The authors’ intention behind writing this book (as stated in the preface) is to, ‘develop a textbook and handy resource that sufficiently addresses current practices, recent advances and emerging trends on core technologies’, associated with shipshaped offshore installations. To a greater degree the book meets this criterion, particularly when discussing structural aspects of both new build and conversion vessels. Both authors have previously published literature that concentrates on these subjects and as a result some other sections do not have the same level of detail and discussion. This is made up for in the references, however, which are extensive and give the reader a very good basis for further research.
The breadth covered is considerable; no significant item in the design, fabrication and operation process is omitted. Most reference books tend to concentrate on specific detail, while this covers all aspects of design. As such, this book is a very valuable entry into the overall design process and I cannot recall any other book that covers such a broad scope.
For those relatively new to the industry Ship-Shaped Offshore Installations discusses current practices, although some of the methods are not universally followed in all regions of the world; there is enough detail contained to give much more than a basic understanding of the design of ship-shaped offshore installations. For those more experienced and in need of refreshment, specific chapters (particularly those related to structural aspects) are extremely useful in offering recent experience and assist in gaining a good understanding of present day challenges.
The use of ship-shaped structures is increasing and some emerging trends for this and comparisons with other possible development strategies are discussed. The debate between new build and conversion is justifiably limited, as this is as much driven by economics associated with capital expenditure and schedule as by technical considerations.
Ship-Shaped Offshore Installations covers all design issues on ship-shaped vessels and every chapter includes a very comprehensive list of references. The references alone make for an interesting read as the authors have obviously spent considerable time and effort in their compilation.
Overall the book achieves its stated aims in that it does address current practices and at the same time offers guidance towards the design of ship-shaped offshore installations. It also offers the reader good guidance to other publications within the same subject area.
