Abstract: Sohar Port & Freezone, which is a joint venture between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam, is a deep-sea port situated in the Sultanate of Oman. An Operator intends to develop a low-carbon LNG plant, for bunkering services in Sohar Port. The LNG bunkering project will have a new, midscale onshore LNG plant and marine facilities, with a jetty suitable for berthing bunkering vessels and LNG export carriers. The LNG facility will have a wide range of design vessels, with LNG bunker vessel sizes up to 20,000 m3, and LNG Carriers between 138,000 m3 and 180,000 m3.
WSP Middle East has been appointed by Sohar International Development Company (SIDC) to provide consultancy services for the design of the dredging, shore protection, LNG jetty (sub-structure), upgrades to existing drainage systems, new stormwater channels and access roads. The plant and topside facilities will be designed and built by an EPC Contractor appointed by the Operator.
The design models for the dredging works, shore protection and access roads are being developed using Autodesk Civil 3D. The LNG jetty sub-structure is being developed using Autodesk Revit, and the plant and topside are modelled using AVEVA E3D. There are several interfaces within the project. A key interface is between the design of the jetty sub-structure and the topside works, with another at the onshore connection of the jetty, between the stormwater channel, roads, shore protection, access trestle of the jetty and the piping works from the plant.
The dredging, shore protection and stormwater channel form part of a package being developed early in the design programme. The design of the LNG jetty sub-structure design will follow that, before the plant and topside design is completed. The access road package will conclude the development. The construction works for the different packages are expected to follow the same sequence in terms of commencement. However, it is anticipated that these will overlap during the construction stages.
Therefore, whilst an integrated and coordinated design is necessary, it is also important that the aspects of constructability, interdependencies and schedule associated with the project are well understood. For the successful delivery of such a project, it is essential that a well-coordinated 4D BIM model is developed for all the aforementioned structures within the envisaged LNG facility.
The purpose of this paper is to describe the design development and interdisciplinary coordination undertaken in the design of an LNG jetty and associated civil infrastructure. The paper demonstrates how BIM models can be used to identify, resolve and overcome challenges at the interfaces between the various disciplines with efficiency and precision. The paper also highlights the benefits of including the dimension of time within the model and provides insights into possibilities of future improvements to the developed model, to be utilised during the construction and operational stages of the project.
How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: The paper will provide a case study in utilising 3D and 4D BIM models in a port project. It will provide insights into the design development stages, wherein the models are used for coordination between different disciplines and stakeholders, and review constructability aspects between the jetty structure, topside facilities, and other infrastructure. The paper will also provide an overview of the challenges, limitations, lessons learnt and areas of improvement, which will be useful for professionals in the maritime industry. Our approach takes into account the current limitations and the potential development of the model for future stages of the facility.
Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: WSP is developing 3D models using the latest software, coordinated using a Common Data Environment. Furthermore, the topside facilities on the jetty structure are coordinated with the sub-structure model of the LNG jetty to produce a fully coordinated BIM model. In addition to developing a 3D model, a 4D model (adding scheduling information to model construction sequences) will also be developed, allowing the visualisation of the stages and phasing of the different facilities within the project. Moreover, a virtual reality model will be developed for various stakeholders to experience a walk-through of the LNG jetty and the associated civil infrastructure.
What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Due to a wide range of design vessels, the inner dolphins are in close proximity to the platform. The outer dolphins are close to the access trestle, due to the parallel alignment between the trestle and platform. Furthermore, raked piles are required to satisfy a stringent deflection criteria. These result in spatial restrictions and challenges in terms of constructability.
Moreover, the design of the topside and the sub-structure cannot be strictly integrated, as they are at different levels of design maturity.
The workflow requires exchanging work-in-progress models and creating a “feedback loop” of coordination exercises, to successfully deliver the project.
Who is the target audience for this paper?: Clients, Consultants, Contractors, Operators, Maritime Structural Engineers, BIM Engineers.
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