Imodco, a world leader in CALM buoys design and maintenance, participated in the SLOM 2025 event presenting its latest solutions for the offshore sector in Latin America. During the meeting, Ludovic Poix, Project Manager for Maintenance, Repair and Inspection of the company, shared details about the recent works carried out in Panama and the technological advances that aim at greater operational safety and sustainability in maritime terminals.
Three renewed buoys with a single objective
One of Imodco’s outstanding projects in the region has been the refurbishment of three CALM buoys for Petróleos de Panamá. These were old systems, with different configurations, which required not only maintenance but also standardization to facilitate future interventions.
“The objective was to have three identical buoys to facilitate spare parts management and simplify maintenance,” explained Ludovic Poix. The intervention included adapting the buoys to the current technical requirements of the Panamanian oil company, increasing the terminal’s operational efficiency.
New technologies for greater environmental safety
With a focus on minimizing environmental risks, Imodco incorporated a new central rotating pipe unit in each of the buoys involved. This critical part allows the passage of fluids through the system and, with the new design, significantly improves safety in the event of possible failures.
In addition, the systems are now equipped with a specialized sealing mechanism and a leak recovery system, which prevents direct spills into the sea. “Should a leak occur, the system allows it to be recovered before it reaches the marine environment,” Poix added.
Global maritime emergency response capability
Another of the company’s operational pillars its 24/7 emergency response service, which allows immediate action in critical situations, with personnel deployed in Europe, Asia and Latin America, facilitating rapid mobilization.
Poix recounted a recent case in which an operation in Spain faced the risk of failure of a buoy’s rotating system. “We were able to dispatch a technician within two days and mitigated the risk before a real problem occurred.” This type of response is possible thanks to the combination of a permanent service center and highly trained technical staff.
Jettyless solutions: efficient operation and less maintenance
The company also promotes Jettyless solutions, which enable offshore terminals to be operated without the need for traditional piers. According to Poix, this approach reduces operational risks by moving operations away from shore and significantly reduces maintenance costs and complexity.
“The piers require constant maintenance and have more emergency systems that need to be attended to regularly. With Jettyless, that operational effort is reduced and the sustainability of the terminal is improved,” the executive commented.
Innovation with local roots
Imodco continues to consolidate its position as a global reference in CALM buoy systems, but with a strong presence in local markets such as Latin America. Its strategy combines technological innovation, technical personnel available in multiple regions and a deep understanding of the specific needs of each client. Similarly, the intervention in Panama is a clear example of how the company adapts global solutions to local contexts, offering safer, more efficient systems that are prepared for today’s environmental challenges.
For more content about SLOM 2025, please visit our LinkedIn profile.
Source: Inspenet.