High costs and extended construction periods associated with fixed platform installations are forcing operators to look for more economic solutions to develop marginal offshore fields. A Floating Production System (FPS) provides a viable development alternative for smaller fields, especially in deeper waters. However, the available floating production system alternatives differ considerably in cost, construction time and capability. An identification of these differences and a method for preliminary economic assessment will provide operators with reference points when evaluating new field development schemes.

Keywords:
subsea system, storage, limitation, production unit, water depth, floating production system, barge, hull form, installation, marginal field
Subjects:
Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems, Risers, Floating production systems
Copyright 1984, Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME
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