Structural Engineering Challenges in a MODU to MOPU conversion project

Abstract

A drilling rig is often chosen by the decision makers for a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) to Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU) conversion project without having a proper pre-purchase engineering study to verify the suitability of the rig for the MOPU project. This decision is often governed by the purchase value of the drilling rig for conversion and the maximum operation limitations of the drilling rig as specified by the Marine Operation Manual (MOM) if the drilling rig. This could lead to sever engineering challenges during the project execution which require unusual remedial actions or sometimes even abandoning the project. In this paper, a detailed discussion is presented particularly with regards to the structural engineering aspects of a MODU to MOPU conversion project.