General information
Semi-submersibles generally show far less motions in waves than mono-hull vessels, making them especially suitable for tasks with very strict motion requirements. Semi-submersibles are used as crane vessels, drilling vessels, production platforms and accomodation facilities. A major advantage for these tasks is the large deck space, available as working space and for storage of equipment or supplies. With the ever requirements for working water depths the more recently built semi-submersibles are often equiped with a DP system.
Semi-submersibles generally show far less motions in waves than mono-hull vessels, making them especially suitable for tasks with very strict motion requirements. Semi-submersibles are used as crane vessels, drilling vessels, production platforms and accomodation facilities. A major advantage for these tasks is the large deck space, available as working space and for storage of equipment or supplies. With the ever requirements for working water depths the more recently built semi-submersibles are often equiped with a DP system.
Services & Activities
The Offshore Department is specialised in semi-submersible model tests and numerical simulations in the field of motions, mooring loads, wave drift forces and Dynamic Positioning (DP). The impact of green water and slamming on semi-submersibles is part of the expertise of the Offshore Department as well. Finally the towing of semi-submersibles and the assessment of possible Vortex Induced Motions (VIM) is also within our experience.
The Seakeeping Department has a lot of experience in the measurement of semi-submersible motions, often in extreme wave conditions. Their expertise also includes wave (impact) loads on semi-submersible pontoons during transport on the deck of a barge or heavy load vessel.
The Trials & Monitoring Department can be involved in full-scale measurements on semi-submersibles. Motions and loads can be measured and analysed, as well as the environmental conditions acting on the semi.
The Offshore Department is specialised in semi-submersible model tests and numerical simulations in the field of motions, mooring loads, wave drift forces and Dynamic Positioning (DP). The impact of green water and slamming on semi-submersibles is part of the expertise of the Offshore Department as well. Finally the towing of semi-submersibles and the assessment of possible Vortex Induced Motions (VIM) is also within our experience.
The Seakeeping Department has a lot of experience in the measurement of semi-submersible motions, often in extreme wave conditions. Their expertise also includes wave (impact) loads on semi-submersible pontoons during transport on the deck of a barge or heavy load vessel.
The Trials & Monitoring Department can be involved in full-scale measurements on semi-submersibles. Motions and loads can be measured and analysed, as well as the environmental conditions acting on the semi.
Facilities & Tools
Semi-submersibles are tested in the following MARIN facilities:
Semi-submersibles are tested in the following MARIN facilities:
- Offshore Basin: DP model tests in combined current, waves and wind
- Shallow Water Basin: DP model tests in combined current, waves and wind
- Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin: model tests in waves
- Deep Water Towing Tank: towing tests
The behaviour of semi-submersibles is simulated with the following tools :
DIFFRAC: 3-D potential theory including wave diffraction
DRIFTP/DBDRIFT: Second order wave excited (drift) forces
LIFSIM/LIFMOT: Analysis of multi body dyamics and lift operations
DYNFORC: Hydrodynamic load input for structural analysis
WINDOS: Assessment of wind loads on ships and offshore structures
DPCAP: Analysis of thruster capacity in dynamic positioning
DPSEMI: Dynamic positioning simulation for semi-submersibles
SEMISUB: Motions of semi-submersibles
DRIFTP/DBDRIFT: Second order wave excited (drift) forces
LIFSIM/LIFMOT: Analysis of multi body dyamics and lift operations
DYNFORC: Hydrodynamic load input for structural analysis
WINDOS: Assessment of wind loads on ships and offshore structures
DPCAP: Analysis of thruster capacity in dynamic positioning
DPSEMI: Dynamic positioning simulation for semi-submersibles
SEMISUB: Motions of semi-submersibles
Software Sales
Some software tools are available for commercial use outside MARIN. A complete overview of these software tools for sale can be found under Software Sales.
Some software tools are available for commercial use outside MARIN. A complete overview of these software tools for sale can be found under Software Sales.
Experience record
The list below gives a review of semi-submersible model tests carried out at MARIN:
The list below gives a review of semi-submersible model tests carried out at MARIN:
- Blind Faith semi-submersible (AkerKvaerner / Chevron , 2005)
- Atlantis semi-submersible (GVA / BP, 2002)
- Caspian Sea semi-submersible (Keppel-FELS, 2001)
- Millenium ExD semi submersible (Friede & Goldman / Sante Fe Corporation, 2001)
- Petrobras P-XIII DP model tests (Petrobras, 1999)
- Ocean Confidence DP model tests (Diamond Offshore, 1998)
- JBF6000 and Amethyst-series model tests (Huisman-Itrec, 1998)
- Stena Tay DP model tests (Keppel-FELS / Stena Drilling, 1997)
Most recent papers on semi-submersibles presented by MARIN
(complete overview of papers can be found under Publications)
(complete overview of papers can be found under Publications)
Predicting Loads On An LNG Carrier With CFD
Fathi, F. (SBM Offshore/Gusto MSC), Klaij, C.M. and Koop, A.H., OMAE ASME 29th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, Shanghai, 2010
Current Affairs: Model Tests, Semi-Empirical Predictions and CFD Computations for Current Coefficients of Semi-Submersibles
Guilherme Vaz, Olaf J. Waals (MARIN), Harald Ottens (Heerema Marine Contractors), Fahd Fathi (GustoMSC), Tim Le Souëf, Kwong Kiu, OMAE Conference, Honolulu, 2009
Model Testing and Complex Numerical Simulations for Offshore Installation
J.L. Cozijn; R.J. van der Wal (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands MARIN); C. Dunlop (Saipem UK), ISOPE Conference, Vancouver, 2008
Model Tests and Computer Simulations for Njord FPU Gas Module Installation
Remmelt van der Wal, Hans Cozijn (MARIN) and Chris Dunlop (Saipem UK), Marine Operations Specialty Symposium (MOSS), Singapore, 2008
Stability of Deepwater Drilling Semi Submersibles
Arjan Voogt (MARIN) and Julian Soles (Global Santa Fe), Symposium on Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures (PRADS), Houston, 2007
Fathi, F. (SBM Offshore/Gusto MSC), Klaij, C.M. and Koop, A.H., OMAE ASME 29th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, Shanghai, 2010
Current Affairs: Model Tests, Semi-Empirical Predictions and CFD Computations for Current Coefficients of Semi-Submersibles
Guilherme Vaz, Olaf J. Waals (MARIN), Harald Ottens (Heerema Marine Contractors), Fahd Fathi (GustoMSC), Tim Le Souëf, Kwong Kiu, OMAE Conference, Honolulu, 2009
Model Testing and Complex Numerical Simulations for Offshore Installation
J.L. Cozijn; R.J. van der Wal (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands MARIN); C. Dunlop (Saipem UK), ISOPE Conference, Vancouver, 2008
Model Tests and Computer Simulations for Njord FPU Gas Module Installation
Remmelt van der Wal, Hans Cozijn (MARIN) and Chris Dunlop (Saipem UK), Marine Operations Specialty Symposium (MOSS), Singapore, 2008
Stability of Deepwater Drilling Semi Submersibles
Arjan Voogt (MARIN) and Julian Soles (Global Santa Fe), Symposium on Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures (PRADS), Houston, 2007
Most recent FPSO articles written for MARIN Report
(complete overview of artcles can be found under Publications)
(complete overview of artcles can be found under Publications)
BigLift Shipping and MARIN in joint aNySIMpro operations
Olaf Waals, MARIN report, 2010
New initiatives probe thruster interaction effects
Hans Cozijn, MARIN report, 2010
Frigg QP jacket gets 'on the move' at MARIN
Joris van den Berg, MARIN Report, 2009
New code FreSCo reveals what goes under the surface
Guilherme Vaz, MARIN Report, 2009
The state of Current Affairs
Guilherme Vaz & Olaf Waals, MARIN Report, 2009
Olaf Waals, MARIN report, 2010
New initiatives probe thruster interaction effects
Hans Cozijn, MARIN report, 2010
Frigg QP jacket gets 'on the move' at MARIN
Joris van den Berg, MARIN Report, 2009
New code FreSCo reveals what goes under the surface
Guilherme Vaz, MARIN Report, 2009
The state of Current Affairs
Guilherme Vaz & Olaf Waals, MARIN Report, 2009
Contact
For more information on how MARIN can help your organisation with FPSOs, please contact:
For model test and simulation activities: Offshore Department
For full scale measurements: Trials and Monitoring Department
For model test and simulation activities: Ships Seakeeping Department
For more information on how MARIN can help your organisation with FPSOs, please contact:
For model test and simulation activities: Offshore Department
For full scale measurements: Trials and Monitoring Department
For model test and simulation activities: Ships Seakeeping Department