RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT
A Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) is a very large floating platform comprised of serially connected modules. Previous ISOPE papers described the MOB research program, identified research spin-offs, and assessed technical feasibility in support of a military logistics mission. This paper highlights the most recent MOB technological advancements and explores applicability to building large floating platforms for other military and commercial missions. The paper also outlines specific technologies where additional research work would further reduce the risk of designing, building, and operating large floating platforms. MOBILE OFFSHORE BASE (MOB) The United State''s ability to stage and support military and humanitarian operations anywhere in the world depends on sustained access. However, long-term access to forward land bases including airfields and shipping ports can no longer be assured in areas of the globe where adequate host nation support is either not available or unsuitable. A sea base, positioned in international waters, could provide much of the same logistics support that several land bases currently provide. As presently envisioned, a MOB is a self-propelled, floating, prepositioned logistics base that accepts cargo from aircraft and container ships and discharges resources to the shore via a variety of surface vessels and aircraft. The basic strategy is to maximize reconfigurability by deploying floating ""building block"" semisubmersible modules, like the one shown in Figure 1. Each semisubmersible module consists of a box-type deck supported by multiple columns on two parallel pontoons. The decks, which store rolling stock and dry cargo, are all located above the wave crests. Liquids are stored in the pontoons and columns, eliminating most below-sealevel voids and thus minimizing greatly the danger of damage due to flooding. When on site, the module is ballasted down so that the pontoons are submerged well below the surface wave zone.