With the changes in mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) mooring practices in the wake of the 2005 and 2006 hurricane season, the demands on MODU mooring options have increased exponentially. Site specific risk consequence assessment mandated by API RP 95F has driven operators to investigate multiple options to lessen the effects of damaged MODU moorings to offshore infrastructure. Polyester rope, vertically loaded anchor (VLA) technology, and additional mooring lines are now being used to increase robustness and minimize the effects of mooring failure.

Delmar has been challenged by these events and has been charged with actively evaluating rig mooring options for complex fields with various subsea and surface assets. Flexibility in equipment is a critical component to effectively provide options for site optimized mooring solutions.

Polyester can be used to reduce the risk of steel mooring components suspended over pipelines or subsea equipment and also reduce the scope of mooring lines in order to facilitate close proximity mooring to other structures. Delmar has installed over 130 miles of polyester using our proprietary installation methodology and maintains a large rental inventory of polyester mooring components complete with connection hardware for use in these challenging mooring assignments

Preset taut-legs offer another tool to increase survivability and decrease potential consequence by using VLAs. This technology allows for taut-leg mooring systems without the need for ROVs while providing reduced risk of anchor overload in extreme loading conditions. Delmar offers a large inventory of certified mooring anchors to address the specific location and seabed architecture.