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Syntactic foam subsea buoyancy materials manufacturer (Leicester, U.K.) has achieved full DNV type approval (TAC) across its entire Subtec portfolio, buoyancy materials composed of high-grade hollow glass microspheres and a thermoset polymer matrix.

The certification follows an extensive and robust testing program carried out by DNV (Høvik, Norway), following Base Materials’ November 2024 TAC approval for Subtec 11500, designed for operation down to 11,500 meters. With all seven Subtec grades now fully type approved, the company aims to set a new benchmark in quality assurance and performance consistency for subsea buoyancy.

“Achieving type approval offers our customers full confidence that no matter the depth or criticality of the application, every Subtec material meets the exacting standards of DNV,” says Stephen Sloan, head of commercial at Base Materials. “This milestone is a testament to the rigor of our testing processes, the expertise of our team and our unwavering commitment to raising the bar in subsea material performance.”

DNV is a global classification body that delivers testing, certification and technical advisory services to the maritime industry. DNV certification provides assurances that the products and services accredited meet the regulatory and safety standards required for the end-use application.

Subtec buoyancy materials offer a range of densities — from 400-650 kilograms/cubic meters — and grades to suit a range of seawater depths from 2,000-11,500 meters. They provide ultra-high strength-to-weight characteristics with optimal water ingress resistance. Each grade in the range is color coded to ensure depth ratings match within buoyancy assemblies.