FPSO's and Installation Contracting: A Concept for Deep Water Development

Abstract

Abstract 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(0) related installation projects such as the Auger TLP foundations, the Enserch Garden Banks mooring system and the preparations for Mars and Run/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. Introduction There is considerable experience related to the installation of floating units at various water depths. With respect to the possible cost effective use of Semi Submersible Crane Vessels (SSCV'S)on floater projects one should consider possibilities where the use of key capabilities of SSCV'Sare optimized in the totat concept. Some examples to provide an impression are:Use of heavy lift capability during assembly, e.g. Nome turret Iifi of 4500T.Use of large deck space, e.g. Enserch Garden Banks FPF mooring leg installation.Use of station keeping capability, e.g. Mars TLP installation.Use of deep water hoisting capability, e.g. Auger templates and piles.Subsea pile driving, e.g. Teal mooring piles, Auger foundation piles. Some specific experiences are briefly highlighted further in this paper to illustrate the potential of using SSCV'Sand the results that have been achieved. Based on these experiences Heere Mac has developed its ?hybrid mission'. A concept which is considered to give an alternative view point to development of deep water oil fields and is meant to increase options within the market, not only for our company or for the oil companies themselves, but for the floating production market as a whole. The challenge involved in finding a cost effective method of developing the deep water fields requires some changes in philosophy for future FPSO%. Key items in the technology already used for FPSO installation in deep water have shown that the elements are available to develop the hybrid mission concept in the near future.