Least Construction Cost of FSO Offshore Structures and LNG Gas Carriers

In this paper, scantling optimization a FSO offshore structure and a medium size capacity LNG gas carrier are presented. Optmization is based on the LBR5 least cost optimization package. Main originality and advantage is to combine the minimization of the construction cost with the preliminary design stage. The optimum scantling (least cost) is determined at the earliest design stage, this means before the signature of the contract. Cost savings of 5 to 10% are currently recorded. Relevant information on the methodology and applications to a FSO unit and a LNG carrier are presented in the paper.