Model Study of Bottom Founded and Moored Semisubmersible Loading/Offloading Terminal. Volume 1

摘要

In January and February of 1987 a 1:48 scale model study of a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) as a cargo handling in-situ port facility was conducted by Arctec Offshore Corporation. In the test program, the MODU considered was a semi-submersible of the GLOMAR Arctic Class. Two configurations were investigated. A bottom founded semi-submersible deployed as a container loading and offloading terminal was studied in the first configuration. In the second configuration two mooring systems, each with eight mooring lines, were considered for the floating semi-submersible. In this case the semi-submersible was used as a grain handling facility. Conditions under sea states 1, 3 and 5 were investigated when either the container or grain vessel was berthed alongside the semi-submersible. Sea state 7 was used to study the behavior of the semi-submersible alone in storm conditions. Modified Pierson-Moskowitz spectra were used to represent different sea states. Measurements were recorded on magnetic tape and oscillographic charts. High quality surface video recordings, as well as still photography also documented the tests. The report describes the models, test setup, test results and feasibility of the concept.