Mars B- Olympus TLP Tow-Out Marks First Use of Synthetic Rigging; Finds Operational and HSSE Benefits

This paper will demonstrate the benefits realized from a towing and positioning system made of synthetic ropes, rather than traditional steel wire rope, to deliver the MarsB-Olympus TLP for the critical inland tow, open water tow and positioning spread during the TLP Installation campaign. This is the first time Shell has used synthetic ropes for an installation of this magnitude. Documented throughout the paper is the methodology used to evaluate the operational efficiencies of synthetic lines, Concept Proof Testing, the unique challenges of the inland tow, and the risk management plan required to make the offshore tow and positioning during hurricane season. Additionally, early engineering and design determined that using synthetic ropes would allow standardization of the towing lugs and the ability to replace unique and complex one-off components required for steel wire rope with a much simpler, proven design. In all three phases of the installation, the lines were rigged quickly and efficiently by a minimum of crew and without additional handling equipment. Most importantly, none of the synthetic ropes failed during the transportation and positioning phases.