The MARLIN Platform represents a significant offshore drilling and production facility developed for FOXTROT INTERNATIONAL off the coast of Ivory Coast. TECON provided comprehensive detailed structural design services for this complex engineering project through client ROSETTI MARINO, delivering expertise across all major platform components including the jacket foundation, topside deck, and living quarters.
Located approximately 11 nautical miles from shore in challenging deepwater conditions of 110 meters, this facility required sophisticated engineering solutions to accommodate an 1800-ton tender-assisted drilling rig while supporting production operations for eight wells and six risers. The project demanded careful consideration of harsh marine environmental conditions, complex load scenarios during construction and installation phases, and stringent safety requirements for personnel accommodation.
Project Scope
TECON’s scope of work encompassed the complete detailed structural design of all major platform components, ensuring structural integrity throughout the facility’s lifecycle from fabrication through installation to long-term operation.
Jacket Foundation Structure
- Four-legged steel jacket structure weighing 3,300 tons
- Foundation design for 110-meter water depth with consideration for wave loading and seismic conditions
- Integration of four 84-inch diameter foundation piles with 105-meter soil penetration
- Comprehensive structural analysis for in-place, transportation, and installation load cases
Topside Deck Structure
- Main deck structure with total lifting weight of 4,000 tons
- Structural support for 1,800-ton tender-assisted drilling rig
- Process equipment support structures and laydown areas
- Integration of eight well slots and six riser support systems
Living Quarter Module
- Accommodation facilities for offshore personnel
- Structural design to meet personnel safety and comfort requirements
- Integration with helideck and emergency evacuation systems
Engineering Approach
TECON’s engineering team employed advanced structural analysis techniques and design methodologies in accordance with international offshore standards. The detailed design process included finite element analysis for all major structural components, fatigue assessment for critical connections, and comprehensive evaluation of load combinations across multiple project phases.
The design considered three critical phases: in-service operations with full production and drilling loads, fabrication and construction with specialized lifting and transportation scenarios, and offshore installation including upending and pile driving operations. Material specifications and construction methodologies were developed to ensure quality execution while maintaining project schedule and cost objectives.
Particular attention was paid to the interface between the substantial drilling rig loads and the underlying support structure, requiring detailed load transfer analysis and optimization of structural member sizing. The foundation pile design incorporated advanced soil-structure interaction analysis to ensure adequate bearing capacity and lateral resistance in the local soil conditions.
