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8 MN November 2010 TECH FILE MARIN’s 9,000th Test Model is the World’s Deepest TLP In spring 2010, the world deepest tension leg platform (TLP) was tested at MARIN for Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and FloaTEC. The Big Foot TLP measures 5,187 ft and represents MARIN’s 9,000th test model since the maritime research institute opened in 1932.This extended tension leg platform, designed by FloaTEC, will be located at the Big Foot Field development at the Walker Ridge Block 29 in the Gulf of Mexico. The platform will be a local host with dry trees and the associated top tensioned risers (TTRs) with full drilling, workover and sidetrack capability on the topsides. Chevron is the operator of Big Foot and the co-owners are Statoil USA E&P and Marubeni Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. The two milestones were celebrated together with representatives of the clients involved. Ming- Yao Lee, Team Manager Offshore & Marine Structures of Chevron and Edward Huang, FloaTEC Director Engineering, baptized the Big Foot model 9000 in the presence of MARIN President Arne Hubregtse and Bas Buchner, Vice President and Manager Offshore. The model tests focused on the behavior of the platform in Gulf of Mexico hurricane conditions. The large water depth required the use of the 30-meter deep pit in the MARIN Offshore Basin. Together with its dedicated wave generators, wind fans and special current generation system, the basin offers unique possibilities for modeling realistic currents, waves and wind at scale. Previously, this special pit was used for other major deep water projects, such as Shenzi, Pony, Okume, Ormen Lange, West Seno TLPs and the Perdido Spar. (Images courtesy MARIN)
