Lessons Learned from the Mobile Offshore Base Project

Abstract

The Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) is a large, self-propelled, floating, pre-positioned ocean structure formed of three to five modules and reaching up to 1,500 meters in length. The alignment of the modules is maintained through the use of thrusters and/or connectors. A simulation framework has been used to provide evaluation of different control strategies. We have conducted experiments in which three 1:150 scale modules are kept aligned by pivoting thrusters and form a miniature runway. This paper addresses lessons learned in the course of the MOB project.