Services
Engineering Studies
Full-cycle engineering support
Engineering,
research and development
With highly qualified and specialized in-house engineers, Combifloat offers various engineering services from feasibility to execution in order to guide and support clients on operational and environmental matters when using the platform. Extensive support and advice on the use and employment of Combifloat platform can be provided on operational and environmental aspects. This will help you to optimize your deck layout and verify your load case. We will also help you optimize the installation conditions in regards to external conditions and the platform’s capabilities.
Range of studies being performed
Floating stability
- Deck lay out
- Dimensional analysis
- Beaching strength calculation
- Global and local longitudinal strength analysis
- Hydrodynamic diffraction analysis
Elevated stability
- Static strength calculation
- Structural dynamic analysis
- Leg touch-down analysis
- Code check as per class rules
- Punch through risk analysis
Project equipment
- Dimensional analysis
- Propulsion analysis
- Mooring analysis
Specialist software
inhouse
- AutoCAD
- Inventor
- ANSYS
- AQWA
- Delftship
- RFEM
Site Specific Assessment
(SSA)
A Site Specific Assessment (SSA) for a jack-up barge is a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the safe and effective deployment of the barge at a particular location. It ensures the rig’s structural integrity and foundation stability are sufficient for the planned operations and environmental conditions at that site. Here are the key components of an SSA:
1. Geotechnical Analysis
- Soil Characterization: Detailed geotechnical surveys are conducted to understand the seabed composition. This includes identifying soil layers, strength, and potential hazards like boulders or pipelines.
- Penetration Resistance: Evaluating the soil’s resistance to leg penetration helps predict the depth and stability of the legs once deployed.
- Punch-Through Risk: Assessing the risk of punch-through, where the leg suddenly penetrates deeper than expected due to weak soil layers.
2. Metocean Data
- Wave and Current Analysis: Assessing wave height, period, and direction is critical to ensure the sea state is within safe operational limits.
- Wind Conditions: Monitoring wind speed and direction helps in planning the deployment to avoid adverse weather conditions.
- Tidal Range and Storm Surge: Evaluating tidal variations and potential storm surges ensures the barge remains stable during deployment.
3. Structural Analysis
- Leg Penetration Analysis (LPA): This analysis predicts the forces on the legs during penetration and extraction, ensuring they can withstand the loads.
- Scour and Leg Extraction: Assessing the potential for seabed scour around the legs and the forces required for leg extraction.
- Impact Forces: Analyzing the impact forces on the legs during seabed contact helps in designing the legs and jacking system to withstand these forces.
4. Operational Planning
- Weather Window Assessment: Accurate weather forecasts and historical data help in identifying suitable windows for the operation.
- Route Optimization: Optimizing the towing route to minimize exposure to harsh conditions.
- Safety Margins: Defining safety margins for the deployment operation, including maximum allowable sea state and wind conditions.
5. Mitigation Measures
- Alternate Location: If the initial site is deemed unsuitable, alternate locations are considered.
- Pre-Load Reduction: Reducing pre-load to minimize the risk of punch-through.
- Weather Restricted Mode: Operating in a weather-restricted mode with a ‘cut and run’ approach if conditions deteriorate.
- Ground Improvement: Techniques like jetting or rock dump placement to improve seabed conditions.
6. Compliance and Standards
- ISO and SNAME Requirements: Ensuring the assessment complies with international standards like ISO 19905-1 and SNAME TR5-5A.
By conducting a thorough SSA, operators can ensure the safe and efficient deployment of jack-up barges, minimizing risks and optimizing operational performance. If you need more detailed information or specific guidance, feel free to ask!
Motion
Analysis
Motion analysis is crucial for assessing the safety and feasibility of towing operations as well as jacking-up operations, particularly in terms of weather windows and sea states. Here’s how it helps:
1. Weather Window Assessment
- Forecasting and MonitoringMotion analysis involves using weather forecasts and real-time monitoring to predict the best time frames for towing operations. This helps in identifying safe weather windows when conditions are favorable.
- Statistical Analysis: By analyzing historical weather data, statistical models can predict the likelihood of suitable weather conditions over a given period. This helps in planning operations to avoid adverse weather.
2. Sea State Evaluation
- Wave and Current Analysis: Motion analysis evaluates the impact of waves and currents on the towing vessel and the towed structure. This includes assessing wave height, period, and direction to ensure the sea state is within safe operational limits.
- Dynamic Response: The analysis predicts how the towed structure will respond to different sea states, including potential motions like heave, pitch, and roll. This helps in understanding the limits of the towing operation and making necessary adjustments.
3. Operational Planning
- Route Optimization: By understanding the motion responses, operators can optimize the towing route to minimize exposure to harsh conditions. This includes selecting headings and speeds that reduce the impact of waves and currents.
- Safety Margins: Motion analysis helps in defining safety margins for the towing operation. This includes determining the maximum allowable sea state and wind conditions to ensure the stability and integrity of the towed structure [5].
4. Real-Time Decision Support
- Monitoring Systems: Advanced motion monitoring systems provide real-time data on vessel and towed structure motions. This allows for immediate adjustments to towing speed and heading based on current conditions.
- Decision Support Tools: Tools like Captain Decision Support Systems use motion analysis data to provide recommendations on safe operational parameters, enhancing decision-making during the towing operation.
By integrating motion analysis into the planning and execution of towing operations, operators can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability. If you have any specific aspects you’d like to delve into further, feel free to ask!
Combifloat’s proprietary onboard software
CombiLoad
CombiLoad is Combifloat’s proprietary onboard software designed to ensure safe and efficient operations of modular floating and self-elevating platforms. Engineered for precision and adaptability, CombiLoad empowers operators with real-time insights into platform stability and weight distribution.
• Floating Stability Calculations
CombiLoad performs advanced hydrostatic and hydrodynamic assessments, including righting levers, heeling angles, and displacement metrics, in compliance with IMO MSC.267(85) criteria.
• Weight Component Analysis
The software provides detailed summaries of lightship and operational weights, including longitudinal, transverse, and vertical centers of gravity, enabling accurate load planning and units safe deployment.
• Environmental Integration
CombiLoad incorporates environmental data such as wind speed, air and water density, and, where applicable, ice/snow presence to simulate real-world conditions and assess platform behaviour.
• User-Friendly Interface
Designed for marine professionals, CombiLoad offers intuitive dashboards and warning indicators that help crews monitor platform draft, freeboard, and immersion levels in real time.
• Customizable Outputs
Fine-tune parameters such as tank liquid density and coordinate systems, enabling the generation of tailored reports optimized for client presentations and operational reviews.
Applications:
CombiLoad is applicable across all Combifloat series (C-5, C-7, and C-9) and supports the full range of Combifloat units including Self-Elevating Platforms, Floating Barges, and Holding Spud Barges, ensuring consistent stability management and operational control across diverse marine applications.
Proven in the Field:
CombiLoad has been successfully deployed across a wide range of projects and platform types, consistently demonstrating its value in optimizing deadweight distribution and verifying compliance with stability criteria in diverse loading conditions. Whether applied to Self-Elevating Platforms, Floating Barges, or Holding Spud Barges, CombiLoad supports engineering teams in achieving precise load case validation and stability assurance. Its integration into Combifloat’s operational workflows has significantly enhanced safety and reduced risk during offshore mobilizations, contributing to smoother execution and improved project outcomes.
Let us elevate
Your business
With highly qualified and specialized in-house engineers, Combifloat offers various engineering services to guide and support clients on operational and environmental matters.
Jaap Jan Pietersen - Managing Director
