Offshore hook-up project management

Abstract

There is a lot going on offshore at the Norwegian Sector these days. Especially on the Ekofisk field, this is one of the oldest and most important fields in the North Sea. Ekofisk 2/4 Lima (EKOL) is the newest addition to the field and houses the biggest offshore accommodation facility in the world. Ref. Chapter 2.1. The purpose of the thesis is addressing different issues, and various parts of an offshore hook-up project. The aim is to perform experimental tests using 3.25 tons pad eyes with regard to actual lifting operations. But also highlight other important aspects in projects like this, such as the use of relevant standards, assess risk, the importance of safety and overall project management. Rosenberg is in the process of updating their procedures for pad eyes to current applicable standards. Here both NORSOK and DNV standards have been used as a basis. This thesis is divided into two main parts. Part one examines the various factors that are important to consider in a hook-up project, and provides important theoretical basis. Part two takes up execution, analysis and results of the experimental testing. To conduct the testing, I had to design and produce a variety of test pieces. I then looked at the significance of welding methods, and how the steel pad eyes behaved when they were subjected to strain both vertically and angularly. More information regarding the experimental testing is provided in chapter 4. According to the experimental testing the welding methods and welding types, had little or no effect on the strength while testing. Thus, the original test procedures were replaced with new ones, that explores how the pad eyes reacted to strain at different hole sizes. This is to check what would happen if the pad eyes were not designed according to the requirements of the approved standards. This proved to be useful learning for both the thesis and the company's part. The test pieces which were prepared according to the standard, tolerated the stresses that were applied, and got minimal deformations. While pad eyes that deviated from the standard got much larger deformation and some failed completely. This only emphasizes the importance to follow the standards' requirements as this may have fatal consequences if neglected.