Structural Engineering Aspects of the STAR Platform

Based on the economic frames of the late eighties, the general urge to develop cheap and small platforms for marginal fields is outlined. Through a case story covering main aspects of the structural development and design of the STAR platforms, originated by Mærsk Olie og Gas AS, it is demonstrated how a new, cheap jackup installed platform type has been developed for shallow Danish North Sea conditions. Due to the platform’s relatively slender layout, it is more susceptible to dynamic loads than traditional jackets. Therefore, special investigations have been carried out for ship impact, fatigue, vortex shedding and pile driving-induced vibrations. Both the approach chosen for the analyses and design, as well as typical results, have been included. Finally, the present record of this new platform has been given.