MoorSpar™ Disconnectable Mooring System

For environments where hurricanes, cyclones or other severe weather threaten operations, SBM Atlantia has pioneered a disconnectable FPSO mooring system that makes possible the use of lower-cost, efficient steel catenary risers (SCRs) in the development of deep and ultra-deepwater reserves.

The MoorSpar™ system combines several proven technologies to overcome the fatigue issues inherent with utilizing SCRs with FPSOs. The system consists of a truss-like structure set atop a long, slender buoy, known as the hard tank, moored to the seafloor by a combination of lateral polyester lines and vertical tethers. The FPSO is connected to the facility through a standard articulated yoke system linked to a main roller bearing situated below a gimbal table at the top of the MoorSpar™ unit.

This arrangement accommodates the vessel roll and pitch motions, while allowing the FPSO to weathervane. SCRs are, in turn, connected to the MoorSpar™ facility at riser porches located along the keel of the buoy. The riser is then linked to internal piping, which is routed up through the central column and then across hard piping and swivels to the FPSO.

The MoorSpar™ system is also suitable for high pressure and high temperature reservoirs as it avoids the use of flexible jumpers and risers.

Advantages of the MoorSpar™ buoy:

• Capable of utilizing low cost, efficient SCRs with FPSOs
• Applicable for water depths up to 10,000 ft
• Allows for FPSO disconnection in the event of a hurricane, cyclone or typhoon
• Significant mooring and riser cost savings compared to hybrid systems
• Suitable for high temperature and high pressure reservoirs
• Utilizes field proven technology
• Design confirmed through wave basin model testing