Virtual Simulation Program and Its Application for Challenging Floatover Installation of Liwan 3-1 Mega Topsides in South China Sea

A virtual simulation test program has been developed to verify the operation procedures, as well as to train and familiarize all the key personnel involved with the floatover operations of the mega LW3-1 integrated topsides in the northern South China Sea. This paper addresses the simulation program and its application in depth, including virtual-reality simulation of the offshore field, simulation modeling of the met-ocean environment and the various installation vessels, and performance of the key personnel when executing the marine operations. The use of a shared mental model, situational awareness, challenges and responses, proper communication procedures, etc., are amongst the key issues of the utmost importance for the successful floatover operations. A number of the above mentioned BRM techniques have been constantly brought to the attention of the participants during the simulation training and highlighted as being an important basis for success in the challenging floatover installation of the mega integrated topsides.