The development
of the STL technology was a result of a demand
in the marked for loading systems with high capasity
in harsh environments. The loading systems available
in the market at the time had restricted operation
limitations in bad weather conditions. Loading
buoys of the Calm type were efficient.
However, the buoys could not be used in sea states
with significant waves (Hs) above 3.5 - 4 meters.
More sophisticated loading terminals used in combination
with dynamic positioned tankers, could be operational
in sea states with Hs of up to 5.5 - 6 meters.
The STL technology
offers a flexible, safe and cost-effective solutions
for mooring of vessels applied as shuttle tankers
or storage vessels. The main design requirements
for the STL system are:
Connection in sea states up to 5 - 6 meters
Weather independent offshore loading
Disconnect regardless of weather conditions
(if required)
Standardized interface between vessel and STL
Buoy (any STL vessel can connect to any STL Buoy)
Low conversion costs for conventional tankers
High level of safety
Minimal risk for oil spills
The
STL system can be used for several different applications,
including:
Offshore Loading Terminal (OLT)
Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO/FSU)
Direct Shuttle Loading (DSL, dual STL Buoys)
The
STL technology is simple, compact, flexible and
suitable for a wide range of field developments
and water depths:
STL for Deep Water
STL for Shallow Water
STL in Ice Infested waters
STL systems as basis for import and export
terminals
STL
Characteristics |