Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS)

In response to the requirement to provide large quantities of petroleum products for forces ashore, from tankers offshore without port facilities, the Naval Sea Systems Command has developed and demonstrated the Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS). OPDS is capable of delivering 1.2 million gallons of product per day from a tanker moored four miles offshore. The system is largely off-the-shelf commercial technology carried on, and installed by, the tanker with some support from resources in the operating area. This paper reviews the system, its performance, and plans for production.