Topsides installation options

for semi-submersible floating production systems

Niels Haakman
General Manager, TAISUN division
Yantai Raffles Offshore Ltd

Among Floating Production Units the (deep

draft) semisub is increasingly popular

Source: Offshore Engineer May 2009

For these, you have to make the important

decision of topsides installation

Source: Offshore Engineer May 2009

You have to address this early in

your project

You have to address this early in

your project

taisun

float over

skidding

heavy lift

Float over

Hull deeply
submerged
Topsides
loaded on
barge or self
floating
Mating by
(de)ballasting

Float over

Proven since
the 1980s
No
modifications
required on
topsides
Topsides can
be fully
completed

Float over

Damage
stability
requires many
compartments
Restricted
access,
especially
offshore
Complex, risky
operation

Hull kept at
design draft
Topsides lifted
from barge,
usually in
pieces

Heavy lift

Limited to
about 12,000
tons

Less risky
than float
over
Very capable
external
partners

Heavy lift

No
modifications
to the hull
required

Installation
window narrow
and expensive
Offshore hook
up is
expensive,
cumbersome

Heavy lift

Installation
window narrow
and expensive
Offshore hook
up is
expensive,
cumbersome

Heavy lift

Massive
engineering
effort required

Topsides built
or jacked to
height

skidding

Topsides built
or jacked to
height
Hull skidded
under topsides

skidding

Topsides built
or jacked to
height
Hull skidded
under topsides

Topsides
skidded on top
of hull

skidding

Topsides can
be fully
completed
Integration
can take
place at the
yard
Full access for
all staff

skidding

Requires
special
structure
Jacking very
high,
especially for
deep draft
semis
Massive
engineering
effort required

skidding

Lift plates
installed on
deck

TAISUN

Lift plates
installed on
deck

TAISUN

Lift plates
installed on
deck
Topsides lifted
from barge in
one module

TAISUN

Lift plates
installed on
deck
Topsides lifted
from barge in
one module
Hull towed into
position

TAISUN

Full access for

all staff

TAISUN

Full access for

all staff
Lifting is not a
design
criterion

TAISUN

Full access for

all staff
Lifting is not a
design
criterion
Full
integration
can take
place at yard

TAISUN

Lift plates
require free
space on deck
Maximum
lifting height of
80 meters
Draft limited
to dock depth

TAISUN

Mating cost

Completed topsides
Yard integration

Engineering impact

Are you planning your

new floating
production system?
niels@yantai-raffles.net
or visit
www.20000ton.com