A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Offshore Technology and Management, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Eng) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2011

This thesis presents the innovative design of minimum offshore structures for marginal field development in the Gulf of Thailand (GOT). This thesis emphasizes one practical offshore aspect and optimal cost consideration. Two models, namely Gravity-based minimum unmanned stacked platform and Piled minimum unmanned stacked template platform, are proposed after reviewing the existing minimum offshore structure design concepts around the world. The design and analysis of total six models were carried out by performing dynamic wave in-place analysis to verify the structural strength and serviceability of these platforms for designed water depth of 40 m, 60 m and 80 m, subject to two storm cases 1-year and 50-year storm environment. These two storm cases are taken as design criteria for platform operating and extreme storm conditions respectively. The results show that these two minimum platform configurations are practically self-installable for marginal fields in the GOT by using tandem barge with topside crane pedestal. No jack-up rig assisted installation scheme is selected in order to provide installation schedule flexibility.