The development of the Garden Banks block 388 FPF mooring system
This paper discusses work conducted during the design, procurement and installation of Enserch Exploration, Inc.`s Garden Banks 388 FPF mooring system. The design began with the execution of a trade-off study evaluating and comparing previously installed floating production moorings in the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with evaluation of new concepts and emphasis on cost effective solutions. The design effort involved dynamic analysis and wind tunnel and model tank testing, all in accordance with the newly completed API document RP 2FP1. Inspection of various components from the Placid GC-29 FPS moorings (installed in 1987 and recovered in 1990) determined that sections of chain, jacketed spiral strand wire rope, submersible buoys and connectors could be reused with suitable refurbishment. The excellent condition of the rig`s onboard winching system also resulted in the reuse of the windlasses, with specified upgrades. Because a sufficient amount of used wire was not available, a bare spiral strand wire rope construction was adopted, including zinc anodes in the new sections, rather than jacketed strand. The lack of cost effective installation vessels in the Gulf of Mexico at the time of the installation bid posed challenges to Enserch. However, an innovative preset mooring installation scheme involving Heeremac`s SSCV Balder on its own moorings was adopted. Since the vessel was already in the Gulf of Mexico on contract for other projects, a cost effective contract was negotiated. The results of this effort led to considerable cost savings for Enserch, compared to conventional FPF mooring systems previously installed in the Gulf of Mexico.
- OSTI ID:
- 128881
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950501-; TRN: IM9550%%267
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 27. offshore technology conference, Houston, TX (United States), 1-4 May 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of 27. Annual Offshore Technology Conference: 1995 Proceedings. Volume 2: Platform and marine system design; PB: 986 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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