Amidst the surging global energy demand, the need for remote loading of chemicals between offshore supply vessels and oil platforms is escalating. However, the harsh offshore environment renders traditional manual connections inefficient and fraught with safety risks. To tackle this, Swedish quick-connect specialist CEJN has collaborated with Norwegian hydraulic and subsea hose expert TESS to unveil a remote loading automatic docking plate for chemical loading. This innovation enables the loading of multiple chemicals with a single punch, enhancing offshore fueling efficiency by up to 50 times, optimizing the refueling process, and significantly reducing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks, heralding a groundbreaking advancement in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas.

Lars-Otto Fredriksen, Director of Fluid Transfer at TESS, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration's outcome: "CEJN's automatic docking plate slashes connection time from hours of manual labor to just 10-15 seconds. By shifting chemical handling to a remote system, this technology not only vastly improves working conditions for operators but also eliminates the need for manual intervention entirely. This innovation benefits the environment and substantially mitigates potential safety risks, bringing greater efficiency and safety to offshore fueling operations."

CEJN Solutions Cater to Unique Project Demands

Considering the extreme conditions of offshore fueling, material selection is paramount throughout development. Mattias Johansson, Product Manager for CEJN's Multi-Coupling Plates and Automatic Docking Connectors, highlighted: "As a provider of tailored solutions, flexibility and swift response to unique needs are crucial. Selecting robust materials ensures the connectors endure harsh environments like saltwater while maintaining peak performance."

CEJN and TESS collaborated closely and, after rigorous internal testing, chose premium duplex materials and Hastelloy (a nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloy) as the core materials for the automatic docking plate. This selection ensures equipment durability and reliability under harsh conditions. Each connection plate is equipped with 26 CEJN automatic docking connectors, including six quick connectors of DN50 size.

A New Era in Offshore Refueling: Transformative Gains in Efficiency and Safety

In conventional offshore fueling, platform operators must use cranes to transport chemicals, often requiring manual management of 50 to 60 crane lifts. The remote loading solution jointly developed by CEJN and TESS reduces this to a single crane lift, revolutionizing fuel supply in the oil and gas industry. "This solution enables remote loading of up to 26 chemicals with just one crane," said Lars-Otto Fredriksen. "It drastically saves time and ensures operator safety."

The remote loading automatic docking plate developed by Swedish CEJN and TESS has effectively addressed long-standing efficiency and safety issues in offshore fueling, injecting new vigor into the oil and gas industry's development. In 2025, CEJN celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since 1955, CEJN has been dedicated to offering customers innovative, efficient, and hassle-free quick-connect solutions. Visit the official Swedish CEJN website for details on collaboration cases and inquiries.