Stationkeeping Technology for Frontier Deepwater Floating Systems

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the challenges associated with the stationkeeping of floating systems in frontier deepwater, and the range of solutions to address them. The paper presents the use of existing technologies, materials and components, and compare and evaluates them to the use of novel materials, new and possibly not field proven technologies, and design approaches. The paper provides a high-level design basis and strategies for the stationkeeping system design, identifying key drivers in the selection of the stationkeeping system. The paper then utilizes an example of an FPSO system moored in a range of water depths to illustrate the current capabilities of conventional technologies and strategies to improve performance.