SAKHALIN II Phase 2 PROJECT: Challenges of Seismic and Arctic Environment

Prof. Mike Efthymiou

The development of the Sakhalin 2 oil and gas fields at a cost of US$22 billion is the largest foreign investment in Russia and is currently producing around 400,000boe/day. The fields are situated in a region of severe seismic activity East of the Sakhalin Island in the sea of Okhotsk, which is covered with sea ice for 6 months of the year. The presentation will address the challenges with design, construction and installation of the offshore platforms with a focus on the seismic challenge and sea-ice challenge. The first offshore application of friction pendulum bearings in order to provide seismic protection (isolation) will be explained. Also the magnitude of loading arising from moving sea ice will be discussed and how the structure interacts with moving ice.

Finally experience and learnings from operating these installations for 4 years, including evidence of ice-structure interaction, will be shared.

About the speaker

Prof. Mike Efthymiou

Prof. Mike Efthymiou Obtained his BSc and MSc, degrees in Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Manchester, UK, and PhD in Offshore Engineering also from University of Manchester. Working with Shell since 1981. He has worked with Shell for over 30 years in a wide range of roles including: Research & Development in Offshore Technology for 12 years, design of offshore platforms, project delivery and project management.

Mike has published over 30 technical papers and has 10 Patents in the areas of fixed offshore platforms, Tension Leg Platforms and Floating LNG. Mike has recently been appointed as Winthrop Professor of Offshore Structures at the University of Western Australia and also maintains a consultancy role for Shell in the area of Offshore Engineering.

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