Our Expertise in Action: Bespoke Load Testing at BP
In November 2024, SOCOTEC UK once again demonstrated our technical expertise and collaborative approach by delivering a critical project for BP at the Hamble Oil Terminal.
The facility is a key site for storage and distribution of an array of oils and fuels and handles import and export from a single-berth jetty. To keep up with the increasing demands of larger and larger vessels, BP needed to uprate the jetty’s capacity and so appointed SOCOTEC to perform load testing and structural monitoring.
The Challenge
The team at SOCOTEC faced several challenges to deliver the required services on the project. The jetty is located 500 m offshore in the Southampton Water estuary with the only access via a limited-width trestle. This meant solutions to carry out the load testing were limited to being hand carriable. However, even when the equipment was at the test location, the elements that needed loading were separated by 30 m of open water, with no option for lifting plant or powered access. Furthermore, once the loading equipment was in place, the team were too far from land to be able to reference the movement measurements to anything which didn’t move. And all these challenges needed to be overcome with full exposure to the harsh November weather!
Hamble Oil Terminal
Our Solution
The solution developed by our Foundations and Monitoring teams began with early consultation and design with BP to discuss these challenges and work out how they could be overcome.
The load testing equipment underwent several design revisions until the optimum solution was found. To improve quality and minimise risk this was then tested for feasibility in a dry run in Stockton-on-Tees. The challenge of referencing movements was overcome by strategically locating measurement prisms and sighting references in such a way, that across three survey stations, error was minimised as practicably possible.
To provide another level of redundancy, the team also installed and monitored automated systems utilising laser distance meters and tilt meters. The programme was agreed such that early readings could be taken before loading to establish a baseline. From this baseline, any environmental impacts such as wave and wind action or thermal variations, could be calibrated out.
The solution developed by our Foundations and Monitoring teams began with early consultation and design with BP to discuss these challenges and work out how they could be overcome.
The load testing equipment underwent several design revisions until the optimum solution was found. To improve quality and minimise risk this was then tested for feasibility in a dry run in Stockton-on-Tees. The challenge of referencing movements was overcome by strategically locating measurement prisms and sighting references in such a way, that across three survey stations, error was minimised as practicably possible.
To provide another level of redundancy, the team also installed and monitored automated systems utilising laser distance meters and tilt meters. The programme was agreed such that early readings could be taken before loading to establish a baseline. From this baseline, any environmental impacts such as wave and wind action or thermal variations, could be calibrated out.
Hamble Oil Terminal
Technical Methodology
Load was applied between a single bollard on a nearby ‘berthing dolphin’ structure’ and the mooring hooks on the jetty. For the loading system, the team opted to use nylon roundslings to bridge the over-water gaps. These were significantly lighter than a more-conventional steel-based solution such as beams, threadbar or chains but had their own downsides.
Firstly, the material has a lot more stretch when under load. As the only drawings of the jetty from the original installation showed limited information on distance, the required length was difficult to determine. Additionally, the slings would very easily absorb water and increase in weight if they were to be immersed. The solution was to provide a number of shorter length roundslings with higher capacity than was required. This meant the team could select the optimum lengths in-situ throughout the installation whilst reducing stretch under load.
The roundslings were walked around the surrounding gantries before being installed at the correct length and installed with a rope-pulling manual winch on to the mooring hooks. At the other end, they were then attached to the load assembly which had been designed in such a way that continuous ‘resetting’ of the hydraulics could remove any remaining stretch. Precise load was monitored using a hollow, strain gauge load cell on each roundsling assembly and controlled with a two-stage hydraulic hand pump.
Load was applied between a single bollard on a nearby ‘berthing dolphin’ structure’ and the mooring hooks on the jetty. For the loading system, the team opted to use nylon roundslings to bridge the over-water gaps. These were significantly lighter than a more-conventional steel-based solution such as beams, threadbar or chains but had their own downsides.
Firstly, the material has a lot more stretch when under load. As the only drawings of the jetty from the original installation showed limited information on distance, the required length was difficult to determine. Additionally, the slings would very easily absorb water and increase in weight if they were to be immersed. The solution was to provide a number of shorter length roundslings with higher capacity than was required. This meant the team could select the optimum lengths in-situ throughout the installation whilst reducing stretch under load.
The roundslings were walked around the surrounding gantries before being installed at the correct length and installed with a rope-pulling manual winch on to the mooring hooks. At the other end, they were then attached to the load assembly which had been designed in such a way that continuous ‘resetting’ of the hydraulics could remove any remaining stretch. Precise load was monitored using a hollow, strain gauge load cell on each roundsling assembly and controlled with a two-stage hydraulic hand pump.
The approach the team adopted for measuring the movement of the jetty whilst under load began by identifying key points around the structure that would show varying degrees of movement. The isolated points where no movement would be seen were used for reference points and those which would show translational or rotational changes were designated as measurement points.
By setting up three independent Robotic Total Stations, a high degree of confidence was provided whilst also showing congruity between measurements. The Laser Distance Meters and Biaxial Tilt Meters were installed at the four corners of the jetty to support the survey data whilst providing minimal disturbance to the structure of the need for remediation.
Hamble Oil Terminal
The Outcome
The results from the testing exceeded the expectations of both BP and SOCOTEC in terms of accuracy and reliability.
The loading applied produced movements well within the predictions of BP’s design study and fulfilled the stated acceptance criteria, The data provided BP with the means to confidently uprate their jetty and continue to service the larger vessels required of BP Hamble.
The data presentation of such a bespoke project was complicated to implement but work is already underway to import the results into Blue Trust with a view to providing additional services to BP in the future.
*Image is a Visualisation of the movement and twist of the jetty for each load increment applied (load applied between #3 and #5)
The results from the testing exceeded the expectations of both BP and SOCOTEC in terms of accuracy and reliability.
The loading applied produced movements well within the predictions of BP’s design study and fulfilled the stated acceptance criteria, The data provided BP with the means to confidently uprate their jetty and continue to service the larger vessels required of BP Hamble.
The data presentation of such a bespoke project was complicated to implement but work is already underway to import the results into Blue Trust with a view to providing additional services to BP in the future.
*Image is a Visualisation of the movement and twist of the jetty for each load increment applied (load applied between #3 and #5)
Key Benefits for BP
Prolonged Asset Lifespan – With the positive results, BP can confidently extend the terminal’s service life, avoiding costly replacements.
Improved Operational Efficiency – Supporting higher loads enhances marine logistics and throughput.
Data-Driven Confidence – Our detailed technical insights provide BP with the assurance needed for compliance and strategic planning.
Collaboration & Expertise in Action
This project is a testament to our ability to deliver high-precision solutions through seamless cross-departmental collaboration. By integrating advanced monitoring technology with our structural expertise, we provided BP with actionable results, reinforcing our commitment to supporting critical infrastructure in the petroleum and port sectors.
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