Detailed Structural Design for Thunder Horse Semi-Submersible PDQ

摘要

The Thunder Horse semi-submersible is intended for productionrnof hydrocarbons at Thunder Horse field in the Gulf ofrnMexico(GOM), Mississippi Canyon Block 778.rnThe unit houses production, drilling and living quarters(PDQ). It isrndesigned for 25 years operation on location with catenary moorings.rnThe unit has four columns supporting a box like upper-hull(Topside)rnwith a moon-pool for drilling. The columns are connected by fourrnpontoons, which form a square-shaped lower hull. Both lower andrnupper hulls are all-welded structures with primary and secondaryrnstiffening. Pontoons, columns and upper hull, all contributes to thernresistance to functional and environmental loadings. The structure isrndesigned for ultimate and fatigue strength at the operational draught,rn30.0 meters.rnAfter completion at Okpo shipyard, the integrated PDQ is scheduled tornbe dry transported. The Thunder Horse PDQ will be loaded in Okpornusing the float on method. After voyage via the Cape of Good Hope, itrnwill be discharged using the float off method in Ingleside, Texas (USA).rnThis paper is to present a description as follows;rn-.Detailed structural design.rn-.Fabrication process and sequence.