Abstract: Modular structure for protecting an offshore vessel in a body of water from forces of ice features in the body of water is described. The modular protective structure comprising a protective harbor wall constructed and arranged to enclose a harbor space and to counteract the forces of ice features in the body of water. The modular protective structure also comprising a flotation support supporting the protective harbor wall. The flotation support having a capacity to position the modular protective structure at a raised position where the flotation support maintains at least a portion of the protective harbor wall above the water surface such that a harbor is established and the offshore vessel is protected from the forces of ice features in the body of water. Methods which utilize such a modular protective harbor structure are also described.

Abstract: Modular structure for protecting an offshore vessel in a body of water from forces of ice features in the body of water is described. The modular protective structure comprising a protective harbor wall constructed and arranged to enclose a harbor space and to counteract the forces of ice features in the body of water. The modular protective structure also comprising a flotation support supporting the protective harbor wall. The flotation support having a capacity to position the modular protective structure at a raised position where the flotation support maintains at least a portion of the protective harbor wall above the water surface such that a harbor is established and the offshore vessel is protected from the forces of ice features in the body of water. Methods which utilize such a modular protective harbor structure are also described.

Abstract: A drilling riser configured to convey drilling materials between a drilling vessel and a subsea wellhead. The drilling riser has an upper section, and a lower section coupled via a connector to the upper section. The lower section has a buoyant material for distributed passive buoyancy of the lower section. The overall drilling riser is neutrally or negatively buoyant, whereas the lower section is positively buoyant when decoupled from the upper section and coupled to the subsea wellhead.

Abstract: A drilling riser configured to convey drilling materials between a drilling vessel and a subsea wellhead. The drilling riser has an upper section, and a lower section coupled via a connector to the upper section. The lower section has a buoyant material for distributed passive buoyancy of the lower section. The overall drilling riser is neutrally or negatively buoyant, whereas the lower section is positively buoyant when decoupled from the upper section and coupled to the subsea wellhead.