Malaysia’s offshore energy industry is preparing for a technological leap forward with the arrival of a new innovation that could transform subsea pipeline infrastructure.
Strohm, the world’s leading Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) company, has been awarded a significant contract to supply four TCP Jumpers for a major deepwater gas project off the coast of Malaysia.
The award, facilitated through its local partner Dynamic Ocean Sdn Bhd (DOSB), signals not only a boost to Malaysia’s offshore gas production capabilities but also a growing reliance on advanced, sustainable, and cost-efficient subsea solutions.
The project will see the installation of large-bore carbon fibre PA12 TCP Jumpers with internal diameters exceeding seven inches. Designed to withstand extreme subsea pressures and resist collapse in vacuum conditions, these jumpers represent an important milestone for both Malaysia’s energy industry and Strohm’s global expansion. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
What is TCP?
For many readers unfamiliar with the technology, the question naturally arises: What is TCP? TCP, or Thermoplastic Composite Pipe, is a new generation of pipeline technology that replaces traditional steel with a non-metallic, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant alternative. Unlike conventional pipelines, TCP is manufactured using carbon fibre reinforced polymers, making it exceptionally strong while also flexible enough to be spooled and transported in long lengths.
The advantages are clear. TCP does not rust or corrode, which immediately eliminates one of the biggest challenges with steel pipes in subsea environments.
It is also significantly lighter, allowing operators to deploy it using smaller vessels rather than the large, expensive ships required for heavy steel pipelines. In deepwater projects, where every tonne of weight translates into higher installation costs, this is a game-changer. TCP is designed to handle the pressures of subsea operations, up to 10,000 psi, and is proven to operate safely at depths of 1,500 metres.
In simple terms, TCP is to offshore pipelines what fibre optic cables were to telecommunications: a disruptive technology that changes the way energy is transported and managed.
Why is TCP Preferred Over Steel?
For decades, offshore operators have relied on steel pipelines to transport oil and gas from wells to processing facilities. Steel has been a dependable material, but its limitations in harsh marine conditions are well known. Saltwater exposure accelerates corrosion, making maintenance a constant and costly concern. Repairs and replacements are frequent, and in deepwater projects, these activities are both expensive and logistically complex.
TCP, on the other hand, eliminates corrosion altogether. Its non-metallic nature means there is no rust, no need for expensive coatings, and far fewer maintenance interventions over the lifespan of the pipeline. Its lightweight design further reduces operational costs, since it can be installed with smaller, more agile vessels. While the upfront cost of TCP is higher compared to steel, the life cycle cost is significantly lower, making it a smarter investment in the long run. For energy companies looking to reduce both costs and carbon emissions, TCP presents a future-proof solution.
Strohm is no stranger to groundbreaking achievements. Established in the Netherlands, the company became the first in the world to introduce TCP technology to the conventional energy industry back in 2007. Since then, it has built the largest track record of TCP deployments globally, with applications across jumpers, risers, and flowlines.
The company’s manufacturing hub is located in IJmuiden, Netherlands, supported by regional offices in Houston and Rio de Janeiro. Strohm also enjoys backing from some of the world’s most influential energy investors, including Shell Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, HydrogenOne Capital Growth, and ING Corporate Investments.
More importantly, Strohm has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability. By replacing steel with composite materials, the company has demonstrated that TCP pipelines can reduce the carbon footprint of subsea infrastructures by more than 50 percent. At a time when energy companies are under increasing pressure to align with global net-zero goals, Strohm’s innovation provides both economic and environmental value.
The Malaysian Deepwater Project
The contract awarded to Strohm and DOSB involves the supply of four TCP Jumpers made from carbon fibre PA12. These components will play a crucial role in transporting hydrocarbons safely and efficiently from subsea wells to processing facilities.
Designed for use in water depths of up to 1,500 metres, they are robust enough to handle the extreme conditions of deepwater environments while maintaining long-term reliability.
The jumpers will be manufactured at Strohm’s Dutch facility, where they will undergo termination, pressure testing, and final spooling onto subsea deployment pallets. This ensures that by the time they are shipped to Malaysia, they are ready for immediate installation. Delivery is expected in the third quarter of 2026, aligning with the project’s offshore development schedule.
Commenting on the significance of the deal, Strohm’s Vice President for Middle East & Asia-Pacific, Fabienne Ellington, explained that the award demonstrates the confidence clients have in Strohm’s ability to deliver advanced engineering solutions for challenging environments. She described the contract as an “engineering milestone,” reflecting both the technical achievement of delivering large-diameter jumpers and the growing trust in TCP as a viable alternative to steel.
From the local perspective, Business Development Director of DOSB, Jackie Ling, highlighted how this project marks a breakthrough for Malaysia’s deepwater sector. He stated that deploying carbon fibre PA12 TCP Jumpers represents a step toward subsea solutions that are safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.
The contract awarded to Strohm to supply four TCP Jumpers for Malaysia’s deepwater gas project is more than just a business deal, it represents a turning point for the country’s offshore energy sector. By embracing Thermoplastic Composite Pipe technology, Malaysia is taking a step toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable offshore developments.
With delivery set for 2026, this project will not only enhance the nation’s gas production infrastructure but also highlight the role of innovation in shaping the future of energy. For Strohm and its partner DOSB, it is a testament to their shared vision of delivering advanced subsea solutions that balance performance, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
