Development of deepwater fields using MOSES small TLP
Although recent installations and advances in deepwater Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) have contributed significantly towards optimization and cost improvement of TLP`s, small or medium sized deepwater fields (less than 100 MMBOE) can not be economically developed with conventional TLP`s in today`s oil and gas market. While TLP`s are technically favored for deepwater development, they are not attractive to operators because of the large capital expenditure required, and the long lead time to first oil. The Minimum Offshore Surface Equipment Structure (MOSES) is a new growth in TLP technology that retains the primary advantages of TLP`s namely well service access, but at an affordable price for even small deepwater fields. This opens a new arena for TLP`s in that they can be made small, low cost, delivered in a relatively short time, and can be provided to operators on a lease basis, much like Floating Production Storage and Offtake (FPSO) systems. MOSES TLP`s achieve their low cost and size by a synthesis of several factors, including: efficient designs for substructure, well systems, and mooring and foundation systems; novel installation methods; leased workover equipment that is of standard design; and efficient methods for platform weight management. This paper describes the MOSES TLP, its forerunners, and the design, installation and operating philosophy of the platform. It also describes the analysis and testing that has been performed on the system, including a prototype hull built and tested off the coast of Japan, performed by the Japan Ocean Industries Association (JOIA).
- OSTI ID:
- 39206
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950254--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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