STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF FLOATING PRODUCTION AND DRILLING PLATFORMS

A number of floating production and drilling platforms have been built during recent years. These types of platform appear to be favoured for developing deep water fields. A floating platform is governed by the hydrodynamic considerations determining the size and geometry of the hull. In addition, the topside design is determined by production and operation requirements. It is often the structural engineer's task to integrate the sometimes divergent requirements. Significant structural issues are therefore important to consider when a floating platform's overall geometry is chosen.