for simulating the launch process. After the jacketmotions and impact
forceswere obtained fromtheMOSES hydrodynamic analysis, the data
was output automatically into SACS format withminimumeffort. The
structure strength check then could be performed in SACS to ensure
the structure’s adequacy. Normally, 15 ‑ 20 load steps during the launch
processwould be considered for each configuration, because in each step
the contact point between the jacket and the vessel might be different.
With this complexity, the communication between these two programs
was critical, including information such as geometry, member property,
environmental information and load conditions. Being able to transfer
data between SACS andMOSES increased project efficiency. This enabled
the project teamto do extensive analysis to verify the ideas in an effective
manner. Otherwise, the schedule and the cost of the project would have
been adversely affected. Without SACS or MOSES, it is unlikely that the
engineering for such a complex project could have been finishedwithin
the planned schedule.
Distributedengineeringteam
The designworkwas spread across three office centres in theNetherlands,
USA and China. This geographic distribution allowed key teammembers
to be available 24 hours a day towork on the pre‑identified fast‑track tasks
and unexpected urgent requests fromthe field. Data access, accuracy,
traceability andworkflowbecame a crucial challenge, especially for
the final product design drawings. The project team found a solution
by producing drawings fromMicroStation andmanaging the files in
ProjectWise. The full integration of MicroStation and ProjectWise provided
a natural and easy process for the drawing being transferred between
different departments including operations, engineers and designers
at different locations. It also facilitated theworkflow for the reviewand
approval process. At the same time, ProjectWise helped provide better
traceability among different rounds of analysis throughout the project life.
All in all, the combination of MicroStation and ProjectWise provided the
informationmobility solution that was required for such a large project
executed on a global basis.
Time‑cost savings
The successful field operation echoed the sound engineering for the
SHWE jacket and topsides T&I design. SACS, MOSES andMicroStation
helped the engineering and design group to bemore efficient and,
therefore, helped to facilitate the operation. Facilitating the field
operations and engineering helps reduce project costs significantly. For
example, the accurate time‑windowprediction provided by workability
analysis withMOSES reduced the risk that the floatover operationwould
be delayed. The planned four‑day operationwas actually reduced to just
two days for the floatover operation. From the engineering and design
perspective, about 5000man‑hours of the total 30 000 engineering
man‑hours were saved during the project execution. The cost value
of 5000man‑hours and two operation days could be attributed to the
return on investment in the Bentley technology. Safety was also a prime
consideration during the T&I project. MOSES and SACSwere used to
simulate the float‑over procedure, which provided accurate predictions
for themooring line and equipment impact forces, and verified the
mooring line arrangements. These engineering activities significantly
reduced the risk of amooring line break during the operation, and so
contributed directly to personal and operational safety. The Bentley
products helped Dockwise to achieve its corporate commitment to a
zero‑accident policy. The installationwas ultimately performedwithout
any accidents.
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