DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF FLOATOVER BARGE SUBJECTED TO RANDOM WAVES DURING STANBY MODE

The float-over method was initially developed by Brown & Root Energy Services in the year 1970’s. Nevertheless during this past 20 years float-over installation has become a common method for the topside installation on the offshore platforms. The method involved barges to transport the topside to the site precisely positioned next to or in between of the substructure legs. The ballasting and de-ballasting happen to transfer the load from the barge to the legs. Previously, the conventional method has been used by using the heavy lifting crane vessel. The problem with this method is that very difficult to mobilize in remote area and also need multiple lifting if the topside has massive weight. This new method of float-over installation has overcome the problem of the conventional method. This method as well result in reduction of time. In Malaysia, this concept has been used for the Kikeh Spar platform and it was successful.