Offshore Drilling Vessel Deck Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling vessels face challenges in efficiently transporting multiple subsea devices like BOPs and subsea trees due to limited parking positions and the need to lift the working deck, which restricts the use of the firing line hoisting system.

Innovation Solution

A vessel design featuring a two-part mobile working deck with a rear deck lift system and front deck guide system, allowing the deck to be moved independently between working and transporting positions, enabling compact configuration and unobstructed access to the moonpool for equipment transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the working deck is stored close to the moonpool, then storage time is reduced, but it obstructs access to the moonpool when in storage position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage timeVSAvoidaccess to moonpool
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The working deck is divided into two independent sections: a front deck section that can be moved horizontally along guide rails, and a rear deck section that can be lifted vertically. This segmentation allows the front section to be positioned away from the moonpool during storage without obstructing access, while maintaining the ability to quickly restore the complete working deck configuration when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the working deck is moved to a storage position, then access to moonpool is improved, but transport time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to moonpoolVSAvoidtransport time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The working deck incorporates dynamic movement capabilities with the front section moving horizontally along guide rails and the rear section moving vertically via lift system. This dynamic configuration allows the deck to transition between working and storage positions efficiently, reducing transport time while ensuring unobstructed access to the moonpool during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the working deck is lifted to allow BOP transport, then moonpool access is improved, but the firing line hoisting system cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoonpool accessVSAvoidhoisting system usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The working deck is segmented into movable front and rear sections with independent movement capabilities. The front section can be positioned horizontally along guide rails while the rear section remains in place, allowing BOP transport through the moonpool without lifting the entire deck. This preserves the firing line hoisting system's functionality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single-part removable working deck is used, then simplicity is maintained, but transport time increases and access is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeck structureVSAvoidtransport time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The working deck is divided into two independent sections that can move separately. The front section travels horizontally along guide rails while the rear section moves vertically via lift mechanism. This segmentation enables parallel operations where the front section can be repositioned without affecting the rear section, significantly reducing transport time compared to moving a single-part deck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design facilitates efficient transport of equipment and devices between the main deck and moonpool, reduces obstruction, and allows for the use of the firing line hoisting system without lifting the working deck, enhancing operational efficiency and storage capacity for multiple subsea devices.

Implementation Method 1

a rear deck lift system for lifting and lowering the rear deck section, independent of the front deck section, between the working position and the transporting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a front deck guide system for guiding the front deck section, independent of the rear deck section, in a substantially horizontal direction between the working position and the transporting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a hoisting device, which hoisting device comprises a load attachment device, one or more cables and one or more associated winches to manipulate the position of the load attachment device relative to the tower in a vertical direction along a firing line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3209550B1Offshore drilling vessel
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ITREC BV
  • EP3209550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3209550B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3209550B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a vessel comprising a moonpool, a firing line hoist system, a stationary main deck for storing equipment and/or tubulars, and a mobile working deck having a front deck section and a rear deck section. The working deck can be moved between a working position and a transporting position. A rear deck lift system is provided for lifting and lowering a rear deck section between the working position and the transporting position. A front deck guide system is provided for guiding a front deck section in a substantially horizontal direction between the working position and the transporting position.