Low-Cost Flexible Riser Replacement on FPSO in a Marginal Field

Abstract

This paper discusses a case study and challenges on a low-cost flexible riser replacement on FPSO in one of the offshore fields in the Gulf of Thailand. Once the flexible riser has gone past design life, a regular annular service test, inspection and risk assessment are required justify life extension. Considering the field lifetime and the risk associated with the riser, it is recommended that short term extensions are possible and warrants the replacement of the existing riser. Various alternatives and fit for purpose were reviewed to replace the original Coflexip API RP17J flexible riser with a low-cost material at estimate of 80% saving of the cost.