This paper was s e w e d for presentation by the OTC Program Commitfee following review ofinfortnation contained in an abstract subm'med by tha author(s). Contents of the paper, as presentad, have n d been reviewed by the Offshore Tedrndoey C c n f~ and are subject to axrection by the author(s). The material, as presented, does n d necessarily refled any positii of the ORshon, Technology Conference or its off-.Electronic reprodudion, distribution, or stwage of any part of this paper tor commercial purposes without the winen consent of the Offshore Technolagy Conference is prohibited. Permission to repodurn in print is restricted lo an abstract of not more then 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstred must contain conspicuous acknwledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. AbstractShip-shaped vessels have seen a tremendous growth in their use as Floating Production andlor Storage vessels. Along with this growth has come a need to moor in ever deeper water depths and with more flow lines. The most efficient means of dealing with the mooring of these vessels has been the incorporation of a turret. This turret allows the vessel to weathervane while providing a geostationary hull area to bring in flow and mooring lines. It is desirable to have these turret systems weathervane passively, which requires an efficient bearing system, particularly as many turrets are retrofitted into converted vessels. Interfacing these bearing systems with the turret and vessel structure requires extensive design and analysis to assure their mutual deformations will not affect the longevity of the bearing system.A self-aligning bearing interface, incorporating the use of elastomeric supports, has been developed which eases the design of this bearing interface and reduces bearing loads. The elastomeric support system prevents the transmission of vessel deformations to the bearings thus assuring a low torque, long life, high external load capacity, bearing system.

This paper describes the site installation of a turret moored Floating Production, Storage and Offloading System -FPSOin 780 meters of water in Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. The FPSO, a 270,000 dwt converted tanker, is the first of a series of two ordered by Petrobras for development of the Marlim Field. An internal bow mounted Turret system, anchored to the seafloor by 8 chain-wire rope-chain combined mooring legs, is used to permanently moor the FPSO in the location while allowing the vessel to freely weathervane. Thirty-five flexible risers, laid in a free-hanging catenary configuration, provide the flow path between the FPSO and the various subsea equipment on the seafloor. This paper describes the installation equipment and procedures employed.

No abstract

The Fulmar Single Anchor Leg Mooring (SALM) permanently moors a converted tanker serving as a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) in the North Sea at Shell/Esso's Fulmar Field. The Fulmar storage and offloading system is the first such system installed in a rough weather area. The installation of the SALM was unique, not by choice, but because of the requirements imposed by the nature of the system and by the environmental effects on the structure during installation. The SALM is comprised of very large, heavy structural components joined by mechanical articulations and connections. The size and weight necessitated that the connection of the FSU to the buoy be made offshore. The installation of the structure was weather sensitive, requiring the design of numerous "hold points" into the procedure; for instance, the SALM buoy acted temporarily as a gravity structure, being transformed finally into a pile founded structure. The loadout and installation strained the capacity of both dockside and floating equipment and produced several new world weight records. Novel applications of conventional equipment were used for loadout and transport of the components, for rigging used to make the major offshore lifts and connection between moving assemblies and for the rapid slurry installation of the permanent ballast. This paper describes the installation procedures along with the corresponding field experience. Data on rigging, lift weights, seastate limitations and schedule are presented for use by those who may be faced with a similar opportunity.

No abstract