Dropped Object Study for Offshore Platform (DP & LQ) – Kalamkas Case Study

Introduction

A Dropped Object Study (DOS) was carried out during the FEED stage for the Drilling Platform (DP) and Living Quarters (LQ) of the Kalamkas Offshore Platform. The objective was to assess risks associated with lifting operations and material handling activities in an offshore environment.

The study focused on identifying potential dropped object scenarios, estimating their frequency, evaluating impact energy, and assessing consequences to personnel, structural systems, and safety-critical equipment.

Based on the analysis, practical and effective risk mitigation measures were recommended, including engineered controls, procedural safeguards, and exclusion zones to enhance offshore safety.

Objectives

The key objectives of the Dropped Object Study included:

• Develop a comprehensive register of all lifting activities (load weight, type, frequency, lifting equipment)
• Identify credible dropped object scenarios across the platform
• Map vulnerable areas and critical assets exposed to dropped loads
• Evaluate the frequency of dropped or swung objects from crane operations
• Calculate impact energy associated with dropped objects
• Assess consequences to personnel, structures, and equipment
• Recommend risk reduction and mitigation measures
• Define protection requirements such as crane restrictions, impact barriers, and exclusion zones

Methodology

A structured and systematic approach was adopted for the Dropped Object Study:

1. Hazard Identification

All potential dropped object hazards were identified considering:

• Platform layout and structural configuration
• Crane operating envelopes
• Lifting and material handling activities
• Operational and maintenance scenarios

Special focus was given to crane operations and routine lifting tasks.

2. Identification of Drop Points

Potential drop points were identified where objects may fall:

• Vertically (direct fall)
• Laterally (due to swing, collision, or mechanical failure)

Drop zones were mapped to determine impact areas and support risk analysis.

3. Identification of Vulnerable Targets

Critical elements within drop zones were identified, including:

• Process equipment
• Structural components
• Safety-critical systems
• Utility systems
• Personnel exposure areas

This helped evaluate the severity of potential consequences.

4. Frequency Analysis

Frequency calculations were based on industry data from lifting operations.
Dropped object probabilities were estimated per lift and annualized based on operational frequency.

5. Consequence Analysis (Impact Energy Assessment)

Impact energy was calculated using key parameters:

• Object mass
• Drop height
• Gravitational acceleration

This analysis supports the design of protective measures and structural integrity checks.

6. Exceedance Frequency Analysis

A cumulative risk-based approach was adopted by evaluating:

• Exceedance frequency
• Corresponding impact energy

This provided a realistic representation of overall platform risk exposure.

7. Assessment Criteria

The evaluation was performed using recognized offshore risk criteria.
All areas were classified as redundant structures with serious consequences, requiring that damage frequency remains within acceptable limits.

Codes and Standards

The study was conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards:

• IOGP Report 434-08 – Mechanical Lifting Failures
• CMPT (1999) – Quantitative Risk Assessment for Offshore Installations
• DNVGL-ST-N001 – Marine Operations and Marine Warranty

Key Results and Insights

• Identification of high-risk lifting operations and drop zones
• Quantification of impact energy and risk levels
• Evaluation of impairment frequency across platform decks
• Assessment of overboard drop scenarios impacting:
  • Subsea pipelines and cables
  • Seabed
  • Marine environment

Recommendations

Based on the study, the following risk mitigation measures were recommended:

• Engineered controls for lifting systems
• Crane path optimization and operational restrictions
• Installation of impact protection systems (barriers, bumpers)
• Implementation of exclusion zones during lifting activities
• Enhanced operational procedures and safety protocols

Conclusion

The Dropped Object Study for the Kalamkas Offshore Platform provided a comprehensive evaluation of lifting-related risks in offshore operations.

The study enabled identification of critical risk areas and supported the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment.

By applying structured risk assessment methodologies and industry standards, the platform design and operations were aligned with acceptable safety criteria, ensuring reduced risk levels and improved operational safety.

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