Case Study: ORCA Offshore achieves reduced steel use and safe, validated installation with Bentley MOSES

MOSES Minimizes Redundant Steel in ORCA Offshore’s Analysis of Self-installing Platform

ORCA Offshore was engaged to carry out the naval architectural analysis for Centrica’s reusable F3-FA self‑installing platform and faced the challenge of safely transporting and installing an 8,800‑ton structure with four unbraced legs subject to large hydrodynamic loads while minimizing redundant steel and the size of temporary sea‑fastenings. To meet tight schedule and budget targets and to convince stakeholders of a non‑conventional analytical approach, ORCA Offshore used Bentley’s MOSES offshore analysis software for the transport and installation studies.

Bentley’s MOSES provided integrated multi‑body dynamic, static and spectral structural analyses that were validated by towing‑tank model tests, producing reliable load predictions and enabling optioneering to reduce steel quantities and downsize sea‑fastenings. The approach cut material costs and project risk, proved the transport plan in a three‑day voyage and a 52‑hour installation with no sea‑fastening cutting or welding, and supported a reusable platform concept that speeds delivery and makes marginal fields economically viable.

ORCA Offshore

Herm Bussemaker

Managing Director