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arup ConCept elevating (aCe) platforms

award-winning platforms > maari wellhead platforminstalled in may 2008 in 100m water depth in the taranaki Basin, a highly seismic region, offshore new Zealand. the platform allows jack-up drilling with oil processing on a nearby fpso.

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> Yolla drillaCe platform

aCe platforms can be towed in sea-states up to 4m hs and installed in 2m hs.

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we shape a better world

arup has a well deserved reputation for innovation and the successful transfer of technology from industry to industry. our aim is to deliver cost effective solutions by encouraging a clear understanding of our clients objectives, holistic thinking and challenging the norm.

we provide a range of design and project management services to the oil and gas industry for major onshore and offshore projects. in particular we have been a pioneer and innovator within the offshore construction industry and our desire to improve marginal field development with a sustainable, environmental and cost-effective solution, led to us developing specialist skills in the design and project execution of arup Concept elevating (aCe) self-installing platforms.

aCe platforms are arups award-winning range of fixed platform solutions for varying environmental and functional criteria. they are self-installing and re-locatable platforms that operate as moveable offshore production units for water-depths up to 110m.

the platforms have been specifically developed to combine the advantages of traditional fixed platforms with the flexibility offered by a mobile unit. they are particularly economical where several reserves are to be exploited or in less mature oil and gas provinces.

the aCe platforms differ from conventional designs by offering a lower risk solution to clients who require rapid installation, without mobilisation of large offshore construction vessels.

aCe platforms comprise four main components barge deck, gravity steel base, tubular or lattice legs and jacking system.

Barge deCk

the barge deck provides a large uninterrupted square or rectangular area for supporting the topsides facilities. supporting legs do not protrude into the usable deck space. this sets the concept apart from previous jack-up platforms.

lattiCe or tuBular legs

the legs are based on jacket rather than jack-up technology. Jacking facilities are separated from the legs, so the high local jacking loads that necessitate special leg detailing on jack-ups are avoided. Conventional grades of steel are used and forged or cast items are unnecessary. these features keep the market open to the widest number of potential fabricators.

steel gravitY Base

the steel gravity base foundation design incorporates the flexibility to operate in a range of water depths, supported by soils of different types and strengths through adoption of a skirted base.

JaCking sYstem

the jacking system selected is a centre-hole strand-jacking system commonly used on land for heavy lift operations and platform load-outs. it is similar to that used for stressing tendons in post-tensioned concrete and has been used extensively for civil engineering heavy lift operations such as installing bridge decks.

Yolla drillaCe platform

the platform was fabricated in the nippon steel yard in Batam and transported 8000km on a sea going heavy lift transport barge before being installed in approximately 80m water depth in the Bass strait off the coast of victoria, australia.

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> hang tuah final elevation

the worlds first aCe platform was installed in the west natuna sea in april 2001. the platform was shipped from south korea, then released a short tow distance from site. the deck was raised to its final in-service elevation within 48 hours of arrival.

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aCe platforms can be fabricated at local yards almost anywhere in the world, without the need for extensive equipment or specialist expertise. they are able to deliver economy and speed of construction through simple, repetitive fabrication details based on shipbuilding technology. topsides can be readily expanded or modified as field requirements change. aCe platforms require only tugs and strand jacks for installation and relocation. the base can be lowered to the seabed and the deck can be raised to final elevation within 48 hours. the same system allows the platform to be moved to other locations during its lifetime, making incremental field development or re-use attractive.

at the end of a platforms operational life, decommissioning is rapid and economical. aCe platforms are completely removable and can be recycled with minimal environmental impact.

aCe platforms are individually tailored to meet a clients needs and arup has an established network of fabricators and installers who can deliver the platforms on time and to budget.

our in-house team can provide all the skills necessary for the design of aCe platforms including geotechnics, naval architecture, structural engineering, seismic design and offshore installation engineering.

Build & pre-commission

load out & dry tow to offshore

field (can be wet towed if more

economical)

offload

position at field

using tugs

lower base to seabed

penetrate skirts into

seabed (where needed)

raise deck

weld deck to legs

remove strands

Commission

arup is a global firm of planners, designers, engineers and business consultants. we provide a diverse range of professional services to clients around the world, exerting a significant influence on the built environment. the firm is a creative force behind many of the worlds most innovative buildings, transport and civil engineering projects and design technologies.

established in 1946, arup has over 10,000 employees based in more than 90 offices across 37 countries, working on up to 10,000 projects at any one time. its unique structure,

with the firm held in trust on behalf of its employees gives us complete independence. our multidisciplinary approach means that any given project may involve people from any or all parts of arup. our aim is to achieve excellence in all we do by bringing together the best professionals in the world to meet our clients needs.

aCe platform in operation

hang tuah aCe compresses associated gas from Belida and processes gas from subsea wells for export to singapore. it was designed for several re-locations in its 25 year operational life.

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For further information contact:

Europe and Africa Gordon Jackson T +44 20 7755 2289 E gordon.Jackson@arup.com

Americas Brian RaineT +1 713 783 2787 E Brian.raine@arup.com

Australasia Glynn ThomasT +61 8 9322 1400 E glynn.thomas@arup.com

www.arup.com

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