Floating Production Semi-Submersible Unit

Hyundai Heavy Industries received a 150 million USD order from Shell Exploration and Production Company for a 31,000-plus ton Floating Production semi-submersible Unit (FPU) on a turnkey basis for delivery by December 2002. This FPU will be constructed using an in-house "Onshore Deck Mating" technology.

In "Onshore Deck Mating" the unassembled FPU is in two parts: topsides and hull. The upper half is lifted from ground level to high up in the air by using a hydraulic lifting system by means of steel framed lifting towers. The hull structures are then skidded beneath the topsides. After the topsides and hull of the FPU are in place they are welded together. Since the process does not take place in the dry dock, it doesn't hamper overall materials-flow in the shipyard and also requires less manpower and time to finish than other, more traditional construction methods.