Risk-Based Design Methodology for an Ice-Classed Multipurpose OSV

Abstract

According to US Geology Survey of 2009, 30 % of the world s undiscovered gas and 13% of the world s undiscovered oil may be located in the Arctic area. Due to a high demand for energy resources and a reduction trend in the ice covered area in the Arctic Seas, more attention is paid to the oil and gas exploration in the high north. Several oil and gas fields have been explored and more are under development in the Barents Sea. In order to ensure safe and economic oil and gas production in this region, highly specialized vessels are needed. This thesis considers the problem of developing a methodology for an ice class offshore supply vessel. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of Arctic related challenges on the ship design methodologies and to find a suitable ship design method. Three ship design methodologies have been studied and developed to meet Arctic challenges related to the Barents Sea. By evaluating the qualitative aspects of each design, one ship design method (Risk Based Design) was recommended involving potential of solving all the selected Arctic challenges. A case study, given for a particular part of the Barents Sea has been studied and risk based design methodology has been successfully utilized for this particular part of the Barents Sea. Also, a code has been developed to provide quick solutions to the designer particularly for this case. Solutions have been provided with different ice class vessels with their cost assessment and it has been found that with a high ice breaker fee, the total life cycle cost difference between ICE 1C and ICE 1B is marginal.