Dynamic responses of an FPSO moored on sloped seabed under the action of environmental loads

Abstract

The inclination of seabed profile (sloped seabed) is one of the known topographic features which can be observed at different seabed level in the large offshore basin. A mooring system connected between the platform and global seabed is an integral part of the floating structure which tries to keep the floating platform settled in its own position against hostile sea environment. This paper deals with an investigation of the motion responses of an FPSO platform moored on the sloped seabed under the combined action of wave, wind and current loads. A three-dimensional panel discretization method has been used to model the floating body. To introduce the connection of multi-segmented non-linear elastic catenary mooring cables with the sloped seabed, a quasi-static composite catenary model is employed. The model and analysis have been completed by using hydrodynamic diffraction code AQWA. Validation of the numerical model has been successfully carried out with an experimental work published in the latest literature. The analysis procedure in this study has been followed time domain analysis. The study involves an objective oriented investigation on platform motions, in order to identify the effects of the slopped seabed, the action of the wave, wind and current loads and the presence of riser system. In the end, an effective analysis has been performed to identify a stable mooring model in demand of reducing structural responses of the FPSO.