Simulation of Back-Deck Operations on a Marine Seismic Vessel

Srinagesh Gavirneni, Carel Hooykaas and Douglas Morrice
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Srinagesh Gavirneni: Maxager Technology, 8804 Rattlebush Cove, Austin, Texas 78750
Carel Hooykaas: Geco-Prakla NSA Marine, 1325 Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77077
Douglas Morrice: MSIS Department, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, CBA 5.202, Austin, Texas 78712-1175

Interfaces, 2001, vol. 31, issue 6, 16-28

Abstract: Marine seismic vessels deploy exploration equipment from their back decks in configurations called streamers. Streamers are kept afloat by towing and extend over many kilometers. Streamer deployment in a new area, called mobilization, is a complex process and typically takes four to five days. This time is considered part of the operational overhead and is not billed to the clients. Since revenues are measured in tens of thousands of dollars per day, reducing deployment times directly affects profit. We developed a discrete-event simulation model of back-deck operations to better understand and improve deployment times. Our study led to a new mobilization procedure for deploying two streamers simultaneously, yielding a 30 percent improvement in deployment times. The model also allowed us to answer what-if questions about back-deck operations and has led directly to new equipment designs for the latest generation of marine seismic vessels.

Keywords: QUEUES—SIMULATION; SIMULATION—APPLICATIONS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001
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