Intelligent Vertically Loaded Anchors For Deep Water Floating Production Systems

Abstract

The deep and ultra deep water mooring locations typical for many Brazilian offshore developments require anchor points suitable for both horizontal and vertical loads. Traditionally most designers opt for the use of suctions piles, although in recent years a number floating production units and MODUs have been moored using vertical loaded anchors (VLAs). Using the recently developed anchor data acquisition system will provide additional confidence in the installation and use of VLAs.The anchor data acquisition system allows the installation parameters to be measured directly at the anchors. This will give the user direct feedback as to the orientation of the anchor as well as the applied load and provides confirmation that the anchor has embedded to the required depth and that it can generate the required capacity in the soil.The application of vertically loaded anchors in combination with the data acquisition system is described and shows how this can provide technical and economical benefits for deep water applications. Additionally the results of actual (monitored) anchor installations are presented and compared to the values predicted beforehand.