Offshore staff
TOKYO – MODEC has issued details of its newly developed next-generation hulls for FPSOs.
In recent years most large new FPSOs have been conversions of very large crude carriers, the company said. But due to growing requirements for larger crude oil and gas production capacities, the topsides have become bigger and heavier, and this has constrained deck space area and led to insufficient crude oil storage capacity.
Also, contract durations are increasing, bringing with them a need for longer FPSO design lives.
MODEC expects demand to keep rising for newbuild FPSO hulls and has therefore joined forces with Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding to develop MODEC NOAH.
This is based on a next-generation hull design for FPSOs already developed by Mitsui called the noah-FPSO Hull (NOAH standing for new offshore adapted hull).
However, MODEC NOAH is MODEC’s own new hull design, developed to maximize the lifecycle value that each FPSO can provide to beyond 20 years.
The design addresses the technical limitations in oil tanker-converted FPSOs, main features being:
1.) Adaptable to a wide range of shipyards globally
2.) Large deck area to support larger, heavier, and more complex topsides
3.) Modular design, accommodating wide-ranging requirements including various mooring configurations
4.) Standardization of fore/aft modules and the parallel-body module with adjustable lengths that can be constructed separately at different shipyards. This broadens the options for construction locations and adds scheduling flexibility, based on dock availability
5.) Unique hull form comprising flat or 2D bending plates that are said to cut construction costs while maintaining seakeeping properties and minimizing the impact of green water and slamming loads
6.) Hull design favorable to machinery room volume, with beneficial changes for the functionality of piping, and improved safety of the living quarters
7.) Hull form allows storage tanks to be continuously inspected (during stable operations) by providing sufficient inspection access
8.) Work-efficient layout for maintenance required during the long-term operations
9.) More comfortable living area for crew members, taking into account their working environment and living environment.
Earlier this year MODEC received approval in principle (AiP) for the design of MODEC NOAH from ABS, Bureau Veritas, and DNV GL.
It has also developed a second next generation newbuild FPSO hull, the M350, which has received AiPs from ABS and DNV GL. The hull has been developed with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. in China.
At the same time, MODEC stresses that it will continue to offer FPSOs based on existing tanker conversions, depending on client needs.
08/02/2019
