Tow-out and installation of the Beryl ‘A’ production platform in 395 feet of water was accomplished in July 1975.. The articulated oil loading platform (SPM) was set in position, approximately one mile from the Beryl ‘A’, in September 1975. A 32 inch pipeline was installed to transport crude from the Beryl platform to tankers via the SPM.
The first crude shipment from the field commenced on 16th September 1976. From that time until 13th September 1978, 98 cargoes had been lifted from Beryl, representing a total shipment volume of 42.3 million barrels.
Background data, description and performance evaluation of the Beryl SPM, as an unmanned offshore loading facility, after two years operational experience, follows.
The first articulated column ever built was designed by EMH in response to an industry call, in 1963, for innovation of offshore structural concepts, in water depths ranging from 300 to 700 feet. A full scale experimental structure was constructed and installed in the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean) in 1968. The water depth at the selected site was 330 feet. The structure was extensively instrumented to provide information regarding the external force action in various sea states and stresses induced at critical points on the structure. The column remained on site for three years during which time a wide variety of weather conditions were encountered.
After disconnecting the oscillating body from the foundation base, the various structural and mechanical components of the structure were inspected and instrumentation records were completely analysed.
The results of this extended trial campaign demonstrated the viability of the articulated column concept.
When economic analyses of discovery wells and seismic mapping indicated the commercial feasibility of the Beryl Field in early 1973, the order for a Condeep, concrete gravity base platform was placed in July 1973 by the co-Partners in the venture - Mobil Oil, Amerada Petroleum, Texas Eastern Incorporated and the British Gas Corporation. However, no definite decision as to the optimum method for transporting crude from the field was made at that time.
The Beryl field, by North Sea standards, is considered to be only medium sized with regards to recoverable reserves. The laying of a 100 mile pipeline from the platform to the mainland was therefore not considered to be as attractive as an offshore loading system. A review, to investigate all possible designs and. proposals for at-sea terminals, was initiated. The recommendations of the review group precluded the use of conventional type floating buoys for the following reasons:
They were considered too small and light to provide effective service in an exposed location like Beryl. It was thought that motion response would be much too great for easy tanker connection without tug assistance in the heavy seas and high winds predominant in this area.
In the 400 feet water depth at Beryl, a conventional buoy would require an underwater hose length of 600 to 700 feet and it was envisaged that major problems would be encountered in this regard.
