Weld Metal and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) Properties of Tanker Hull Structures

With the introduction of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs) for processing hydrocarbons from remote subsea wellheads, concerns have been highlighted regarding the integrity of tanker hull structures for FPSO applications. Although construction of hull structures are in accordance with class rules. FPSOs are intended to remain on location during their field life without having to dry-dock for inspection or repair. Jack Still and Julian Speck provide an overview of a test programme conducted to assure the fracture resistance of a recently completed Afromax tanker hull destined for conversion to an FPSO.