A Dry Tree Semisubmersible Floating Production Unit Alternative for Field Developments

摘要

This paper presents the main design and performance characteristics of the Octabuoy® Classic (Octabuoy)for field developments. The focus of the paper shall be on evaluating the Octabuoy’s performance whenit comes to its value as a dry tree floating production system with optional drilling capability. The valueis measured in terms of floater’s robustness and flexibility for said applications. In turn, robustness andflexibility are achieved utilizing low-motions hull design, wide range topside load carrying capability theuse of standard riser and wellbay components for different water depths. Results and correspondingconclusions of analyses aimed at determining the technical feasibility and economic viability of theOctabuoy hull for field developments in various regions of the world, water depths, drilling options, andpayloads will be included. The Octabuoy is the first dry tree semisubmersible platform, which has beensold and built. It has undergone extensive numerical analyses and model testing, which indicate that theOctabuoy’s deep draft and overall hull geometry are instrumental in ensuring superior performance andcost effectiveness. The associated minimal motion characteristics and the design of the Octabuoy allowfor flexibility in the selection of riser configurations (traditional top-tensioned production risers or SCRs);a variety of installation options (quayside, offshore heavy lift, float over); use in both benign and harshenvironments; drilling options; and relocation of the platform from a depleted field to another field.