SPM & CBM

A genuinely autonomous SPM corporation

Riverlake is one of the very few truly independent companies, alongside Single Point Mooring (SPM) construction contractors, with experience in SPM and Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) systems.

Accustomed to working in ports

Terminal operators are often familiar with working in ports where vessels are securely moored on piers in a protected harbour, away from wind, waves, and currents.

However, there are alternative ways to load and unload tankers, such as SPM and CBM systems. SPM systems use CALM buoys to safely moor large oil tankers and transfer product to and from onshore tank farms, while CBM systems are used for smaller tankers that typically carry multiple products.

Single Point Mooring (SPM) and Catenary Buoy Mooring (CBM) systems are used globally as an affordable option in areas without significant port infrastructure, such as when the water depth at the quay is insufficient.

These systems consist of mooring buoys, floating and subsea product transfer hoses, a Pipeline End Manifold (PLEM), and an export pipeline connecting to an onshore tank farm. However, implementing these systems is not as simple as it may seem.

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration, such as the client’s requirements at the planned site, the types of products to be handled, the necessary parcel size, the soil and weather conditions, and the projected costs for both capital and operational expenses. Many SPM systems have been installed worldwide and have been operational since the 1970s and 1980s and they are now nearing the end of their design life or have already exceeded their expected lifespan. In the worst-case scenario, a complete breakdown of the SPM system could occur. Another common issue is a leaking product swivel seal, which is often addressed by reducing the system’s throughput capacity by pumping at a lower pressure. This, however, results in increased demurrage costs.

Numerous Riverlake engineers

Riverlake successfully supported, and is currently assisting, numerous clients with consulting services to enable them to develop, design, supply, operate and maintain a suitable tanker mooring system.

With Riverlake extensive knowledge of onshore tank farms and offshore SPM and CBM systems, Riverlake is well positioned to serve Clients in their overall terminal strategy.

Riverlake designs the concept, handles the engineering and naval studies, tenders for construction as well as procurement and delivery, and can set up operations & maintenance (procedures as well as skilled personnel) by providing the required support vessels, diving teams and equipment, and operational managers.

Numerous Riverlake engineers have been involved in the SPM field as suppliers or operators during the course of their professional careers. There are only very few engineering companies or consultants who can offer hands-on SPM experience. Thus, there is a great deal we can do to help you to avoid difficult interfaces, schedule restrictions and unnecessary and high additional costs when dealing with a supplier.

A number of SPM/CBM’s are the result of our involvement. A very consistent and extensive track record exists, which you can view here.