PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Design Of Mooring For Floating Production Systems

PTS 11.03.01
December 2018

© 2018 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Upstream Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users
only.
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FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice
across the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording
or otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior
written consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information
to PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
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Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 4

1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 5
2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 6
2.1 SAFETY FACTORS FOR MOORING LINE .......................................................................... 6
2.2 SAFETY FACTORS FOR DRAG ANCHORS......................................................................... 6
2.3 SAFETY FACTORS FOR PILE, PLATE AND GRAVITY ANCHORS ........................................ 6
3.0 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 7
3.1 CALM BUOY MOORING SYSTEM .................................................................................... 7
3.2 ANALYSIS METHODS ...................................................................................................... 8
3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION RELATIVE TO FLOATING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS.......... 9
3.5 MAXIMUM VESSEL OFFSET............................................................................................ 9
3.6 MINIMUM MOORING CLEARANCE .............................................................................. 10
3.7 FATIGUE ANALYSIS REQUIREMENT ............................................................................. 10
3.8 CLASSIFICATION OF MOORING SYSTEM ...................................................................... 10
3.9 ONLINE MOORING MONITORING ............................................................................... 11
4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................. 12
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PETRONAS Technical Standard (PTS) provides the minimum requirements for analysing,
designing and evaluating the mooring of floating production systems.

The API RP 2SK standard along with additional requirements based on PETRONAS lessons
learnt and best practices shall be met.

Alternatively, DNV-OS-E301 and other Classification Society (CLASS) design codes and
standards may be applied instead of API RP 2SK, subject to Owner’s approval.

1.1 SCOPE

This PTS is applicable to all type of floating production systems with single point or spread
mooring, including internal, external and disconnectable turrets.

The scope includes conventional floaters i.e. Semi-submersible, Spar, FPSO and TLP as well
as other types of floating production systems for example FLNG, production barges for
marginal fields and smaller FPSOs.

The scope does not cover the design of mobile drilling, shore and quayside mooring systems.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition Of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.

1.2.2 Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviation Description

1 ABS American Bureau of Shipping

2 CALM Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring

3 CLASS Classification Society

4 DNVGL Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd

5 DP Dynamic Positioning

6 FEED Front End Engineering Design

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No Abbreviation Description

7 FLNG Floating Liquefied Natural Gas

8 FPS Floating Production Systems

9 FPSO Floating Production Storage and Offloading

10 FOS Factor of Safety

11 MBL Minimum Breaking Load

12 PRA Project Risk Assessment

13 RCS Recognized Classification Society

14 RP Recommended Practice

15 SF Safety Factor

16 TLP Tension Leg Platform

17 WD Water Depth
Table 1.1: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 11.03.01 (December 2018) replaces PTS 11.03.01 (March 2015).
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2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The design of mooring systems for floating production systems shall include all design and
operating conditions, strength analysis, fatigue analysis and other design criteria/
consideration as stipulated in the API RP 2SK and CLASS rules.

The mooring components including chains, wires, polyesters, connectors/H-links, shackles,

winches, anchors shall be designed as per API RP 2SK and other relevant standards listed in
Section 4.0.

The safety factors for mooring system applications including mooring lines and anchors shall
comply with the requirement in API RP 2SK and CLASS rules. Other requirements based on
industrial codes and standards may be used subject to Owner’s approval.

This PTS does not specify additional requirements on mooring installation. The mooring
installation requirements shall be in accordance to DNVGL-ST-N001, ISO 19901-6 or
equivalent industry standards.

This PTS only covers site specific in-place conditions of mooring systems for FPS.

2.1 SAFETY FACTORS FOR MOORING LINE

The safety factor of mooring line components including chain, steel wire and fibre ropes is
defined as the ratio minimum breaking load (MBL) of the mooring line divided by maximum
line tension occurring at its length. At any point of the line, the minimum safety factors shall
be met for all conditions and analysis methods.

2.2 SAFETY FACTORS FOR DRAG ANCHORS

The safety factor of drag anchors is defined as anchor holding capacity divided by maximum
anchor load from dynamic analysis. This should be determined based on mooring line
dynamic loads.

2.3 SAFETY FACTORS FOR PILE, PLATE AND GRAVITY ANCHORS

The safety factor of anchors is defined as anchor holding capacity divided by maximum
holding load from dynamic analysis. This should be determined based on mooring line
dynamic loads. Bending moment and resistance to buckling should also be considered as
design requirements.
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3.0 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The additional requirements are presented in this section.

3.1 CALM BUOY MOORING SYSTEM

In reference to API RP 2SK, the Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) used for
stationkeeping system consists of a large buoy which supports a number of catenary chain
legs anchored to the seabed. Some systems use a hawser, typically a synthetic rope,
between the vessel and the CALM buoy. Since the response of the CALM buoy is totally
different from vessel response under influence of waves and current, this system is limited
in its ability to withstand environmental conditions.

For CALM buoy system using a hawser, the safety measures below must be considered to
avoid potential collision between vessel and the CALM buoy:
i. a) Vessel moored to CALM buoy shall maintain her propulsion system onboard for
immediate response or short notice (less than 30 mins response time) in order
to avoid in contact with the CALM buoy.
AND/OR
b) Standby tugs with sufficient horse power should be made available 24 hours
per day through field life to pull back the vessel to its original position once the
vessel drift towards the CALM buoy.

ii. CCTV/ Camera connected to Control Room/ Tower for continuous monitoring of
the vessel and CALM buoy.

iii. Hawser fitted with tension meter and can be monitored in the Control Room/
Tower.

Alternatively, rigid structural yokes with articulations may be used in some designs to tie the
vessel to the top of the buoy. This rigid articulation virtually eliminates horizontal motions
between the buoy and the vessel. Another development is a buoyant yoke with a “soft”
mooring connection using chains attached to the yoke.

Specific Project Risk Assessment (PRA) shall be done in order to address risk mitigation plan
for this CALM buoy mooring system.

The design and fabrication of the CALM buoy shall be referred to the rules and standards
from IACS member, e.g:

i. ABS Rules for Building and Classing Single Point Mooring

ii. BV-NR-494 Offshore Loading & Offloading Buoys

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iii. DNV-OS-E403 Offshore Loading Buoy

3.2 ANALYSIS METHODS

The analysis methods to be used shall consider the conditions to be analysed and the limit
states to be satisfied. The quasi-static method may be used for initial planning stage and
preliminary studies of mooring with relatively higher safety factors to be imposed. This is
only applicable for feasibility and conceptual design stage of a project. However, this
method is not recommended for the FEED and final design of permanent mooring systems.

Dynamic analysis is more accurate than quasi-static analysis for mooring system. Full
dynamic analysis should be perfomed for the final design of mooring system. With reference
to API RP 2SK, the summary of analysis methods for permanent mooring shall be considered
as the following.

Phase Method Condition to be Analyzed

Preliminary Quasi-static or dynamic Intact/ Damaged

Final Dynamic Intact/ Damaged/ Transient

Fatigue Dynamic Intact

Table 3.1: Analysis Methods

For mooring analysis, environmental and operational loads shall be combined in order to
determine the most onerous loading scenario on the mooring system as minimum for the
following conditions:

i. Intact Mooring – FPS at ballast draught

ii. Intact Mooring – FPS at full draught

iii. Damaged Mooring – FPS at ballast draught

iv. Damaged Mooring – FPS at full draught

v. Installation Conditions – To be addressed during project execution

The intermediate loading conditions shall be investigated to confirm that they are less
severe than the above design conditions.

3.3 DESIGN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

As a minimum, the design environmental condition should consider all the service and
operation requirements intended for the service life of the floating production systems. In
absence of site specific metocean data, ISO 19901-1 may be used as guidance for
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preliminary studies. This document provides an approximate indication of the extreme

condition for certain geographic areas. The Contractor shall review validity of the values and
use site specific metocean data for the final design instead of values in ISO 19901-1. The
combination of wind, waves and current shall be established by the Contractor and shall be
approved by Owner.

3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION RELATIVE TO FLOATING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

In accordance with API RP 2SK, the mooring system should be assessed under the most
unfavorable wind, wave and current directions that can be reasonably assumed to occur.

i. The mooring system along its floating production unit should be assessed for all
environmental directions from 0° to 360° with the interval of 15°. Directional
distribution of wind, waves and current may be applied if available.

ii. In establishing load cases for analysing any floating production systems, the loads
from wind, waves and current shall be heading towards prevailing direction. This
shall be collinear or non collinear combination of environmental direction based on
site specific metocean data.

iii. Ship-shaped floating production unit with spread mooring system should highly
consider the site specific field environmental directionality especially in determining
the suitable orientation of this floating production unit.

iv. Ship-shaped weathervaning system and other floating production units including
semi-submersible, spar and TLP should be asessed under both omni and directional
environmental condition for preliminary design. For FEED and final design, the
directional environmental condition may be used if the data is available.

3.5 MAXIMUM VESSEL OFFSET

The maximum offset of a vessel for a specified reference point shall be within the operation
service limitation established by clearance requirements and limitation of equipments such
as risers and gangways. This shall be established in consideration of intact mooring and
damage mooring system after a single line failure.

Table 3.2 provides recommendation on typical allowable maximum vessel offset as a

function of water depth.

Mooring Type Water Depth Offset (% of Water Depth)

Catenary Mooring < 50 m ≤ 35%

Catenary Mooring < 200 m 15 – 35 %

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~ 200 to ~ 500 m 15 – 25 %

Taut Mooring 500 – 1200 m 5 – 10 %

> 1200 m 5 – 12 %
Table 3.2: Limitation of Vessel Offset

In addition, an FPSO to be located close to a wellhead platform (WHP) within a distance

equal of 100m or 15% of water depth should consider two (2) mooring lines damage case
and must satisfy the recommended offset limits in order to avoid collision with respective
WHP.

3.6 MINIMUM MOORING CLEARANCE

The minimum clearance between floating production systems, mooring components and
other marine installations should be established for all conditions. As minimum, the
clearance requirements in PTS 18.52.27 Marine Safety and DNVGL-ST-N001 Marine
Operations and Marine Safety should be met. Should there is any conflicting requirement
amongst the standards; it shall be brought to the notice of Owner for consideration and
approval of the suitable requirement.

3.7 FATIGUE ANALYSIS REQUIREMENT

Fatigue analysis should be performed for mooring system to be positioned at the same
location for one (1) year or more in accordance to CLASS. For temporary mooring or less
than one (1) year, fatigue analysis should be performed if in service experience shows any
sign of fatigue damage.

The fatigue calculation and analysis shall be carried out for mooring lines and connection
elements using site specific environmental data. Mooring fatigue design (S-N) curve and
Factor of Safety (FOS) shall be strictly in accordance to API RP 2SK and CLASS requirements.
3.8 CLASSIFICATION OF MOORING SYSTEM

Mooring system for floating production and/or storage units shall comply with CLASS
notation as part of CLASS requirement.

All FPS mooring system should be covered by CLASS as minimum for the following:

i. Mooring line components;

ii. Hull mounted equipment, e.g. cantilever, chain stopper;

iii. Mooring line handling equipment, e.g. pull in winch, sheave.

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All equipments either covered or not by CLASS shall be provided with relevant certifications.

3.9 ONLINE MOORING MONITORING

Online mooring monitoring system shall be installed on board of the FPS with the following
criteria:

i. Design life more than 20 years; or

ii. Located in deepwater area (water depth beyond 300 metres).

The mooring tension and excursion data shall be recorded and make available onboard
through out the FPS life at field. The system shall have the capability to evaluate the
integrity of the mooring system and any mooring failures during the FPS life at field.
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4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & PTS 00.01.03
Reading Guide
Marine Safety PTS 18.52.27

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Rules for Building and Classing – Floating Production Installations ABS FPI
Recommended Practice for Design and Analysis of Stationkeeping API RP 2SK
Systems for Floating Structures
Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring API-RP-2SM
Mooring System for Permanent Offshore Unit BV-NR-493
Position Mooring DNVGL-OS-E301
Offshore Mooring Chain DNVGL-OS-E302
Offshore Mooring Fibre Ropes DNVGL-OS-E303
Marine Operations and Marine Safety DNVGL-ST-N001
Marine Operations ISO 19901-6
Stationkeeping Systems for Floating Structures and Mobile Offshore ISO 19901-7
Units