Offshore Expertise

Offshore Expertise

Living on an island in the heart of the North Atlantic has presented GFI Composites with unique challenges—along with incredible opportunities.

For over 18 years, we have proudly served customers in the offshore industry, including oil and gas companies, drilling contractors, the Canadian Coast Guard, and commercial fishing vessels.

Our specialized services include in-shop repairs and on-site maintenance, where our experienced team travels to offshore installation platforms to provide critical maintenance on fiberglass equipment, ensuring durability and reliability in demanding environments.

• Hull and Canopy Fiberglass Repair & Refinishing
• Bumper Rail Change out and repair
• Deluge Repair
• Custom Hand and Grab Rail Fabrication
• Flotation Foam Repair
• Project Management
• Yard and Indoor Storage

Lightweight Casing Drift

The Lightweight, Long-Lasting Choice

Traditionally, large bore drifts have been manufactured from metal to withstand harsh field conditions. However, these drifts are heavy and pose safety risks for personnel during handling and operation.

GFI Composites Ltd. was tasked with designing and supplying lightweight drifts in various diameters for offshore oil and gas customers.

These drifts meet strict precision criteria, including:

• Tolerances of +/- 0.001”
• Lightweight construction for safer handling
• Low coefficient of friction
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Weather-resistant materials that prevent shrinkage or swelling
• High impact strength for durability in demanding conditions

Innovative Fabrication Techniques

To achieve these characteristics, GFI Composites Ltd. developed a proprietary resin and fabrication technique to create durable mandrels.

Each drift starts with a lightweight aluminum core, providing structural integrity and allowing pad-eye attachments for field use. A layer of fiberglass resin and mat composites is then applied, ensuring resistance to environmental changes while maintaining strength and reliability.

Finally, the drift is top-coated with a high-visibility orange tooling gel-coat, making it easily identifiable in offshore environments.

Custom Fabrication and Onsite Services

Comprehensive FRP & Composite Solutions

From temporary oil and gas equipment enclosures to wellhead trash caps, ROV foam refinishing, lifeboat FRP components, and offshore onsite repair services, GFI Composites is equipped to handle any FRP or composite-related project.

Our team is more than just laminators—we are skilled craftsmen trained in a diverse range of trades, including:

• Woodworking & framing carpentry
• Rigging & slinging
• Joinery & pipe fitting
• Labor & sandblasting
• Finish painting

At GFI Composites, we believe that versatility and expertise are the keys to delivering high-quality, complete solutions for every project. Through multifaceted training, our staff is prepared to meet the most challenging industry demands, ensuring precision and reliability in every job.