Global consulting engineers BPP-TECH – operating in the marine, subsea and renewable energy sectors – use the Sesam suite of software tools to provide high-end, highly workable solutions.

BPP-TECH and Worley Engineering used the Sesam software tools for response analysis of a novel ship structure. Applying BPP-TECH’s proprietary Motion Suppression System in the Sesam model enabled the design and optimisation of a novel tandem-hull vessel. This innovative design for a floating offshore processing plant for the conversion of Gas to Liquids (specifically methanol) demanded suitable vessel response characteristics enabling wellproven and widely used shore-based processing to be moved offshore.

The renewables sector is increasingly requiring detailed analysis as more devices are actually deployed. As BPP-TECH worked with Orecon on developing wave power technology, Sesam was invaluable. The suite of software tools available described a logical route through the design cycle, initially investigating the motions of the device, including the degrees of freedom required by the design.

Sesam further optimised the overall design survivability. Currently, validation through tank testing the model is under way, with a plan to carry out full-scale prototype testing in 2010.

Author: James Allan, naval architect, BPP-TECH