Development and installation of towing systems on an FPSO in deep water
Project overview
Project Name:
FPSO Cidade de Niterói MV18
Location:
Marlin Leste Field, Campos Basin, Brazil
Client:
Modec
Water Depth:
1,400 m
Solution:
Emergency towing system and towing system design, installation and commissioning
Intermoor, Acteon’s Moorings and Anchors business line, delivered the safe design, installation and commissioning of an emergency towing system and the towing system for FPSO Cidade de Niterói MV18 in 1,400 m water depth.
Key challenges of integrating an emergency towing system into an active FPSO
The scope of work involved
- Design, installation and commissioning of an emergency towing system
- Connection and disconnection of four positioning systems
The challenge
The context was challenging since it was a
First-of-its-kind integration
- Installation on a vessel with similar structural constraints for the first time
- Required bespoke offshore mooring engineering design
Highly congested offshore environment
- Subsea congestion from risers and existing FPSO mooring system
- Limited installation clearance
Restricted deck space and limited access
- Congested deck due to demobilisation activities
- Precise lifting and sequencing required
- Rope access technicians needed to reach strategic tie-in and secure points.
How Intermoor delivered a suitable emergency towing system for the FPSO
Intermoor used its offshore engineering expertise and solid offshore execution experience to deliver a smooth installation of the emergency towing system, as well as the connection and disconnection of four positioning / towing systems on the FPSO.
Bespoke offshore mooring engineering
- Custom design for installation on the starboard bow
- Optimised for vessel geometry and spatial constraints
Integrated, multidisciplinary delivery
- Collaboration across engineering, offshore operations and inspection teams
- Early definition of execution methodology
- Bespoke design and fabrication of padeyes to secure the attachment points of the system
Detailed planning and risk management
- Validated installation procedures
- Continuous inspection and supervision offshore
Controlled offshore execution
- Safe installation despite congestion
- No disruption to operations, safety or schedule
The results
The development and installation of the emergency towing system on the starboard side of the hull of the FPSO Cidade de Niterói represented a significant milestone in innovation, being the first application of this system on a unit with these structural characteristics. The project required a specific engineering solution to ensure a safe and efficient integration, establishing a benchmark for future installations on similar platforms.
- Safe execution across all project phases
- No schedule overruns or operational delays
- Successful commissioning of the emergency towing system
- Reduced risk for future FPSO relocation and decommissioning
Delivering this project safely required precise coordination between engineering, offshore teams and client stakeholders. Every stage was carefully planned to ensure safe integration with the existing mooring system and vessel structure.
Brazil Supervisory Team Intermoor
FAQs
An emergency towing system is a device, which enables an FPSO to be safely disconnected and towed in the event of operational or environmental risk.
Planning and risk management are critical to the safe and efficient execution of offshore installation projects. Before work begins, engineers assess vessel constraints, environmental conditions, existing infrastructure, lifting operations, personnel access requirements and potential interactions with other ongoing activities.
This information is used to develop installation procedures, define equipment requirements, sequence critical tasks and identify potential hazards before execution. Risk management also includes contingency planning, permit-to-work processes, lifting studies, weather assessments and clear communication between all project stakeholders.
Effective planning helps reduce safety risks, minimise operational disruption, improve installation efficiency and increase confidence that the work can be completed as intended, even in challenging offshore environments.
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