Section 3 Turret structures
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Offshore Units, July 2022 - Part 3 Functional Unit Types and Special Features - Chapter 13 Buoys, Deep Draught Caissons, Turrets and Special Structures - Section 3 Turret structures

Section 3 Turret structures

3.1 General

3.1.1 A turret is part of a single point mooring system that is an integral part the offshore unit main structure. Turrets can be a cantilevered extension of the hull via mooring arms or yokes (external turrets), or can be internally integrated to the unit (internal turrets). Both internal and external turrets allow the unit to weathervane around the single point mooring.

3.1.2 As opposed to buoys, turrets are not self-buoyant and most of the load from the turret weight, mooring lines and risers is transmitted to the main structure (disconnectable turrets are provided with residual buoyancy in order to remain in mid-water while disconnected for ease of retrieval). Special attention should be given to the load transfer from the turret to the hull structure as per the requirements of this Section.

3.2 Plans and data submission

3.2.1 In addition to Pt 3, Ch 13, 1.8 Plans and data submission 1.8.2, strength and fatigue calculations and plans are required to be submitted for approval for the following parts, as applicable to the type of turret:

  1. Turret buoys:
    • Access arrangements/attachments for means of access for inspection/maintenance purposes.
    • Buoyancy cone.
    • Compartment cylinder.
    • Hang-offs for risers and umbilicals.
    • Locking mechanism between buoyancy cone and mating cone structure.
    • Mating cone seal plug.
    • Mating cone structure.
    • Mooring lugs.
    • Turret structure.
  2. Internal turrets:
    • Access arrangements/attachments for means of access for inspection/maintenance purposes.
    • Bogie or bearing support structure.
    • Chain connectors.
    • Chain table.
    • Collar structure.
    • Gantry structure.
    • Interface with risers and umbilicals.
    • Locking mechanism.
    • Moon pool bulkhead.
    • Supports for manifold structure and swivel stack.
    • Turret structure.
    • Turret castings.
  3. External turrets:
    • Access arrangements/attachments for means of access for inspection/maintenance purposes.
    • Bearing support structure.
    • Bulkheads and structural members.
    • Chain connectors.
    • Chaintable.
    • Gantry structure.
    • Interface with risers and umbilicals.
    • Shell expansion.
    • Supports for manifold structure and swivel stack.

3.2.2 Materials, structural categories, welding, NDE, connections, structural details and fabrication tolerances are to comply with the requirements of Pt 4 Steel Unit Structures.

3.3 Design considerations

3.3.1 Turret structures supporting multi-point mooring line arrangements are to be assessed for the maximum combined forces to which they may be subjected to in service. That is, the combination of the following loadings is to be investigated, for both intact and damaged conditions:

  • Most unfavourable hull loading among cases detailed in Pt 10, Ch 2 Loads and Load Combinations.
  • Maximum mooring restoring force from the multi-point mooring line arrangement, as substantiated by analyses according to Pt 3, Ch 10, 5 Design analysis.
  • Permanent and live loads including accelerations due to vessel motions and sea pressures acting on the turret. Account is to be taken of wave slamming effects, where appropriate.

3.3.2 A structural analysis using finite element method is required to verify that the strength of the turret structure is sufficient. The extent of the structural model is to be sufficient to minimise the effect of boundary conditions. Reference is hereby made to the Appendix B of the LR ShipRight Design and Construction Procedure for Ship Units. Permissible stresses are to be taken according to Pt 4, Ch 5, 2 Permissible stresses.

3.3.3 When an internal turret is designed as a stiffened shell, the scantlings of plating and stiffeners are not to be less than required by Table 6.7.1 Watertight and deep tank bulkhead scantlings in Pt 4, Ch 6 Local Strength as a deep tank bulkhead, using a load head measured vertically from the point of consideration to the top of the turret well.

3.3.4 The sealing arrangements, where fitted, between internal turrets and circumturret well bulkheads will be specially considered.

3.3.5 The turret structure and supporting elements in way of bearings and other highly stressed structural elements of the load path are to be assessed for local strength as required in Pt 10, Ch 3 Scantling Requirements. In particular, finite element analysis of attachments to the hull is to be carried out to ensure satisfactory stress distribution of the mooring loads into the hull structure. Permissible stress levels are to comply with Pt 4, Ch 5, 2 Permissible stresses. Fatigue damage due to the cyclic loading is to be assessed in accordance with Pt 4, Ch 5, 5 Fatigue design.

3.3.6 Fairleads, stoppers and highly stressed support structures in way of mooring lines shall also be assessed by finite element method, according to Pt 3, Ch 13, 10 Swivel testing requirements. Fatigue damage due to the cyclic loading is to be assessed in accordance with Pt 4, Ch 5, 5 Fatigue design.

3.3.7 Special consideration is to be given in design to load transfer together with the effect of hull deformations at the interface of the turret support structure with the main hull structure.

3.3.8 Suitable access arrangements are to be provided to allow inspection and maintenance of turret structural and mooring system components during service. A planned procedure for the inspection of the structure and mooring system components is to be provided, as required by List of abbreviations.

3.3.9 The structure of hawsepipes and their supports is to be designed to withstand the imposed static and dynamic loads. Plating and framing in way of hawsepipes are to be reinforced as necessary. All relevant loads as defined in Pt 3, Ch 3 Production and Storage Units are to be considered and the permissible stresses due to overall and local effects are to be in accordance with Pt 4, Ch 5, 2 Permissible stresses.

3.3.10 Hawsepipe components are to be of ample thickness and of a suitable size and arrangement to house the mooring cables efficiently. Due consideration is to be given, as far as practicable, to minimise the effects bending and chafing on the mooring cables.

3.3.11 For mechanical items such as bearings and swivels see Pt 3, Ch 13, 6 Mechanical items.


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