Floating production systems are increasingly being implemented for exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves, and are being considered for a wider range of applications, on larger developments and in deeper waters. The flexible risers generally used with floating production systems are costly, and have technical limitations which can restrict subsea layout, export options and consequently vessel selection and utilisation. More versatile riser systems can facilitate more widespread use of floating production systems, offering improved production and export capacity for larger developments, and reducing cost in deeper water.

Two riser concepts which offer alternatives to flexible risers are the steel catenary and hybrid riser systems, both recently implemented in the Gulf of Mexico. In their current configurations, these risers offer a number of benefits which are described. They also offer a wider range of benefits which are yet to be realised, including sour service and high pressure/high temperature applications and further developments of the current arrangements are discussed which improve their scope of application. An assessment of the impact these riser systems may have on vessel utilisation and seabed layout is made which demonstrates the importance of integrated design and selection of vessel, risers and seabed layout in order to reduce cost. Furthermore, low cost measures for future-proofing using steel catenary risers are described which offer improved opportunities for accommodating reservoir uncertainties and reducing development risk.