This past month, Technip generously donated a new model, which is now on display in our Offshore Energy exhibit. Spars are floating oil platforms that consist of a vertical steel structure, measuring up to 900 feet from the top of the drilling mast to the submerged ballast tank. Pipelines from multiple oil wells feed into the spar and are supported by buoyancy canisters.

The unique design of this Truss Spar causes the center of gravity to be located below the center of buoyancy, making the structure less affected by winds, waves, and currents. This seven-foot model represents an estimated 15 spars found in the Gulf of Mexico.