SPD13A Wellhead Platform Jacket

Persian Gulf, Iran • Water Depth: 57.20m

The SPD13A WHP Jacket project represents a comprehensive engineering solution for N.I.O.C. Pars Oil & Gas Company, executed through ROSETTI MARINO. TECON provided detailed design services for the complete jacket and wellhead structures, ensuring the platform’s structural integrity and operational readiness in challenging offshore conditions.

In March 2015, the M/V Alpine Eternity vessel caused significant structural damage to the existing SPD13A Jacket platform. Following thorough assessment, the decision was made to completely remove the damaged structure and design, fabricate, and install a new jacket platform. The engineering approach preserved the existing bottom frame and mudmats while cutting the legs at a strategic elevation to serve dual purposes as docking bumpers for precise positioning and temporary supports during the critical piling operations.

Project Scope

The project encompassed the complete structural design of a new offshore jacket platform positioned in approximately 57.20 meters of water depth. The scope included both permanent installations and temporary construction phases, requiring meticulous engineering to ensure structural stability throughout all stages of installation and operation.

Foundation System

• Design of four 60-inch outer diameter foundation piles driven through the jacket legs to achieve target penetration depths in seabed conditions
• Integration with existing bottom frame infrastructure and mudmat foundations
• Docking bumper configuration utilizing cut leg sections for precise jacket positioning during installation

Jacket Structure

• Four-legged steel space frame tubular structure engineered for optimal load distribution and structural efficiency
• Three horizontal main connection planes providing lateral stability and load transfer capability
• Comprehensive bracing system designed to resist environmental loads including waves, wind, and currents
• Integration points for wellhead module and future deck installations

Wellhead Module

• Structural design of wellhead module platform installed over the jacket framework
• Configuration to support drilling operations prior to topside deck installation
• Equipment support structures and access systems for drilling activities

Engineering Approach

TECON’s engineering services focused on delivering comprehensive detailed design documentation covering both in-place operational conditions and temporary construction phases. The design methodology incorporated advanced structural analysis techniques to evaluate the platform’s response to environmental loading conditions including extreme wave events, current profiles, and seismic considerations relevant to the Persian Gulf region.

Special attention was given to the unique installation sequence, which required the new jacket to interface with existing infrastructure while maintaining structural integrity during all construction phases. The temporary support configuration utilizing cut leg sections required careful engineering to ensure stability during piling operations before permanent foundation connections were established.

The detailed design package included structural calculations, fabrication drawings, installation procedures, and quality control documentation necessary for successful project execution. All design work adhered to international offshore engineering standards and incorporated lessons learned from the original platform damage incident to enhance structural resilience.