Trelleborg Offshore develops ‘unique’ range of IALA compliant navigation aids

24 Nov 2011 - AtoN and Mooring/Berthing

• Trelleborg Offshore develops "a unique alternative to traditional buoys" in the development of new IALA compliant range

Trelleborg Offshore, the global manufacturer of polymer and syntactic foam-based solutions for the offshore industry, has developed a complete range of IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) compliant Navigation Buoys and Lights.

Described by Trelleborg as “a unique alternative to traditional buoys”, the firm hopes to provide its customers with not only cost-savings but improved reliability.

The new range, which includes, lateral marks, cardinal marks, special marks, safe water and isolated danger marks, has been specifically developed by Trelleborg to provide an  alternative to high maintenance steel hulled and rotationally molded buoys.

“Our new and comprehensive range of navigation buoys is constructed with an elastomer hull and an aluminum superstructure to provide a low maintenance, UV stable solution which is lighter than steel, but which still offers excellent stability and all round impact damage resistance. The range is also fully IALA compliant and will cover the IALA Navigation Mark Scope,” said Vice President of Marine at Trelleborg, Ashley Tasker.

“Using traditional hulls such as steel and the new plastic, rotationally molded buoys, has plenty of disadvantages, with problems such as maintenance and UV damage common place. We've developed a new solution that combines the best of both worlds to create a unique and reliable alternative for both ports and harbors and the offshore marine industry.”

The buoy diameters can range between 1.25 meters to 3 meters and are available in a selection of configurations and colors, as well as a choice of power and mooring options.

“So far our new and complete range of navigation aids have been extremely well received, particularly in the UK, where a number of major ports already have significant orders scheduled for 2012,” added Tasker.