Harsh environments FPSO development for Terra Nova

摘要

In the past 10 years developments in technology and the opening up of new frontiers, combined with a demand to move into greater water depths have resulted in considerable increase in the use of floating facilities for offshore oil production. Terra Nova will be the first FPSO to operate in North American waters and the first to operate in a harsh North Atlantic environment frequented by sea ice and icebergs. Along with the presence of sea ice, the design and development of Terra Nova has faced a number of other special considerations - shallow water, extreme air and water temperatures, seasonal fog, and heavy seas. To meet the challenges posed by a harsh environment, the Terra Nova FPSO has been designed using the lessons learned by other FPSO developments in somewhat similar harsh environments, using proven technology, and incorporating a number of unique features to ensure a safe, reliable, operable and economical operation.