about €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

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