Steel Lazy Wave Risers - A Viable Solution for Turret and Spread Moored FPSOs

Abstract

Floating Storage Production and Offloading (FPSO)host platform selection is an increasing trend due to economic sand versatility offered for field development. The industry is migrating toward more robust riser types to outfit these platforms. Steel Lazy Wave Risers (SLWRs) are an adaptation of Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) and have been gaining traction in recent years as a viable solution to harsh environments in ultra-deepwater. The following paper will present an overview of the host platforms that could benefit most from use of lazy wave risers and a justification of their application. A case study highlighting the performance comparison of large diameter SCRs versus SLWRs attached to turret and spread moored FPSO platforms in a moderate environment will be presented. The results indicate that SLWRs prove feasible with sufficient margins in strength and fatigue when compared to simple SCRs.