FPSO Transient Responses During Cyclonic Storms

Abstract

This paper presents the key results and conclusions of the study of FPSO transient responses in the cyclonic storm. The measured wind, wave and current data of recent cyclonic events are utilized to simulate the FPSO responses in terms of mooring loads, vessel yaw motion and relative FPSO heading to waves as it weathervanes in the wind, waves and current, input as time series. The primary objectives are to check the FPSO responses as the cyclone (eye or fringe) passes over it, causing rapid changes in the intensity and the direction of environmental loads, and to confirm the adequacy of the present mooring system design criteria. The results of the study serve as a good benchmark of the current industry standard for mooring design and address industry’s concern of the safety of FPSO platforms in the event of cyclonic storm. This study has used the hindcast data to inspect the event of a strong cyclonic storm passing over an FPSO. Despite the fact that the wind direction changes for about 140° in only one hour in the path of the cyclone eye, higher mooring line tension has not been observed due to reduced wind speed in the eye of the storm. The extreme mooring line tension is still governed by the responses in the path of cyclone fringe due to its maximum wind speed. Note that the transient analysis has shown that, during the rapid change of wind direction, the vessel can potentially be exposed to beam sea waves. Although this does not correspond with the highest tension in mooring legs, it can lead to critical green water impact.