FourStar

SBM Atlantia’s FourStar™ four-column TLP is the latest generation of TLP systems, and incorporates the lessons of 30 years of industry TLP experience.  The FourStar offers the same project and performance benefits as SeaStar® TLPs, but is scaleable to much larger payloads and offers quayside integration and light means installations.  The proprietary battered column hull geometry evolved from our extensive experience with SeaStar TLPs and the four-column DeepDraft Semi® floating production unit.

 

Battered-Column TLP

Driven by market demand for the quayside integration of hull and topsides, the design of the FourStar battered-column TLP eliminates the cost and scheduling constraints of an offshore heavy lift. However, quayside depth limitations dictate a shallow-draft design TLP that doesn’t sacrifice payload capability or vessel stability. The proprietary battered hull design solves the problem by increasing the size of the ring pontoon in relation to the topsides, giving the hull greater stability at quayside and during tow-out.  Post-installation, the battered-column design expands the tendon baseline and improves the TLP’s response to environmental forces, which reduces tendon cost and permits payloads up to 40,000 tons to be supported in wet or dry tree configurations.  The FourStar battered-column hull has undergone extensive wind and wave basin model tests, and is ready for application in mild and extreme environment areas.

Vertical-Column TLP

The batter angle of the FourStar is engineered to optimize performance and stability based on payload and environment.  For larger payloads and/or milder environments, the column approaches vertical.  In this case the FourStar design retains many of its innovative framing and marine systems advantages, but otherwise is based on industry-standard vertical columns. This provides a configuration similar to many of the larger installed TLPs.  However, the FourStar vertical-column TLP retains the advantage of being optimized for greater efficiency, constructability, integration and installation.

 

Key Features of FourStar™ TLPs

• Applicable for both wet and dry trees
• Capable of supporting payloads above 40,000 tons
• Greater stability than conventional TLPs at quayside and tow-out
• Column geometry improves response to environment and reduces tendon cost
• Quayside deck integration eliminates risk and cost of offshore heavy lift
• Modular, stiffened plat design allows for construction in most ship and fabrication yards
• Generic design complete through FEED level of detail
• Both wet and dry tree concepts verified through model testing in wind and wave basins