Drilling risers are regularly deployed in depths beyond 5000 ft with large sections covered in buoyancy. The smooth cylindrical shape of buoyancy modules can result in significant VIV response, causing overall amplification of drag experienced by the riser. In turn, operations can be suspended due to drag effects on top and bottom angles; high current speeds can lead to a halt in operations, even complete disconnection and retrieval of the riser string. Although suppression technologies exist to reduce VIV response (helical strakes/fairings), these have not been integrated into the manufacture of buoyancy modules for practical reasons (stackability, ease of manufacturing/assembly/installation). Innovative Longitudinally Grooved Suppression (LGS) technology has recently been developed and tested with two main bodies of work undertaken; model testing and full scale numerical modelling. This paper covers the methodology and results of full-scale OrcaFlex/SHEAR7 simulation work performed on drilling risers in realistic current profiles for the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), concluding with the impact this technology could have in reducing costs by increased operability for drilling risers. LGS technology provides significant reduction in VIV response whilst maintaining similar buoyancy to conventional modules. Significant reduction in VIV response has multiple benefits: less drag, reduced fatigue damage, and an increase in maximum currents drilling risers can be operated in - without any moving parts or extra deployment installation time. High Reynolds Number model testing results showed LGS technology behaved favorably in observable repeatable conditions, whilst the full scale numerical modeling demonstrated how these parameters measured in model testing can be used to perform numerical modelling of full scale offshore drilling risers in a variety of water depths and conditions; improving operability and riser fatigue life. Operability during GoM eddy current events was calculated to increase 30% annually, equating to estimated annual savings of over $10M, with potential to save similar amounts within a short period in the case of extreme current events. By applying LGS technology, significant financial savings can be achieved through increased operability and increased fatigue lifetimes.