Effective power systems for gulf of Mexico deepwater floaters demand attention to “essential services” during design

Floating offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico are subject to USCG regulations and, at the discretion of the owner, the rules and regulations of Classing Agencies (i.e. ABS, DNV, Lloyds, etc.). The power system requirements for the "Normal" production mode of operation on these facilities are much the same as those for conventional fixed platforms and are well understood in the mature offshore industry. The power system requirements for the "Emergency" mode of operation on these facilities are mandated by U.S. Coast Guard and, while these "Emergency" loads may differ significantly from fixed platforms, their requirements are explicitly covered by regulations and are well understood. A third Mode of operation exists in which there is no production and in which no emergency condition exists, but continued manning of the facility is desired. This mode requires the identification and powering of selected loads herein defined as "Essential Services" loads. The requirements for these loads are less well defined than the loads for the other two cases above. Consequently, they are often addressed inadequately during detailed design, and their needs become apparent only after operation commences. This paper addresses the power system requirements for essential services loads.