Computer Aided Design of a Deepwater Floater

Recently the deepwater floater has become an encouraging option as a wet-tree floating platform supporting steel catenary risers and mainly due to its capability of quayside topside integration and cost-effectiveness. However, it is still a challenge for a conventional semisubmersible to support steel catenary riser, particularly large ones, in harsh environment and relatively shallow water due to its large heave motion. In PETRONAS, the design library of offshore floaters thus extensive iterative process is typically engage to the concept design and selection work. Determination of specific parameters with respect to scaled model testing and calibration is not always straightforward and involved cross referencing between numerical analysis and experimental testing. Furthermore, the objective of the project is to develop a semi-submersible’s hull section by concentrate on the concept design and selection work and to evaluate the stability and natural period of semi-submersible model at operating condition at same water depth. The project focus on developing the hull section of two pontoon which supported by four columns as well as top side section of semi-submersible model by using CATIA V5R18. The chosen parameter based on the design specification without neglecting the importance of stability and natural period of semi-submersible. In conclusion, the CAD model of four cylindrical columns rig pontoons of semi-submersible and the analysis are the fundamental initiator for the semi-submersible’s design library. With concentrated on design selection work, natural period of semi-submersible and also analyze the increment of stability angle to determine the maximum degree of inclination as well as considered about load weight on the top side of semi-submersible.