Searching for the proper deep-water structure for oil and gas developments in the Caspian Sea

Existence of oil and gas reservoirs in the Caspian Sea which is deep waters, unlike the Persian Gulf, signifies the requirement of using deep water platforms for drilling and extracting hydrocarbon reservoirs. Design of offshore structures, requires the structural analysis and site investigation. Also needs understanding of complex offshore environment. In this research, by considering the environmental conditions of Caspian Sea with acceptable approximations, practical approach for choosing proper deep-water platform is presented. This includes description of hydrographic data of the Caspian Sea, geotechnical data of the intended locations, significant and maximum wave height with one, 25, 50 and 100 years return period, and dominant wave directions, current speed and direction, and wind conditions. Finally, a semi-submersible platform is proposed as the proper structure.