Optimization and Safety Considerations in the Design of Stationkeeping Systems

Spread mooring anchor systems have been the dominating stationkeeping alternative for floating drilling vessels and other large work vessels. The use of thruster systems and dynamic positioning is, however, increasing, both due to activity in greater water depths and limitations of anchor system’s capability, and due to increased reliability of automatic control systems. The most important aspects of a comparative evaluation and selection of stationkeeping system are discussed.