OCIMF - Guidelines for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Multi Buoy Moorings (MBM)

Published: June 2010

Author: Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

This publication provides good practice guidance to assist with the planning, design, operations and maintenance of multi buoy moorings. It details various levels of inspection and suggests methods by which crew can limit operational disruption.

Multi buoy moorings (MBM) are common in the oil industry and are generally used in areas where the environmental conditions are moderate.

This publication provides information and guidance to assist with the planning, design, operations, maintenance and inspection of multi buoy moorings. While the information provided is primarily geared towards the initial planning, design and operation of new facilities, it may also be useful for reference when upgrading or evaluating existing berths or when replacing individual components.

The scope of this publication embraces mooring and oil transfer equipment within the multi buoy berth, up to and including the pipeline end manifold (PLEM). Information regarding the subsea pipelines serving the PLEM is considered to be outside the scope of this publication.

The main objective is to provide information and recommendations on good practice to assist with the development of site specific requirements. Terminals, operators and designers are encouraged to provide feedback to OCIMF on the content and on any aspects that are not addressed, for proposed inclusion in subsequent editions.

Section 1 Description of Multi Buoy Moorings

1.1 General

1.2 Design Limitations of MBMs

1.3 Comparisons with Fixed Berths (Piers and Sea Islands)

1.4 Comparisons with SPMs

1.5 Required Support Facilities

Section 2 Design of Multi Buoy Moorings

2.1 Preliminary Design Considerations

2.2 Site Selection, MBM Orientation and Layout

2.3 Mooring Load Analysis

2.4 Mooring Buoy and Hook Design

2.5 Anchor Chain Leg Design

2.6 Anchor Point Design

2.7 Hose System Design

2.8 Pipeline End Manifold (PLEM)

2.9 Ancillary Equipment

2.10 Coating Systems

Section 3 Operation of Multi Buoy Moorings

3.1 Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE)

3.2 Nomination and Vessel Acceptance Criteria

3.3 Pre-Arrival Procedures

3.4 Approach to Berth and Preparations

3.5 Berthing and Mooring Operations

3.6 Safety While in the Berth

3.7 Hose Connection and Disconnection

3.8 Departure from the Berth

Section 4 Inspection and Maintenance of Multi Buoy Moorings
4.1 General

4.2 Methods of Inspection

4.3 Mooring Buoys

4.4 Anchor Chains

4.5 Anchors Points

4.6 Hose Systems

4.7 Pipeline End Manifold (PLEM)

4.8 Ancillary Equipment

4.9 Spare Parts

Appendices

Appendix 1 Example Hose Lifting Method
Appendix 2 Example Hose Lowering Method