Floating spar platform as an ultra-deepwater structure in oil and gas exploration

Abstract

As the exploration for oil and other natural resources spreads into deeper waters, traditional fixed offshore structures have become unsuitable. New technologies are being developed for deep sea exploration. Spar platforms are economical and efficient type of compliant offshore platforms in deeper waters for the drilling, production, processing and storage of ocean deposits. Although several studies have been performed on floating structures, few works have focused on spar platforms. This study gives a detailed assessment of the technical developments of the spar platform, including research on its dynamic responses, mooring systems and coupling phenomena. It addresses in detail the structural configurations, properties and characteristics of spar structures as described in existing literature along with the behaviour of spars in deep and ultra-deep ocean environments. Important practical issues which are encountered by spar platforms in various environmental loadings were also taken into consideration. Rigorous study reveals the coupled spar platform as a very innovative floating structure suitable for conducting oil and gas exploration in deeper seas. The study offers precise modelling of spar platforms for ultra-deepwater operations and improves technical parameters, economic aspects and other criteria.