Oil & Gas Industries Technology Master Plan - GEP

3. TN3(FLOATTECH) – Floating Structures Technology.
The overall objective of the FLOATTECH Thematic network is to map current technology, define state-ofthe-art
and to identify R&D activities required to achieve safe and cost-effective floating systems for energy
production. The network activities are framed within a cluster of European suppliers, contractors, offshore
yards, classification societies, energy/oil companies, research institutes and universities as a means to improve
European competitiveness in the global market. The FLOATTECH network was initiated in 2001 with
37 participants and 4 observers from 11 European countries (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Netherlands,
UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland and Norway). The activities in the network are partly funded by EC
under FP5 Growth, with a total amount of 1.5 M€.
As exploration and production moves into deeper waters and areas where pipeline infrastructures are less
well developed, the demand for floating production systems are set to increase significantly. Europe holds a
technological edge due to the advanced developments in the North Sea, but needs to further develop skills,
capabilities and capacity to meet the increased competition from non-European companies with significant
political backing due to security of supplies issues.
The network has been subdivided into groups that have concentrated on the following R&D priorities:
1. Tools for hydrodynamic and structural analysis of offshore structures, including model testing
and full-scale instrumentation and validation.
2. Cost effective mooring and station keeping, dynamic positioning systems and technology, including
winches, mooring lines and anchors. Tools for design, rules and regulations and procedures
for qualification of new materials such as the long-term durability of synthetic mooring lines.
3. Riser technology for deep and ultra deep waters, including new and advanced materials. All types
of risers for drilling, production and import/export including floating pipelines, ie: rigid and flexible
risers, monitoring, light weight/high strength materials, flow assurance with heating and insulation.
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