Topsides installation optionsfor semi-submersible floating production systems
Niels HaakmanGeneral Manager, TAISUN divisionYantai Raffles Offshore Ltd
Among Floating Production Units the (deep draft) semisub is increasingly popular
Source: Offshore Engineer – May 2009
For these, you have to make the important decision of topsides installation
Source: Offshore Engineer – May 2009
You have to address this early in your project
You have to address this early in your project
float over
heavy liftskidding
taisun
Hull deeply submerged
Topsides loaded on barge or self
floating
Mating by (de)ballasting
Float over
Proven since the 1980s
No modifications required on
topsides
Topsides can be fully completed
Float over
Damage stability requires many compartments
Restricted access, especially offshore
Complex, risky operation
Float over
Hull kept at design draft
Topsides lifted from barge,
usually in pieces
Limited to about 12,000 tonsHeavy lift
Less risky than float over
Very capable external partners
No modifications to the hull requiredHeavy lift
Installation window narrow and expensive
Offshore hook up is expensive, cumbersome
Heavy lift
Installation window narrow and expensive
Offshore hook up is expensive, cumbersome
Massive engineering
effort requiredHeavy lift
Topsides built or jacked to height
skidding
Topsides built or jacked to height
Hull skidded under topsides
skidding
Hull skidded under topsides
Topsides built or jacked to height
skiddingTopsides skidded
on top of hull
Topsides can be fully completed
Integration can take place at the
yard
Full access for all staff skidding
Requires special structure
Jacking very high, especially for
deep draft semi’s
Massive engineering
effort required skidding
Lift plates installed on deck
TAISUN
Lift plates installed on deck
TAISUN
Lift plates installed on deck
Topsides lifted from barge in one
module
TAISUN
Lift plates installed on deck
Topsides lifted from barge in one
module
Hull towed into position
TAISUN
Full access for all staff
TAISUN
Full access for all staff
Lifting is not a design criterion
TAISUN
Full access for all staff
Lifting is not a design criterion
Full integration can take place at
yard
TAISUN
Lift plates require free space on
deck
Maximum lifting height of 80
meters
Draft limited to dock depth
TAISUN
Mating cost
Completed topsides
Yard integration
Engineering impact
