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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

FPSOs and installation contracting: A concept for deep water development

Conference ·
OSTI ID:433935
New floating production facilities are employed in increasing water depths. The major challenges for deep water installation activities are: vessel lifting capacity, sufficient crane wire to reach the seabed, vessel mooring/station keeping ability, a stable working platform, survey and positioning methods, and pile driving at great water depths. A large working deck space is an auxiliary advantage. This paper describes the key experiences gained on various FPS(O) related installation projects such as the Auger TLP foundations, the Enserch Garden Banks mooring system and the preparations for Mars and Ram/Powell TLP installations. The option of using a semi submersible crane vessel as a deep water hybrid/multi-purpose development unit will be described. The concept is based on a simple, deck supported modular and interchangeable arrangement. The philosophy adopted is to provide the Field Operator with an opportunity to take a staged approach to developing a specific deep water field. In this approach wells are drilled and brought into production sequentially, thereby allowing the Operator to develop plans and optimize process facilities as more information about the reservoir is obtained. In addition, the early cash flow finances subsequent development.
OSTI ID:
433935
Report Number(s):
CONF-960525--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English