(WO) – KBR has completed the hull and marine systems design for Aibel’s concept study of Equinor’s Wisting FPSO in the Barents Sea. KBR said the design package is ready for handover to shipyards and supports the project’s progress through FEED, which Equinor awarded to Aibel last month.
KBR’s team matured its earlier design to meet Equinor’s technical standards, covering naval architecture, structural engineering, marine systems, and architectural and layout design. Because the FPSO will operate in a harsh environment, the design went through extensive model basin and wind tunnel testing. Tests on a 1:60 scale model verified its hydrodynamic performance and showed the vessel could protect its living quarters from green water in extreme conditions, including 10,000-year waves approaching 21 m (69 ft).
“By combining KBR’s expertise in hull and marine design with Aibel’s deep project knowledge we have delivered a robust, shipyard ready solution for one of the harshest FPSO environments in the world,” said Richard Rippon Swaine, vice president for Europe, Africa and Caspian at KBR.
“The concept design was an important element of our Wisting FEED win, and we look forward to continuing the partnership with KBR in the next phase,” said Mads Andersen, president and CEO of Aibel.
Cutline: A 1:60 scale model of the Wisting FPSO hull, designed by KBR with Aibel, during model basin testing. (Image: SINTEF)
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