The increasing demand for energy has driven offshore oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) into regions that place onerous demands on structures and equipment. Physical demands, such as pressure, temperature, water depth, wave and current loading, and corrosion potential, lead to arduous engineering challenges. Each demand carries with it uncertainty that must be covered by adequate safety margins. When coupled with stricter safety and environmental standards, uncertainty may render E&P projects cost-inefficient, if not impractical.
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