Operações das embarcações Anchor handling Tug Supply (AHTS)

Abstract

Petroleum is the most important source of energy for society in the present, which makes it possible to perform in many activities, being used as automotive fuel, such as gasoline and diesel, besides being an important raw material for petrochemicals, used in the manufacture of plastics, paints, synthetic rubbers and other products. They are also used as industrial and marine fuels. The first oil well was discovered in the United States - Pennsylvania - in the year of 1859. It was found in a region of small depth (21 meters), whilst the first wells in oceanic regions were found in the mid-1960s and for its exploration, maritime drilling, storage and production units were developed. At the present time, drilling exceeds 6,000 meters of depth, and this is only possible due to technological advances in the offshore area. In order for maritime units to be able to operate at great depths, special and safe fixation is required due to wind, current and tide effects. This fixation is called anchorage, and it is made by specialized vessels known as Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS). In this dissertation, it will be presented first the definition of the types of drilling and production units, as well as the exposure of the anchorage systems and their classifications, equipment and anchors used. Subsequently, the Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) will be defined. Finally, the operations that this vessel is capable of performing will be demonstrated, detailing an anchor handling operation at great depths, reporting the launch of a gravity-installed anchor so as to exemplify the entire process required for accurate and successful anchoring.