Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) Science and Technology Program

This report summarizes the Science and Technology Program conducted by the Office of Naval Research to investigate the feasibility and cost of a Mobile Offshore Base MOB. A MOB is envisioned as a self-propelled, floating platform, comprised of one or more serially connected modules which can be assembled as necessary to support U.S. military operations in areas where fixed bases are unavailable or inadequate. The fact that a MOB is unprecedented in functionality and size up to 6,000 feet in length to operate conventional cargo aircraft required advancements spanning mission planning to design to fabrication. This three year program used experts from over 50 commercial, academic, and government agencies for both research and quality control. Key products include a Preliminary MOB Classification Guide, next generation hydroelastic seakeeping models, a metocean environmental specification, a physics-based Operational Availability model, four preliminary platform designs, and hardware advancements in connector and dynamic positioning technologies. All of the ST studies are described and referenced. It is concluded that MOB semisubmersible modules can be built today, and that a mile-long multiple-module MOB is technically feasible pending completion of some uncompleted studies. Acquisition cost for a 5,000 foot platform was estimated at between 4B and 8B.