• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.72-76
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• 2003

This paper presents the design concept and operation results of float-off for FSO (340,000 DWT Class, ELF AMENAM KPONO Project) built on the ground, without dry dock facilities. It was the first attempt to build FSO, completely, on the ground and launch it using DBU (Double Barge Unit, which was connected by rigid frame structure.) The major characteristics of FSO, which are similar to general VLCC type hull, including topside structure, weigh 51,000 metric ton. In order to have sufficient stability during the deck immersion of DBU, while passing through a minimum water plane area zone, proper trim control was completed with LMC (Load Master Computer). The major features of the monitoring system include calculation for transverse bending moment, shear force, local strength check of each connector, based on component stress, and deformation check during the load-out and float-off. Another major concern during the operation was to avoid damages at the bottom and sides of FSO, due to motion & movement after free-floating; therefore, adequate clearances between DBU and FSO were to be provided, and guide posts were installed to prevent side damage of the DBU casings. This paper also presents various measures that indecate the connector bending moment, damage stability analysis, and mooring of DBU during float off.