It is always a challenge to select the "right fuel" for offshore facilities because of the unavailability of well-defined criteria.
A study was conducted to develop the fueling strategy for power generation of offshore facilities and for operation of various offshore vessels. Examples of offshore facilities include central processing plant (CPP), floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) and floating storage and offloading (FSOs). Marine operations include marine support vessels include crew boats, research boats, anchor handling tugs, supply vessels and flotels. These vessels are involved during the hook-up and commissioning (HU&C) and during normal and special offshore operation. Marine support vessels generally bunker fuel from main storage from offshore facilities.
While suggesting the "fuel type", several points were considered with emphasis on the Original Equipment Maker (OEM) requirements, applicable local & international emission regulation and supply reliability.
The "Fueling Strategy" study evaluated the pros and cons of single versus multi-fuel policy, identified the applicable fuel grade, and identified fuel storage location requirements with associated capacity. The final recommendations also carefully considered long term environmental impact of the suggested fuel.
The study has also evaluated the economic order quantities (EOQ), while keeping capital stewardship and reliability paramount.
The study provides clear guidance and takes a holistic approach to define the "right fuel" for offshore facilities.
