Design of arctic oil & gas rigs

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper studies oil and gas rigs. The purpose is to generalize design experience of floating Arctic oil & gas platforms and selection of ice belt structure for floating and fixed platforms, in order to reduce ice loads. Materials and methods. The study is done as per the methods of ocean structure design theory, offshore platform engineering and ice failure mechanics. Main results. This paper shows that one of promising configurations for an ice-resistant Arctic floater is a semi-submersible trimaran with turret. Design and shape of this platform implements a whole number of innovative solutions that make wildcat drilling cheaper. The paper suggests new solutions for ice belt structures, that ensure mitigation of ice loads they have to suffer and reduce their material consumption. Conclusion. This work is intended to facilitate development of cost-efficient, robust and reliable oil & gas rigs for the Arctic.

Keywords

• ocean engineering
• ice-resistant oil & gas platforms
• semi-submersible drilling floaters
• ice belt
• design of offshore structures