Single Point Mooring in Ice Infested Waters

by Jack Pollack, IMODCO, Product Development Div, Los, Angeles, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Civil Engineering in the Arctic Offshore

Abstract:

Several design studies have investigated the use of Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems in waters having significant seasonal ice intrusions. Investigations were carried out for both temporary and permanent tanker moorings. It was concluded that none were suitable or could reasonably be adapted for use in these ice prone areas. The major problem with existing concepts was their inability to either survive ice collisions, or avoid ice collisions by being easily disconnected and reconnected. A new SPM concept called Counterweight Articulated Mooring (CAM) was developed to readily deal with major ice features. The system, when in use, is suspended directly by the moored vessel. In the event ice features threaten the moored vessel, the CAM can quickly be released to a predetermined depth below the surface where it will avoid ice damage. A winching system, carried by the moored vessel, is used to quickly re-establish the mooring once the ice threat has passed.

Subject Headings: Mooring | Ice | Ships | Wells (oil and gas) | Seasonal variations | Offshore platforms

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