Integrity, Monitoring, Inspection, and Maintenance of FPSO Turret Mooring Systems

Abstract

Abstract The long-term in-service performance of turret mooring systems is becoming increasingly important given the exponential increase in the number and complexity of FPSO facilities worldwide. The trend of floating production systems being developed in deeper waters and harsher environments coupled with longer service life requirements make the knowledge and understanding of long-term performance, monitoring, inspection, and maintenance even more important. The paper discusses the key aspects of the long-term integrity of FPSO turret mooring systems, focusing on inspection, monitoring and maintenance of critical components of the mooring system, i.e., the anchor leg, bearing, and swivel systems. The paper provides recommendations on practical methods of monitoring and inspection of these critical components and highlights the importance of training of the operation team to ensure the recommendations are followed.