Multi-objective parametric optimization of FPSO hull dimensions

Abstract

In order to achieve a good and competitive FPSO design, the building cost and the motion performances are the two most critical and conflicting KPIs to be considered. In this study, the author's previous work (Lee, et al., 2021) on the optimization of an FPSO's hull dimensions with 1800 MBBLs storage capacity at Brazil field was extended using a multi-objective parametric optimization with the hull steel weight and the operability which are closely related to the building cost and the operational cost during the lifetime, respectively. For the purpose of more realistic and practical FPSO design, the constraints related to crew comfort and the safe helicopter take-off and landing operation were newly added. Also, the green water on deck was calculated accurately to check the suitability of the designed freeboard height using a newly developed real-time calculation module for the relative wave elevations. With aids of this updated optimization formulation, we presented multiple optimal FPSO dimensions expressed as a Pareto set which aids FPSO designers to conveniently select the practical and competitive dimensions. The excellence of the developed approach was verified by comparing the optimization results with those of FPSOs dimensioned for operation at West Africa and Brazil field.