Aluminium Offshore System Set for Growth

Murray Metals (MM), one of the UK’s leading stockists and suppliers of plate and specialty metals, is set to revolutionise module construction in the oil and gas sector with a new support system.

The strategic acquisition of Alphastrut by Murray Metals Investments has extended MM’s credentials in the global oil and gas industry. 

The Alphastrut aluminium system is over 50% lighter than conventional steel support and cable containment systems and has already saved oil majors in the region of 100 tonnes of weight per project, resulting in seven figure cost savings.

The weight and cost savings are already being noted within the oil and gas industry and Alphastrut has been installed successfully in a number of North Sea infrastructure developments.

The system has enormous scope for use in major global build projects, including in Asia Pacific, Africa and Gulf of Mexico. It is expected that Alphastrut will supersede traditional steel support frameworks used offshore.

Alphastrut founder/ developer Andrew Munro, based in Bellshill, Scotland, remains as Technical Director and joins the 200 strong UK team at Murray Metals. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Munro said, “Alphastrut offers massive weight savings, which continues to be in the spotlight in the offshore industry. The environmental impact these savings can have cannot be ignored. Alphastrut has been installed successfully for a number of oil majors since 2009 and our aim is to create an industry leading product along with a full design service, installation and solution service for our clients.

“This revolutionary aluminium system already has an impressive track record, but under the expert stewardship of MM it will revolutionise module construction in the oil and gas sector.”

Graeme Hill, Chief Executive of MM, which is headquartered in Manchester and previously held the global licensing agreement for Alphastrut, said: “This is a key strategic acquisition.

“It further diversifies not only the range of our offering in specialty metals, but broadens and strengthens our national and international reach and enhances our rapidly-expanding export capability.

“Alphastrut provides the ideal weight and cost-saving solution to customers, it is easier to handle and install, with no compromise on strength, durability or sustainability.”

Key facts:

•         Aluminium is non-combustible and has a zero flame spread rating

•         Alphastrut is anodised to AA25 marine grade.  It has been through an accelerated salt spray test, comfortably passing 1,048 hours. This gives it a life expectancy in excess of 30 years which gives it a comparable resistance to corrosion to stainless steel

•         Alphastrut AC-01 channel has been designed to carry loads similar to those carried by standard 41 x 41 x 2.5 steel or stainless steel channels. 

•         Alphastrut AC-01 is approximately 48% lighter than standard channels, and the aluminium brackets are approximately 66% lighter.  It is expected that 50% weight savings will be achieved over conventional systems.  

•         The Alphastrut support system replaces traditional steel support systems and can be used in everything from load-bearing raised-access floors to ceiling grids and bulkhead supports.