Like most maritime issues, anchor analysis concerns hydrodynamic analysis plus soil conditions and application at the surface. What vessel will be moored? How much stress will the anchor(s) be subject due to waves, currents, winds and tonnage? What system will be best suited to the extreme conditions at the site? Single anchor leg mooring (SALM) or catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM)? The natural conditions set the rules, it’s up to us to design a complimentary system which can survive and serve your tankers and other vessels.

The seabed soil conditions will determine the feasible anchor characteristics. From there, many factors challenge the designer.

The leg can be chain or reinforced wire rope depending upon the flexibility requirements to deal with turbulent currents, depths, intensity of storms and wave action. The mooring must hold whatever vessel for which it’s designed. Added to the vessel itself, especially loaded with fluids. Off-loading in turbulent waters is treacherous enough without unstable platforms interfering with secure operations. Under-engineering is tragic. OrcaFlex software helps analyze the data to provide a definition of conditions which point to the proper solutions. Yes, solutions. Then the engineer consultants, like Stewart Technology Associates select the best alternative for your operation and vessel choice.

Oil companies need to load and unload tankers offshore and in deep water. Proper mooring, which begins with proper anchoring, serves to ensure safety and prevent environmental catastrophes. The economics of energy exploration and oil supply dictate larger and larger vessels. These vessels increase the stress on moorings, legs and anchors. Yesterday’s facilities and designs are inadequate for the modern supertanker. So oil companies can help themselves in two ways: analyze existing facilities for safe mooring and analyze new locations to specify their needs for tankers.

Stewart Technology Associates (STA) enjoy an international reputation for performing expert marine analysis. For almost thirty years, STA has consulted with drillers and oil companies worldwide: gathering and checking data, analyzing data, and suggesting improvements to the functionality and safety of the structures. STA also designs environmental risk management into the structure design. Their loyal clients appreciate staying ahead of the curve by, not just solving the challenge at hand, but looking into the future and resolving next generation issues before they arrive. Once the parties agree to recommendations, STA helps implement the new plan immediately. The oil companies appreciate minimum downtime and quality mooring.

For nearly three decades, The international tanker community has relied on Stewart Technology Associates to perform anchoring analysis with safety and efficacy as their rewards. The STA analysis using OrcaFlex software best assures accurate results and state-of-the-art solutions. Minor errors in calculations in data or design create major functional issues in the field. STA meticulously checks data and rechecks any questionable results. Oil companies utilize this dogged approach to avoid errors thus reducing the odds of any mishaps. If pile anchors under-perform, STA finds the deficiency and creates a solution to correct the problem. STA has such a diverse group of experts designing and brainstorming, your safety and production will be maximized.

Clients of STA count on our expertise to analyze their entire system’s needs including anchoring. STA uses a holistic view of systems in order to maximize the number of options available. This approach gives us a broader perspective than others in the industry. For example, our service includes reviewing spill containment and oil spill response, because contingency plans, although you don’t want to deploy, are better than having no response or a poor response. Using STA and OrcaFlex software provide the best chance for the best solution to your anchor issues.