From facilitating data transfer to enabling the transmission of energy across vast distances, cables are essential in the technological landscape. However, the challenging marine environment is a threat to their integrity. The strong currents and rocky seabeds require a solution that goes beyond conventional cable protection. Addressing this need, FMGC offers a groundbreaking all-in-one solution. It's designed to provide protection, stabilisation, and bend restriction. Our cast iron shells stand out for their unique advantages, making them a game-changer in the industry. Keep reading to discover the reasons why FMGC's cast iron shells are the best solutions for your project.
Companies specifications expand_more
FMGC
The history of the FMGC goes back to 1929 and if it continues today, it is because the company has never stopped developing to be attentive to its customers.
Design Engineering & Certification expand_more
FMGC's journey in the field spans decades of experiences in diverse projects. This extensive history has enabled us to cultivate a deep understanding of the mechanical properties of cast iron shells and how they behave in operational conditions.
As part of FMGC's commitment to innovation and reliability, the company has delved into the intricate details of its cast iron shells. A dedicated focus on studying their mechanical properties has allowed us to engineer a product that meets industry standards in the best way possible.
Backed by innovation and European funds, the company has conducted sea trials at the Sem Rev site, an invaluable testing ground for ocean energy solutions. These trials aimed at assessing the stability of the cast iron shells in real-world conditions. The trials also examined the product's interaction with the oceanic environment, including aspects like marine growth and corrosion behaviour. The company has employed scale 1 testing on dedicated test benches, meticulously evaluating the mechanical properties and structural integrity of its cast iron shells. This comprehensive testing ensures that the product meets and surpasses the expectations of reliability and durability.
Bespoke Design expand_more
In an environment characterized by strong currents or rocky seabeds, the protection and stabilisation of cables is a distinct challenge. In response to that matter, FMGC (Foundry and Mechanics General Castelbriantaise) leverages its robust design and engineering capabilities to offer bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of each project.
Custom solutions for various environments
Instead of creating a one-size-fits-all solution, the design and engineering teams collaborate to craft solutions that align with:
- required weights,
- mechanical properties,
- unique cable specifications.
This tailored approach ensures that our cast iron shells are precisely calibrated for the challenges posed by different oceanic environments.
Meeting installation constraints
FMGC develops bespoke solutions that address specific installation constraints. Whether it's adapting to a complex underwater topography or accommodating intricate project requirements, bespoke designs ensure optimal performance.
A commitment to adaptability
From experience, we recognize that each ocean energy project is unique. The adaptability of our solutions not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs, making FMGC a reliable partner in the ever-evolving landscape of marine cable stabilisation.
By tailoring solutions to the intricacies of different environments, our team's approach ensures that its cast iron shells are versatile and effective for any ocean energy projects.
A product with a wide range of applications expand_more
FMGC's protecting and ballasting shells are compatible with two types of submarine power cables : high voltage AC (Alternating Current) and high voltage DC (Direct Current). We develop cast iron shells for diverse applications in various industries.
Marine renewable energy
Our cast iron shell is a key product in the Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) sector, offering robust protection and stabilisation for submarine cables in offshore wind and tidal turbine parks. These shells provide a resilient shield, ensuring effective transmission of energy from these renewable sources to onshore facilities. Their hydrodynamic design, adapted curvature, and durability make them indispensable for the challenges of ocean renewable energy projects.
Oil and gas industries
In the oil and gas industry, our protective and ballast shells serve as key components, enhancing communication between offshore platforms and the coast. These applications underscore the versatility and reliability of FMGC's solutions in critical offshore operations. The cast iron shells, proven in demanding environments, contribute to the longevity and efficiency of underwater communication systems supporting oil and gas exploration and extraction.
Internet networks: underwater cables
The robust design of FMGC's cast iron shells extends to the protection of underwater Internet cables. In the realm of internet networks, these shells ensure the integrity and reliability of essential communication infrastructure beneath the waves. Whether in transoceanic data cables or regional network connections, cast iron shells provide a durable defence against the challenges of the oceanic environment, including potential damage from external factors.
Electrical networks
FMGC's shells contribute to the protection and ballasting of submarine cables used in electrical networks. These interconnectors facilitate the efficient transmission of energy between countries or continents, supporting the global demand for electricity. With a focus on precision and adaptability, the cast-iron shells become integral components in ensuring the reliability and stability of power transmission infrastructure across vast underwater distances.
Offshore renewable energy
The cast iron shells find applications across various offshore renewable energy projects. Whether it's the protection of inter-array or export cables, the shells contribute to the stability and longevity of submarine cable systems in diverse offshore environments. Our solutions address the specific challenges of each project, providing a reliable foundation for the evolving landscape of offshore renewable energy.
Desalinisation
In the desalinisation sector, our cast iron shells support the protection and stabilisation of cables, ensuring the reliability of essential operations in the production of freshwater from seawater. These shells contribute to the durability of the cable infrastructure in environments where maintaining uninterrupted operations is vital. FMGC's commitment to innovation and reliability translates into solutions that withstand the demands of desalinisation processes, offering a dependable foundation for critical operations.
Why should you trust our products ? expand_more
FMGC is Europe's leading manufacturer and seller of cast iron counterweights, cast iron shells and ballast solutions for the marine renewable energies market. There are many reasons why partners and customers trust our cast iron shells.
A three-fold solution
The FMGC cast iron shells stand out as a versatile and efficient three-in-one solution for marine cable infrastructure:
- protection,
- stabilisation,
- bend restriction.
What sets FMGC apart is the ability to deploy its cast iron shells directly from laying vessels, streamlining installation processes and reducing overall project timelines. The environmental impact is minimised as the need for additional support techniques, such as rock dumping or concrete mattresses, becomes unnecessary. The cast iron shells, made entirely from recycled materials, ensure a reduced impact or even zero impact on the seabed.
Solutions tailored to your needs
FMGC offers a standard range of products accommodating cables from 30m to 200m. However, the versatility doesn't stop there. Our company's design and engineering teams stand ready to work on both dedicated and bespoke designs, ensuring that each project receives a tailored solution. This adaptability is crucial for marine cable protection and stabilisation.
Ductile iron for more reliability
The use of ductile iron, a modern iteration of cast iron, contributes to the system's reliability. Its resistance to corrosion and ability to maintain precise dimensions make it an ideal material for FMGC's cast iron shells. Although ductile iron (approximately 7.3 g/cubic centimetre, or 7.3 kg/litre, or 119.6 g/cubic inch) is less dense than cast iron, it offers undeniable advantages that you can benefit from. In addition to excellent corrosion resistance, it has high tensile strength.
Contact us now if you have a project with specific requirements and need advanced cable protection solutions tailored to your needs.