OTC 21292

Methodology to Define Design Motion Criteria for Performance of Floating

LNG Process Facilities
T. Terashima, SPE, INPEX Corporation, K. Shimada, Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc., Y. Ichimaru and
Y. Orimo, INPEX Corporation

Copyright 2011, Offshore Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Houston, Texas, USA, 25 May 2011.
This paper was selected for presentation by an OTC program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Offshore Technology Conference and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Offshore Technology Conference, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Offshore Technology Conference is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of OTC copyright.

Abstract
This paper proposes a generalized methodology to determine motion criteria for required performance of process facilities
using the Abadi Floating LNG (Abadi FLNG) as a sample. The Abadi FLNG is planned to be installed in the Indonesian
territory of the Arafura Sea by INPEX Masela, Ltd.
Although existing FPSOs all have its own motion criteria fed into topside equipment design, it is known that there is no
codified nor comprehensive approach as to how those motion criteria can be specified. Those circumstances could lead to
misunderstanding of information among owner, contractors and vendors, and potentially unnecessary cost increase. One of
the conventional methods is that the design motion criteria are given as single maximum motion amplitude in the extreme
condition for operation. Usually 1 year or 10 year cyclonic condition is adopted as the extreme condition for operation where
motion is calculated under assumed wave heading angle with short term prediction manner. In this approach, the wave
heading has to be conservatively assumed with some fixed angle, as there is no concurrent environmental data, such as wind,
wave, and current, which should be utilized. In addition, the common method to present associated period is not established.
For the application to FLNG case, there are some motion sensitive process facilities, such as cryogenic heat exchangers
and acid gas absorbers, whose performances degrade with given motion criterion, and the degree of degradation varies with
concurrent motion period. To establish the comprehensive motion criteria, FLNG wave heading analysis followed by motion
analysis were performed for 10 years time-series concurrent wind, wave, swell and current data including extreme and nonextreme conditions. Calculated motions were incorporated into scatter diagram, which is a table of occurrence probability for
motion amplitude and period to develop motion envelope of amplitude and period. This envelope was adopted as design
motion criteria of motion sensitive process facilities.
This envelope approach to define performace of process facilities due to motion criteria is recommended to other FPSO
and FLNG as a generalized approach which has great benefit for clear understanding among owner, contractors and vendors
while minimizing unnecessary margins which could have tremendous cost impact particularly for those with motion sensitive
floaters.
Introduction
There are more than 100 FPSOs in operation in the world today. Those FPSOs apply their own design motion criteria their
facilities, however there is no standard method to define those motion criteria.
There are two types of design motion criteria. One is design motion criteria for extreme condition, which is applied to all
structural design on FPSO. Another one is design motion criteria for operation condition. Under such condition, all topside
process facilities are designed to satisfy its full performance. As process facilities performance can be affected by relatively
small motion amplitude, both dynamic and static motions are included in design motion criteria for operation condition.
In this paper, only dynamic motion of design motion criteria for operation condition are discussed. As for static motion
condition, equipment fabrication tolerance, equipment installation tolerance, module frame fabrication tolerance, module
frame deflection, hull main deck construction tolerance and ballast water control margin are considered..
On the FLNG, there are some motion sensitive facilities and their process performance can degrade due to FLNG motion.
The degree of performance degradation is dependent on both motion amplitude and motion period. To assess the impact of
performance degradation due to motion, it is essential to grasp possible motion envelope composed of concurrent motion
amplitude and motion period, which cannot be presented with conventional approach adopted for existing FPSOs.

OTC 21292

To establish the comprehensive motion criteria for the Abadi FLNG, wave heading and motion analysis were conducted.
Calculated concurrent motion amplitude and motion period were incorporated into possible motion envelope. This envelope
was adopted as design motion criteria of motion sensitive process facilities.
Design Motion Criteria for Performance of Process Facilities on Existing FPSOs
Basis of Motion Criteria
To calculate the FPSO motions, following data are required.
Environmental Condition (Wave height and wave period)
Wave Heading Angle
With regard to the environmental condition, 1 year or 10 year cyclonic condition is usually adopted to calculate motion
criteria for performance of process facilities on exixting FPSOs.
Wave heading angle is relative angle of wave direction and FPSO heading. FPSO is headed to the direction where all the
external forcecs, i.e. wind forces, wave drifting forces and current forces, are balanced. To calculate the wave heading angle,
following concurrent directional environmental data are required.
Wind speed and direction
Current speed and direction
Wave height, period and direction
As oncurrent directional information does not usually exist, wave heading has to be conservatively assumed, such as 30
degrees or 45 degrees, where actual wave heading is expected to be much more smaller, as wind, current and wave direction
tend to be very close in extreme condition. This conservative assumption of wave heading angle could result in unrealistic
harsh motion.
Methodologies
There are several methodologies to define design motion criteria adopted for existing FPSOs. One typical approach is to
give motion criteria as single maximum motion amplitude in extreme condition. Another approach is to give motion criteria
as single maximum motion amplitude and possible range of motion period. (P.J.M Lapidaire et al, 1996) In both approaches,
criteria can only specify a part of possible envelope of motion amplitude and motion period.
Description of Abadi FLNG
Project Background
INPEX acquired a 100% working interest in the Masela PSC (Production Sharing Contract) block located in the Arafura
sea in Indonesia in November 1998 through a public tender process. The 1st exploration well, Abadi 1, was drilled in 2000
and confirmed the presence of gas and condensate. This marked the first discovery of natural gas and condensate in the
Indonesian Arafura Sea. 2 appraisal wells were drilled in 2002 and another 4 exploration wells were drilled in 2007/ 2008,
and all of them confirmed the extent of the reservoir.
There had been several concepts to develop the Abadi gas field, but considering technical, environmental and commercial
aspects, it was concluded that Floating LNG is the most preferable development option. To assess the technical feasibility of
the Floating LNG deeper, pre-FEED work was conducted from 2007 to 2008 and confirmed that there was no technical
show-stopper in this concept.
Facility Description
The main purpose of the Floating LNG is to produce LNG and export to LNG Carriers. The facility is a floating ship
shaped structure with the process plant on it, which is single point moored with turret system. This facility consists of two
parts, those are hull and topside. Hull is the barge part of the facility, which contains storage systems for the products, i.e.
LNG and condensate, and other marine related equipment and machineries. Topside is the upper part of the facility, which
consists of living quarters, utility plant and process plant. Utility plant includes power plant and other miscellaneous utility
systems. Process plant consists of 4 units, and those are inlet, pre-treatment, liquefaction and stabilization units.

OTC 21292

Topside
Hull

Figure 1: Overview of Abadi Floating LNG

Overview of the Abadi Floating LNG is shown in Figure 1. The produced fluid from the subsea wells go through the subsea
flowlines, the risers, the swivel in the turret, then go into the Floating LNG facilities. Produced fluid is then separated into
gas, oil and water in the inlet unit. Separated gas goes into the pre-treatment unit, where acid gas, mercury and residual water
are removed from the gas. Pre-treated gas is liquefied in the liquefaction unit and stored in the LNG storage tanks in the hull.
Separated oil in the inlet unit is stabilized in the stabilization unit and stored in the condensate storage tanks in the hull.
Stored LNG is exported to the LNG carriers through the off-loading arm with side by side configuration and stored
condensate is exported to the condensate carriers through the floating hose with tandem configuration.
Motion Sensitive Facilities on Abadi FLNG
There are some motion sensitive facilities on the Abadi FLNG, such as the acid gas absorber in the pre-treatment unit, or
the cryogenic heat exchanger and fractionation towers located in liquefaction unit. All of them are very tall columns, with
heights of more than 30m, and such tall equipment is unique to FLNGs. Their performance can degrade due to
maldistribution inside columns induced by FLNG motion. They are especially sensitive to inclining motion, i.e. pitch and
roll, and the degree of degradation is dependent on both motion amplitude and motion period (acceleration & angle)..
On the other hand, motion performance degradation can be complemented by adding margins in the facilities designs,
such as shortening the distance of internal trays inside the towers and increasing the number of trays, or increasing the heat
transfer area inside the heat exchangers. In other words, too conservative motion criteria could result in large design margins
and subsequently tremendous cost impact. To investigate the performance degradation due to motion and design margins of
motion sensitive facilities, possible FLNG motion envelope composed of concurrent inclining motion amplitude and motion
period has to be established from early design stage.
Utilizing this envelope, possible motion accelerations can be calculated, if necessary. Strictly speaking, motions other than
roll and pitch affect the motion accelerations as well. However influence of those motions is negligibly small compared with
those of roll and pitch.
Design Motion Criteria for Performance of Abadi FLNG Process Facilities
To obtain the possible motion envelope, wave heading and motion analysis are conducted.
Wave Heading and Motion Analysis
10 year time series data are used in the analysis. The environmental data includes following items.
Current data (direction and speed)
Wind data (direction and speed)
Easterly Wind wave data (direction, wave height, wave period and JONSWAP parameters)
Westerly Wind wave data (direction, wave height, wave period and JONSWAP parameters)
Swell data (direction, wave height, wave period and JONSWAP parameters)
There is seasonal distinct directionalities in wind and also wind wave, those are summer westerly and winter easterly.
There is also a long period westerly swell come from Indian Oncean. To cover all of those aspects, wave data are separated
into three types, those are easterly wind wave, westerly wind wave and westerly swell. All of the environmental data include
non-cyclonic and also cyclonic information. Data exisit with 3hr interval for 10 years, therefore there are total 29,208 sets of

OTC 21292

environmental data. Those data are produced utilizing existing data base, measured data at Abadi location and hindcast ocean
model.
Wave heading and motion analysis are conducted based on this time series environmental data.

Environmental Data
(Wind, Current)

Environmental Data
(Wind Wave, Swell)

Wave Heading Analysis

Motion Analysis

Wave Heading Angle Data

Data

Motion Data
(Motion Amplitude and Motion Period)

Analysis

Figure 2: Schematic Flow Chart of Wave Heading and Motion Analysis

Schematic flow chart of wave heading and motion analysis is shown in figure 2. In each of 29,208 environmental cases,
following processes are conducted.
1. Wave heading angle is calculated in wave heading analysis using concurrent wind, current, wind wave and current
data.
2. Motion amplitude and motion period are calculated using wave heading angle, wind wave and swell data.
Detailed procedures of wave heading analysis and motion analysis are described below.
Wave Heading Analysis
Following external forces on FLNG are calculated in each environmental case.
Wind forces
Current forces
Wave drifting forces (easterly wind wave)
Wave drifting forces (westerly wind wave)
Wave drifting forces (swell)
The FLNG, set in heading angle, , is subjected to external forces as shown in the equation below, which is described
as steady component of azimuth moment induced by wind, current, two wind waves and swell at the turret position.
3
3

M t ( ) = Lm Fwy ( w ) + Fcy ( c ) + FdyS ( w,s ( j )) + M wz ( w ) + M cz ( c ) + M dzS ( w,s ( j ))

j =1
j =1

FdyS ( w. s ( j )) =

Fdy ( , w,s ( j ) + )

0
2

M dzS ( w,s ( j )) =

0
2

a2

2 S ( , j )G ( , j ) dd

M dz ( , w,s ( j ) + )

a2

2 S ( , j )G ( , j ) dd

: number of waves and swell, where j =1:easterly wave, =2:westerly wave, =3: swell.

w , c , w, s ( j )

: incident angle of wind, current and wave/swell, where head wave is defined zero.

Lm
S (, j )

: distance from the turret position to the midship

: frequency spectrum of incident wave/swell

OTC 21292

G ( , j )

: directional distribution of incident wave/swell

An angle, , where the moment at the turret position is zero, gives balanced heading angle of the FLNG, because the
turret is free from moment, showing weather-vane effect. Balanced heading angle of the FLNG is calculated for each of
29,208 environmental cases.
Motion Analysis
Roll and pitch motion amplitudes and motion periods are calculated for the 29,208 environmental cases. Combined
responses of the FLNG in two wind waves and a swell are given as a sum of the three responses to individual wind waves
and a swell. Equations are shown below for standard deviations and representative periods of the FLNG motions.

j ( n) =

m
j =1

( j , n)

T j (n) = 2

m ( j , n)
0

j =1
3

m ( j , n)
1

j =1

m0 ( j , n) =
g

( , j )Ai2 ( , (n, j ) + )G ( , j )dd for Roll, Pitch and Yaw

m1 ( j , n) =
g

( , j )Ai2 ( , (n, j ) + )G ( , j )dd for Roll, Pitch and Yaw

: environmental case number, n =1~29,208

: standard deviations of the FLNG motions due to wave/swell

T j (n)
A( , )
( n, j )

: representative periods of the FLNG motions due to wave/swell

j (n)

: response functions of the FLNG motions

: direction of wind wave or swell incident to FLNG
: circular frequency

Sample of calculated wave heading angles, motion amplitudes and motion periods for some environmental cases are
shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Sample of calculated wave heading angles, motion amplitudes and motion periods for some environmental cases

Calculated motions for the 29,208 environmental cases are incorporated into a scatter diagram, which is a table of
occurrence probability for combination of motion inclining amplitude and motion period. Scatter diagram of combined angle
of roll and pitch is shown in Table 2.

OTC 21292

Table 2: Scatter diagram of combined angle of roll and pitch

m axim um (deg)

R oll-pitch
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
0.800
0.900
1.000
1.100
1.200
1.300
1.400
1.500
1.600
1.700
1.800
1.900
2.000
2.100
2.200
2.300
2.400
2.500

10.0

11.0

period of m otion (s)

12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

16.0

17.0

18.0

19.0

20.0

21.0

22.0

23.0

24.0

0.007%

0.003%

0.205%

0.681%

0.935%

0.876%

1.099%

1.301%

2.403%

5.290% 10.278% 10.124% 11.315%

9.511%

9.422%

6.981%

3.571%

0.726%

0.038%

0.007%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

25.0
0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.003%

0.144%

0.164%

0.202%

0.524%

1.640%

4.194%

5.509%

1.880%

0.034%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.034%

0.147%

0.928%

2.876%

1.647%

0.003%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.003%

0.216%

1.185%

1.092%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.034%

0.524%

0.716%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.007%

0.178%

0.401%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.014%

0.113%

0.281%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.062%

0.144%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.051%

0.089%

0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.014%

0.075%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.010%

0.031%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.021%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.007%

0.007%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.010%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.007%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.003%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

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0.003%

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0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

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0.000%

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0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

0.000%

From the scatter diagram shown above, the possible motion envelope for inclining motion, i.e. combined angle of roll and
pitch, can be made as shown in Table 3. By adding sufficient margin on this envelope sustaining the future design flexibility,
this possible motion envelope is applied as design motion criteria for performance of motion sensitive equipment. Under
these motion criteria, equipment shall be designed to satisfy its full performance.
Table 3: Possible motion envelope for inclining motion
Roll-pitch

m axim um (deg)

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0

period of m otion (s)

12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0

16.0

17.0

18.0

19.0

20.0

21.0

22.0

23.0

24.0

25.0

0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
0.800
0.900
1.000
1.100
1.200
1.300
1.400
1.500
1.600
1.700
1.800
1.900
2.000
2.100
2.200
2.300
2.400
2.500

Conclusion
The methodology to determine the motion criteria for required performance of process facilities on floating LNG is
established. Compared with the conventional methods applied for existing FPSOs, this new methodology has following
advantages.
Wave heading angles calculated with concurrent directional environmental data are used. In conventional methods,
conservative wave heading with some fixed angles are used, which could result in unrealistic harsh motion.
Obtained motion criteria can cover all of the possible motion amplitude and motion period, while only a part of the
possible motion envelope can be specified with conventional method.
This envelope approach to define design motion criteria is recommended to other FPSO and FLNG designs as a
generalized approach which has great benefit for clear understanding among owner, contractors and vendors while
minimizing unnecessary margins which could have tremendous cost impact particularly for those with motion sensitive
floaters.
Acknowledgement
Authors appreciate Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc. and INPEX Corporation for supporting the study and allowing
the publishing of this paper.

OTC 21292

References
P.J.M. Lapidaire and P.J. de Leeuw, The Effect of Ship Motions on FPSO Topsides Design, Offshore Technology Conference, pp. 411420 (May 1996)