At the other end of the opportunity scale is that of very large floating structures. The significant reduction in the topside motion nominates the VersaBuoy floaters as a perfect solution for the Very Large Floating Structure Applications. The VersaBuoy floater for this application comprises of basic modules; each of them consists of four hulls supporting the topside. The topsides of each module is rigidly connected to the topside of the adjacent module. Due to the reduced topside motion, the connection loads are numerically and experimentally proven to be within a normal practical design range.
The recently completed model tests Model Testing and Verification Programs specifically evaluated the performance of multiple Versabuoy modules connected together at deck level using standard padeye connection details, i.e. forming a single contiguous topsides module. The model tests specifically measured the inter-module loads (shears and moments) to verify that even for the 1,000 year hurricane conditions this type of connection falls within standard industry details (think of 1,500 ton lifting padeyes as connection details).
As was also reported system motions improve as the size of the combined modules increases. This offers considerable opportunity for offshore ports, Mobile offshore Real Estate MORE, staging areas, inspection facilities etc. Previous attempts had been made to evaluate the linking together of other types of floating development system. These prior assessments were not able to satisfactorily address combined system performance under storm loading conditions.

Floating Airport