ABS and CHC Team Up On Arctic Offshore Research
ABS recently hosted an Arctic Offshore Issues workshop in Houston, held with staff from the Canadian Hydraulics Centre (CHC). What are some of the critical issues facing operators drilling in the Arctic?
Structural configurations of the drilling and production units for Arctic operation need specific technical analyses, says Roger Basu, Director, Research & Product Development, ABS Corporate Technology. In particular the following should be considered:
- Identify the possible ice-structure interaction scenarios
- Apply quantitative methodologies available for estimating loads
- Conduct numerical modeling of ice loads (different models)
- Undertake a critical review of the methodologies
- Consider ice-structure interaction scenarios that could lead to significant vibratory loads
The CHC is part of the National Research Council in Canada and is currently conducting research on Arctic offshore operations. Basu says the CHC has one of the most complete sets of information on ice loads in the world. “Combine this with ABS’ offshore analytical tools and we are able to develop technical guidance for operators to assist them in making their commercial decisions,” says Basu.
The ABS Corporate Technology Department has a staff dedicated to arctic operations issues, both ship and offshore structures. For more information, contact: rbasu@eagle.org
