Minimum Facilities Platforms

In 1995 SLP sought to break tradition by producing an 'off the shelf' design for a minimum facilities platform (MFP). Based on a Gulf of Mexico concept a structural model was produced which was robust enough to suit the environmental conditions of the North Sea. This design was subject to an independent structural review by Lloyds Register. A concept safety case was also produced and discussed with the HSE.

The design aimed to capture the minimum requirements for a wellhead platform, whilst being flexible enough to cater for the different operational requirements of various clients. The MFP concept is designed to reduce the operational and utility requirements to the bare minimum, whilst achieving high reliability, ease of construction and repeatability.

SLP's first MFP contract was awarded by ConocoPhillips in 1996, and following a ten month onshore completion period the Bolton platform was installed, on time, in 1997. Since this first platform installation a total of seventeen platforms, for six different client organisations, have been completed.

Our design has proved itself to be flexible, repeatable and cost effective. The platforms have been installed in water depths ranging from 18-54m, with concept studies completed for water depths in excess of 100m and 1,000 tonne topsides. These studies included varying pressure and temperature process considerations, including HP/HT demands.

SLP's initial design targeted four to six wells, and from this platforms for one to two wells have been developed as a direct alternative to subsea completions.

Qualities of MFPs

They are suitable for water depths between 15 and 100m
The 6-slot jacket has four legs for maximum redundancy
Production levels up to 150mmscfd / 15,000bpd
Deck weights up to 1000 tonnes
Up to 6 No. wells plus multiple risers and J-tubes
Access can be gained by S-76 / AB-139 helicopters
They are designed for simultaneous drilling and production
Wirelining operations can be performed without an attendant jack-up rig
An emergency over-night shelter is provided for 12 personnel
The design meets UK Safety Case Legislation
The design addresses minimum offshore hook-up requirements
The design can be easily modified to suit clients specific operational requirements