Exploring alternatives to offshore jacket production methods

Abstract

Decrease in oil prices have negatively affected the investment towards offshore oil and gas explorations. This has in turn compelled offshore structure fabricators to find cost effective ways of fabricating oil platforms and jackets, to stay competitive in the industry. In this research paper, three alternative configurations to the conventional jacket production process are explored. The configurations are derived from a morphological table that is designed to include major tasks and resources of the production process. To evaluate the effects of these options on performance of the production process, in terms of production time and cost, a simulation model is presented. During the validation of this model through cycle time of the preassembly and assembly sub-processes, high variations are observed. On further analysis, these discrepancies are attributed to the number of shared lifting resources, workspace utilization of the available fabrication area and release dates of orders of parts used in jacket production. To increase the accuracy of the model, these aspects must be modelled in more detail. However, to show the potential of the simulation model, the previously proposed configurations are evaluated and a possible alternative is proposed as a promising solution. Additionally, throughout this research, the potential of a simulation-based approach to explore new configurations for offshore jacket production is suggested. Together with the morphological table, this results in a novel decision-making tool which can be used by fabrication companies to indigenously explore new alternatives.