HiMoor. A Self-contained Pre-laid Mooring System for Deep Waters

摘要

A new type of self-contained pre-laid mooring system for deep water, denoted HiMoor,rnis being developed by Hitec Framnes AS. This paper includes its raison d’être in termsrnofrnimproved drilling efficiency at a low cost in very deep waters, and a description of itsrnphysical features and characteristics.rnWeather criteria based on statistical data pertaining to the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) havernbeen used as a basis to show that 2nd generation semisubmersibles moored by HiMoorrnmay bernefficiently used to carry out deepwater drilling operations otherwise requiring 4thrngeneration semisubmersible characteristics.rnHiMoor’s beneficial effects on a semisubmersible’s variable deckload have beenrnexplained, and also how it contributes to faster and safer operational procedures.rnSome of the special equipment features contributing to these efficiency improvementsrnhave been described, in particular a wet riser tensioner system which shall be operatedrnfromrnHiMoor: The system will replace the traditional riser tensioner systems mounted in highuprnpositions on older semisubmersibles.rnHiMoor’s operational mechanics have been described and some scenarios have beenrnillustrated by 2-dimensional sketches. A few 3-D illustrations at the end of the paperrnshowrnmost of HiMoor’s salient features as they appear when it is employed to moor HitecrnFramnes’ semisubmersible drilling unit (the “FE-P099”).rnFinally, some costs associated with the design, construction and operation of HiMoorrnhave been included. Some simple illustrations of “HiMoor’s added value” in terms ofrnvalue-formoney improvements of a typical 2nd generation semisubmersible are givenrntowards the end of the paper.