Saudi Arabia's Ju'aymah Crude Oil Export Terminal operated and maintained by ARAMCO, is the largest Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal in operation. The Ju'aymah Terminal has an export capacity of 6 million barrels per day and can handle the full range of the world's tanker fleet in excess of 100 MDWT.
Ju'aymah Terminal has been in operation for five years. The major offshore facilities include crude loading systems, control and metering platforms, four Catenary Anchor Leg Moorings (CALM's) and two Single Anchor Leg Moorings (SALM's). From the large amount of oil loaded and tankers handled since Terminal start-up in late 1974, substantial field data and operating experience has been gained. During this time, real and significant achievements have been made in increased loading rates, higher operating efficiency, and reduction in major SPM system component failures.
This paper describes the major operations optimizing and problem solving achieved offshore at Ju'aymah Terminal during the first five years of operation as well as results and procedures for testing of SPM subsea and floating hoses. The background and development for improved mooring systems for reducing tanker breakouts are described. Major problems encountered with both the CALM's and SALM's are summarized with actions that were taken by ARAMCO to improve SPM availability. The SPM preventive maintenance program is highlighted, including schedules and major equipment checks. Improvements in computer controlled tanker loading and meter proving are presented. Inspection procedures and schedules for subsea crude and bunker loading lines are outlined.
Saudi Arabia's Ju'aymah Crude Oil Export Terminal, operated and maintained by the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO), is a crude oil and fuel oil bunker loading facility.
This facility was designed for loading and topping-off deep-draft tankers and to supplement the existing Ras Tanura Terminal. The first increment of construction was started in 1971 and the first shipment of Arabian Light Crude was loaded in late 1974. Ju'aymah Terminal is being build in a series of increments to an ultimate size to be determined by future shipping demands and economics.
The tank farm with all its associated facilities is located along the coast at Ju'aymah, 11 miles NW of Ras Tanuara. The terminal tank farm can handle and ship three grades of crude (Arabian Light, Arabian Medium and Arabian Heavy) using a total of fourteen 1.25 MMBBL and five 1.5 MMBBL floating roof storage tanks. Crude oil is shipped offshore by booster pumps or booster and variable speed shipping pump combinations. The booster pumps are driven by 3000 HP induction motors and shipping pumps are powered by 16,000 HP synchronous motors. Fuel oil bunkers are stored in three 250 MBBL tanks and shipped offshore by three 2000 HP pumps.
The offshore platform is located approximately 15 miles NW of Ras Tanura and 7 miles offshore in Saudi Arabian waters - the offshore platform consists of the following:
A control platform (70' × 70') located 150' north of the oil platform and connected to it by a walkway bridge.
