This SOFEC external turret mooring system was designed, constructed and supplied for the MODEC converted 103,000 dwt FPSO in BHP Petroleum's Buffalo oil field, located in Western Australia's sector of the Timor Sea. The selected option to develop the Buffalo field consists of a wellhead platform producing to the nearby leased FPSO vessel.  The Buffalo reservoir lies below the shallow portion of the Big Bank, which is surrounded by deeper water ranging from 255 to 350m.

Although the number of risers (6) were small, and the waves moderate (4.6m significant), the severely sloped seabed (up to 75 degrees) and high currents (5 knots)presented a unique challenge to both mooring and riser designers. The two anchor legs on the bank have an all-chain double catenary configuration, and terminate in a depth of 28 meters. The four deep water anchor legs are of the single catenary type utilizing both chain and wire rope, and terminate in depths ranging from 280m to 330m.

A shallow-water wellhead platform located in a depth of 30m on Big Bank produces fluids and gas to MODEC's Buffalo Venture FPSO, moored on the edge of the bank in 280m depth.

General Description

This SOFEC external turret mooring system is ABS classed.

*Transferred ownership to Nexen Petroleum Pty. Ltd.