INTERNATIONAL OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY mmH
Production Spars — Spars are
particularly suited to deepwater,
mid-size fields with access to
pipeline infrastructure. Like
TLPs, dry trees can be used on a
spar — which is a major feature
for fields with high paraffin con-
tent. However, spars lack the
variable deckload capability of a
full size TLP. Spars can incorpo-
rate storage, though to date this
has not been incorporated into
any of the three systems delivered
or on order. Capex is in the same
range as a mini-TLP, which is the
closest market substitute.
There are 88 floating produc-
tion systems in operation world-
wide. About 60 percent are FPSO
vessels, 30 percent production
semisubmersibles and the
remaining 10 percent tension leg
platforms or spars. Another 35
systems are on order, represent-
ing capital expenditures of about
$12 billion. Most importantly,
almost 150 projects are under
study that potentially involve use
of a floating production solution.
A report published in March
analyzes developments taking
place in the floating production
sector, lists projects under study
involving floating production and
forecasts types of equipment to be
ordered over the next three to five
years. The report is the first in a
series of four quarterly business
reports on construction and con-
version activity involving floating
production systems.
The 1998/99 quarterly series is
available for $1,400. To order,
please contact International
Maritime Associates (700 New
Hampshire Ave., NW, Suite 118,
Washington, D.C. 20037 USA,
tel: (202) 333-8501; fax: (202) 333-
8504.
TECHNOLOGY
Designing A Revolutionary
Pipeline Pig
A pig developed by Statoil for
inspection and maintenance of
pipelines with varying dimen-
sions is designed to provide far
greater flexibility in construction
and operation of such facilities.
The first of these units will be
designed and built for Asgard
Transport by Germany's
Pipetronix. This order has been
placed by Statoil as operator for
the new pipeline, which will
carry gas from Asgard off mid-
Norway to the group's Karst0
treatment plant north of
Stavanger. Due to be built at the
German company's Canadian
subsidiary in Toronto for delivery
in 2000, the pig comprises a flex-
ible multi-diameter device about
10 m long and weighing almost
five tons. One special feature
will be the ability to start inspec-
tion in the 28-in. section of the
line and then expand to the max-
imum 42-in. diameter of Asgard
Transport. This approach has
reportedly not been used before
in a major pipeline project. Tests
with the pig at Karst0's K-Lab
facility prompted the Asgard
licensees to back plans for a sim-
plified 28-in. subsea export riser
to tie the pipeline to the Asgard
B gas platform, rather than a big
seabed unit and a 40-in. line. The
chosen solution will provide
greater flexibility in both devel-
opment and operation.
Circle 240 on Reader Service Card
Fast world-wide support!
If you operate a Harbormaster or
Murray & Tregurtha product
anywhere in the world, we can
provide spare parts and on-site
field service. Call us first!
Maneuver.. .Propel.. .Position
31777 Industrial Road
Livonia, Ml 48150 USA
(734) 425-1080 Fax (734) 425-1850
Website: http://www.harbormastermarine.com
Harbormaster Marine, Inc.
Harbormaster thrusters and
outdrives are found around the
world in ships, boats and
barges where economical
performance is required.
For unassisted maneuvering in
tight quarters. For easily-moved,
deck-mounted propulsion.
For critical dynamic positioning.
For precision vessel control.
Tunnel Thrusters
100 to 2000 HP
Harbormaster Marine products
are designed to customer
specification and built with
utmost care and highest quality.
They provide years of durable
service and are backed by a
reliable support system.
Outboard and through-
the-hull azimuthing drives
50 to 1500 HP
Harbormaster
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MARINE EQUIPMENT PELLEGRINI is a worldwide leader in the designing and manufacturing of:
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