Calm Buoy Essential – Book Review
In his book, ‘Calm Buoy Essential’, author Philippe Martignoni details the importance of “one of the most elaborated piece[s] of equipment operated offshore by the oil industry” – namely the Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (Calm) buoy.
Foundation of the Offshore Oil Industry
Drawing on his extensive experience and knowledge from a career in the offshore oil industry spanning 41 years, Mr Martignoni has written a book that comprehensively discusses the history, design and operation of Calm buoys worldwide.
Irreplaceable Asset
The world saw its first Calm buoy back in 1959 – it was an innovation that met the needs of rising oil imports and exports that came with the increase in oil tanker size in the 1950s. Since then, 609 Calm buoys have been manufactured and today, the technology is used in more than 80 countries around the world. Mr Martignoni states that, “The Calm buoy was the foundation of new technology developments, such as FPSOs.”
The author highlights the significance of the technology as both an environmental protector and mainstay of the oil export and import market. “Calm buoy technology is one of the best assets for the protection of the environment and coast from oil pollution. The Calm buoy terminal can be considered the safest way for the offshore transfer of crude oil.” The fundamental design is so efficient and successful that “it is unlikely that any innovative equipment will replace the Calm buoy concept.”
Into the Limelight
The author writes that upon launching a Calm buoy “no bottle of champagne will be smashed.” Clearly passionate about the subject, Mr Martignoni aims to put the Calm buoy into the public eye. Considering that calm buoy technology handles “half of the crude oil maritime transit yet is virtually unknown by the public,” this book will give the Calm buoy the recognition it deserves.
The book is available to buy via
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/calm-buoy-essential/14314886
