Marine Installation of FPSOS

Abstract Global demand for Mobile Production Systems - including FPSO systems - continues to display sharp growth. This reflects the fact that they generally offer the most flexible and cost-effective fast-track route to first oi.l This paper outlines the experience gained during the marine installation and hook-up of the FPSO Uisge Germ and makes observations concerning developments in mooring leg [ethnology, In the Summer of 1995, the Uisge Corm was ready for installation in the North Sea. Prior to the arrival of the FPSO, the mooring legs were installed and tcstcd. During the installation of the mooring legs, a DP work barge was utilized. An anchored pupilage was employed for Use testing and a spread of anchor handling tugs accomplished the hook-up, Introduction All market forecasters envisage some sharp growth in tJre global demand for Mobile Production Systems (MPS) of various types, including FPSOS, semi submersible units, TLPs and jack-ups. By the end of 1994, some 78 MPS units of all types were operational worldwide, including 17 in the North Sea - the area wtith the highest regional concentration. By the close of 1995, these figure had increased to 92 and 21 respectively. By the year 2000, it is possible what a to[al of 150 MPS units will be installed and operational. These figures - as is the case with all statistics - are Open 10 debate. But the fact remains that MPS solutions we certain to occupy a more prominent position over the next decade. As we enter USC second half of the 1990s, the industry is taking stock, reviewing experience and taking a closer look at how the future for MPS developments may unfold. Around 25 per cent of the MPS units currently operational are FPSOS. The majority are converted rankers operating in the relatively shallow water plays of South East Asia, Australia, West Africa and USC Middle East. The jack-up option rends to prevail offshore Australia, but jack-up MPS units are also operational in the shallow waler areas of the Gulf of Mexico and offshore West Africa. hi deeper water areas, including the Nothern Sea and US Gulf, some TLPs are now operational. In the YSSW Sahead, If-p developments in the US Gulf and offshore Brazil are forecast to increase significantly. Offshore conditions largely dictate the selection of MPS type. Offshore Australia lends itself to jack-up and FPSO solutions, Offshore Brazil's deep water requires a semi sub-baaed approach. The US Gulf has a mix of jack-up and semi sub units, together with a few operational ?flPs South East Asia and West Africa have a mix of mold systems - FPSOS, semi subs and jack-ups. The present MPS population in the North Sea represcn[s the greatest mix of types, but with the FPSO the exception until relatively recently. The first custom-built FPSO was installed in the Alba Field in 1993. More FPSOS are about to follow, including Foinaven (west of Shetland), McCullough, Durward /Dauntless, Teat, Njord and Balder.