Abstract: Disclosed herein are a group anchor system, subsea installation tool and method of install such group anchor systems. The group anchor system includes a template through which a plurality of vertical piles, such as helical piles, are passed, drilled into the seabed at one end and secured to the template at the other to provide a mooring anchor for an offshore asset. The installation tool is a modular tool designed to mate with the group anchor system. Each module including drive mechanism for engaging and driving a pile. The piles may be driven simultaneously, individually, or in groups as required for proper placement and leveling. Methods of using the installation tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: An offshore power generation structure comprising a submerged portion having a first deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage evaporator system, a second deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage condensing system, a third deck portion housing power generation equipment, cold water pipe; and a cold water pipe connection.

Abstract: A control system for controlling disconnection of riser system that extends between a vessel and a subsea location that comprises a wellbore, the riser system configured to receive a string in use, the control system being configured to disconnect the riser system according to a sequence of operations, the sequence of operations comprising disconnecting the riser system prior to or simultaneous with cutting the string and sealing the well bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods configured to monitor vibrations and other signals in a pipeline to detect activities associated with theft of a substance flowing through the pipeline. To this end, such activities are determined by correlating pipeline sensor signals to anomalistic reference signals characterizing activity(ies) known to be associated with theft of a substance flowing through a pipeline—e.g., formation of a hole within a tubular member of the pipeline, a liquid being pumped into the pipeline through a wall of a tubular member thereof, a metallic article (e.g., drill) coming into contact with a tubular member of the pipeline, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure using an optical fiber based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) extending along the length of the structure. The DAS is able to resolve a separate acoustic signal with a spatial resolution of 1 m along the length of the fibre, and hence is able to operate with an acoustic positioning system to determine the position of the riser with the same spatial resolution. In addition, the fiber can at the same time also detect much lower frequency mechanical vibrations in the riser, for example such as resonant mode vibrations induced by movement in the surrounding medium. By using vibration detection in combination with acoustic positioning then overall structure shape monitoring can be undertaken, which is useful for vortex induced vibration (VIV) visualisation, fatigue analysis, and a variety of other advanced purposes. The structure may be a sub-sea riser.

Abstract: Rigid riser adapter operable to be at least partially installed into a lower riser balcony. The rigid riser adapter includes a receptacle support structure. Additionally, the rigid riser adapter also includes an adapter tube extending from the receptacle support structure substantially along a vertical direction, the adapter tube operable to be inserted through a lower riser balcony. The rigid riser adapter can also include a rigid riser receptacle coupled to the receptacle support structure, wherein the rigid riser receptacle is angled between six degrees and twenty degrees in relation to the vertical direction.

Abstract: An offshore platform with at least one pile of a pile foundation with an outer wall having an external diameter and with a tube (8, 12) with an inner wall having an internal diameter which is greater than the external diameter, on the exterior of which attachments are arranged, and which is slid over the pile (2, 3) driven into the seabed (4), wherein at least one spacer (20) is provided between the outer wall of the pile (2, 3) and the inner wall of the tube (8, 12).

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods enable generation and monitoring of support platform structural conditions in a manner that overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional approaches (e.g., load cells) for generating and monitoring similar operating condition information. In preferred embodiments, such systems, devices and methods utilize fiber optic strain gauges (i.e., fiber optic sensors) in place of (e.g., retrofit/data replacement) or in combination with conventional load cells. The fiber optic sensors are strategically placed at a plurality of locations on one or more support bodies of a support platform. In preferred embodiments, the fiber optic strain gauges are placed in positions within a hull and/or one or more pontoons of an offshore platform. Such positions are selected whereby resulting operating condition data generated by the fiber optic strain gauges suitably replaces data received by conventionally constructed and located load cells of an offshore platform (e.g., a TLP).

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a component of a well system located proximate to a seabed includes a first sensor assembly to couple to a telescopic joint coupled to an upper end of a riser, wherein the first sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one of a vibration, an inclination, and a strain in the riser, and a data processing system in signal communication with the first sensor assembly, wherein the data processing system is configured to estimate the condition of a subsea stack system based on measurements provided by the first sensor assembly.

Abstract: A tool for severing or assisting in the severing of a conduit includes a housing defining a void arranged, in use, to at least partially encircle a conduit and an at least one void access, the void access having a void access inlet in fluid communication with the housing and a void access outlet being in fluid communication with the housing void. At least one propellant source is located within the housing. An ignition mechanism is provided for igniting the propellant source and at least one modifying material. Upon ignition, the propellant source deflagrates, creating at least one stream of combustion products, the stream of combustion products flowing out of the tool through the void access into the void, the void access channelling the stream of combustion products towards the conduit, the stream of combustion products combining with the modifying material to sever or assist in severing the conduit.

Abstract: An offshore ocean floating platform equipped with a docking bay with a hull made with multiple steel barrels welded to each other arranged in multiple layers, an upper deck with living premises, laboratory and control tower, having three submersible plankton pumping towers extending from above water level up to 120? depth, a manned and aerated research submersible vehicle with vertical travel controlled by a telescopic double acting actuator, including two telescopic aeration tubes providing atmospheric pressure air from above sea level, and safety return springs, sealed glass windows, water depth gage and video cameras. The upper deck having plankton pools plankton pumped from ocean floor by a piston traveling within a cylinder by double acting telescopic actuator for fishery feedings. All towers bottom-end secured to seabed dirt with multiple heavy cement poles with embedded cylinder and piston moving under ocean water high pressure into seabed dirt with self-drilling plungers.

Abstract: A subsea foundation for supporting a pipeline or a pipeline accessory has a mudmat and at least one pile arranged to anchor the mudmat by extending from the mudmat into seabed soil. A coupling that couples the pile to the mudmat has at least one interface member supported for angular displacement relative to the mudmat, such as a pivoting beam or a wedge-shaped adaptor ring, to accommodate the orientation of the mudmat relative to the pile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined energy supply system of wind, photovoltaic, solar thermal power and medium-based heat storage, capable of storing the energy which would have been “abandoned wind” and “abandoned light” temporarily in the form of heat by medium-based energy storage. Heat is released during peaks in the power grid to generate power, which serves the function of adjusting the peaks in the power grid. With the medium-based energy storage, unstable photovoltaic electric energy can be converted into stable heat energy output when a relatively large fluctuation occurs in wind and photovoltaic power generation, and therefore the stable supply of energy sources can be guaranteed efficiently. Furthermore, a second heater can also be used for heating the low-temperature media outputted by a first medium tank (100), or a third heater is used for heating water in a heat exchanger (500), and therefore the energy storage of the medium or the heating efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved.

Abstract: A coupling system (12) between a riser (2) and an underwater supporting structure (10), includes a coupling seat (13) and a coupling head (14) which can be inserted in the seat. A pull connector (16) constrains the head (14) to the seat (13) to prevent the extraction of the head (14) but to allow rotation of the head (14). A clamping connector (18) constrains the head (14) to the seat (13) to prevent transversal translation and rotation to the head (14) and the seat (13). The pull connector (16) can be actuated alone and independently from the clamping connector (18) to make a provisional, pull-only connection between the head (14) and the coupling seat (13). The clamping connector (18) can be actuated independently from the pull connector (16) to allow postponing the complete clamping with respect to the provisional connection.

Abstract: A method of installing an object under water at a desired location includes providing the object on a vessel, connecting the object to a submersible frame located below the water surface, wherein the vessel is spatially separated from the submersible frame along the direction of the water surface, releasing the object from the vessel such that the object becomes submerged and carries out a pendulum motion until the object is suspended from the submersible frame, and moving the object to the desired location.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a combined offshore wind power foundation with duct piles and a bucket, which comprises duct piles and a bucket foundation; the bucket foundation includes a steel bucket skirt, a bucket top cover, main beams, ring beam and a transition section. A top of the steel bucket skirt and the bucket top cover are integrally formed into a semi-closed structure. The bucket top cover is provided thereon with main beams uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction. The ring beam are arranged at an edge of the bucket top cover. Each duct pile includes a duct, a steel pile, duct supports and high-strength mortar, each main beam is provided at its outer side end with one of corresponding. The duct support is connected with the main beam and the ring beam, and integrated with the bucket top cover, the main beams and the ring beam.

Abstract: A floating device for supporting an offshore wind turbine, comprising a central floating pillar for fixedly receiving a tower of the wind turbine, at least three peripheral floaters, and one leg per floater, each leg extending in a longitudinal direction that runs radially in relation to the central pillar; each leg has a proximal end that is secured to the central pillar, and a distal end that is secured to the floater; the legs include an outer tubular element, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg and has a curved cross-section perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and an inner tubular element, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg and has a polygonal cross-section perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, the polygonal cross-section being inscribed in the curved cross-section. The invention also relates to a floating wind turbine unit comprising the device and a wind turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crane, such as a hoisting crane (3000) having a hoisting boom (3010) having a lifting region (3020), configured to lift a load (3050) and an actuatable restraint device (3040), the device extending from the crane. The actuatable restraint device is configured to engage with a load being lifted, so as to control movement of that load with respect to the lifting region in at least one direction. The actuatable restraint device may be configured to control movement in as much as inhibiting, or mitigating, certain movement.

Abstract: A method of building an offshore windmill includes, using a 3D-heave-compensated crane, placing on a windmill pedestal a lifting jack having a receiving region, and fixing the lifting jack to the windmill pedestal such that the lifting jack can be later removed, and such that a windmill column can be placed within the receiving region directly on the windmill pedestal. The windmill generator is installed using the 3D-heave-compensated crane. The windmill column is partially erected on the windmill pedestal using the 3D-heave-compensated crane and the lifting jack. Before the windmill is fully erected, windmill blades are placed on the windmill generator using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, and the erection of the windmill column on the windmill pedestal is completed using at least the lifting jack. Using the 3D-heave-compensated crane, the lifting jack is removed from the windmill pedestal.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: A tool for severing a conduit includes a housing defining a void that encircles a conduit to be severed. There is at least one propellant source located within the housing. Upon ignition by an ignition mechanism, the propellant source deflagrates, creating at least one stream of combustion products. The combustion products flow out of the tool through at least one void access and into the void. The void access channels the combustion products towards the conduit. The stream of combustion products combines with a modifying material to sever or assist in severing the conduit. A method of severing a conduit using the tool is provided.

Abstract: A safety arrangement of at least one of a marine and an offshore application includes a control device and a valve arrangement configured to be positioned in a flow path between a hydraulic cylinder and a pressure accumulator. The control device is configured to control the valve arrangement according to at least one function, in particular a safety function. The valve arrangement includes a main valve that is operable to control a flow along the flow path. A method of controlling the safety arrangement includes controlling the valve arrangement with the control device.

Abstract: A method of assembling a floating wind turbine platform includes assembling a keystone having a hollow central cavity from pre-formed concrete sections, and assembling a plurality of buoyant bottom beams from pre-formed concrete sections. Each bottom beam is attached to, and extends radially outward of the keystone to define a base assembly. Each buoyant bottom beam includes a ballast chamber therein. The keystone is post-tensioned to each bottom beam along a longitudinal axis thereof. A center column is assembled upwardly and perpendicularly on the base assembly from pre-formed sections of the center column, the outer columns are assembled on a distal end of each bottom beam from pre-formed sections of the outer columns, and the center column and the outer columns are longitudinally post-tensioned to the base assembly. A tower is assembled on the center column from pre-formed sections, and a wind turbine is assembled on the tower.

Abstract: A floating hydrocarbon processing/storage structure with a first and second assembly, each including a hull having side walls, one or more storage tanks and a deck structure, a connection structure interconnecting the hulls, processing equipment situated on the deck structures, at least one riser connected to a subsea hydrocarbon well and to the processing equipment and/or storage tanks, with a mooring system connecting the processing/storage structure to the sea bed, each hull including a hull deck structure bridging the side walls, the connection structure including a central deck extending at or near the height of the hull deck structures along at least 70% of the length of the hulls, the central deck supporting at least one of: risers vertically extending from the central deck between the hulls to the sea bed, fluid ducts horizontally supported on the central deck, and at least one drilling/work-over rig or crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pile upending system for upending a pile such as a monopile for the foundation of offshore wind turbines, the pile upending system comprising; a pivotally mounted pile support frame having a seat for engaging an outside wall of a pile, the pile support frame being pivotable around a support frame axis of rotation for allowing the seat to support the pile during upending, a cable system for supporting an, in use outboard, end of a pile, comprising one or more tensioned or tensionable cables having an outboard end provided with a hoisting member for supporting the outboard end of the pile during upending of said pile, an outboard support system comprising a frame member for, in use, extending outboard and supporting the hoisting member of the cable system, wherein the outboard support system is arranged with respect to the pile support frame such that the frame member extends transverse with respect to the support frame axis of rotation for arranging the hoisting member at a dista

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for securing an offshore platform to a bottom of a body of water comprising a shear assembly and a sleeve assembly. The shear assembly is operable to secure to the offshore platform at a first end and having a first connector portion at a second end. The sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve body forming an interior opening, the interior opening operable to receive at least a pile. The sleeve assembly further comprises a second connector portion secured to the sleeve body, the second connector portion securable to and un-securable from the first connector portion of the shear assembly.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with fluid-processing plant configured to generate and store pressurized fluid. Fluid-processing plant is spaced apart from body of water. Apparatus includes variable-buoyancy assembly positioned in body of water in such way that buoyancy force urges variable-buoyancy assembly to move toward surface of body of water. Apparatus also includes non-collapsible fluid-line assembly positionally anchored, at least in part, underground in such way that non-collapsible fluid-line assembly extends, at least in part, into body of water. Non-collapsible fluid-line assembly fluidly connects fluid-processing plant and variable-buoyancy assembly together in such way that non-collapsible fluid-line assembly conveys pressurized fluid between fluid-processing plant and variable-buoyancy assembly.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of installing a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a first attachment element connected to a first portion of flexible pipe and a second attachment element connected to a second portion of flexible pipe. The first attachment element and second attachment element are connected by at least one tether element, via a fixed structure in a configuration such that, in use, in response to movement of the first and second portions of flexible pipe, the tension load at any moment in time, at each attachment element, remains substantially equal.

Abstract: Method is for operating fluid-processing plant configured to generate and store pressurized fluid, and spaced apart from body of water.

Abstract: A subsea fluids storage facility comprises a tank (11) for holding and separating fluids which is equipped with ballast capacity (14) and a separable base (12) to be deployed upon the seabed in shallow or deep water, and the storage facility is connectable to a surface production facility, especially a buoy (24) for processing fluids. In deep water the tank (11) is held at a depth above the base (12) for temperature controlled stabilization of produced oil in the tank (11).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are support column structures which can be used to support bridges, buildings or other structures. In some cases, a support column structure can be deconstructable and include one or more removable elements. In some cases, a support column structure can include shape memory alloy reinforcing bars. In some cases, a removable element of a support column structure can include an engineered cementitious composite. In some cases, a removable element includes one or more sleeves to separate an engineered cementitious composite from one or more shape memory alloy reinforcing bars. Methods include assembling and disassembling a support column structure.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: An ocean surface-driven apparatus (1) to be installed around structural marine components comprising at least one ring wherein said ring comprising a plurality of rollers (2) disposed on a plurality of roller shafts (3) which are linked together by connectors (4). A plurality of linking members (5) with at least one moving self-cleaning ring (6) disposed on each linking member, said linking members linking a plurality of rings together.

Abstract: A containment system for recovering hydrocarbon fluid from a leaking device comprising a dome sealed to the seafloor around the leaking device and forming a cavity for accumulating hydrocarbon fluid. The dome comprises an upper output opening for extracting the hydrocarbon fluid. The containment system comprises a sensor for measuring an interface level of a fluid interface between hydrocarbon fluid and any other fluid inside the dome, and an output valve connected to the upper output opening for outputting hydrocarbon fluid, and controlled on the basis of the interface level measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for wind turbine component replacement. The method may include coupling a spreader to a wind turbine component, raising a hoist into the nacelle, raising a spool of cable into a nacelle of the wind turbine, mounting the hoist on a member of the nacelle, routing the cable from the spool of cable to the hoist, and routing the cable between at least one sheave disposed on the hoist and at least one sheave disposed on the spreader. The system may include a spreader, the spreader adapted to couple to a wind turbine component, the spreader including at least one longitudinal member, a pair of transverse members, and at least one first sheave, and a hoist, the hoist adapted to couple to a member of the nacelle, the hoist including a frame, a motor, and at least one second sheave.

Abstract: A rivertube system for transporting urban and metropolitan passengers by river and sea using watercraft, with the watercraft travelling along the rivers and coasts of cities. The system includes an automatic docking system for boats and closed or covered stops, built on the river or on the sea, with large floating platforms that enable passengers to get on and off the boats.

Abstract: A jackup deployed riser protection structure comprises a plurality of coupler receivers disposed onto a jackup hull, a tubular sleeve, wherein the tubular sleeve is a hollow structure that allows a riser to pass through, a support structure coupled with the tubular sleeve to provide support for the tubular sleeve, and a plurality of couplers coupled with the support structure, wherein each of the plurality of couplers is coupled with one of the plurality of coupler receivers, so that the jackup deployed riser protection structure is supported by the jackup hull in order to provide protection to the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.

Abstract: The condition of a seabed 200 and the condition of tidal currents near the seabed 200 are investigated in advance to examine the number of filter units (FUs) 50 and the position where the FUs 50 are to be installed. Then, piles 12b as a base of a foundation are provided so as to be supported by a bearing layer. A plurality of FUs 50 are installed in close contact with each other between the seabed 200 and each pile 12b. Then, a formwork 12e for a base slab portion 12a is installed on the upper ends of the piles 12b. Concrete is placed in the formwork 12e to form the base slab portion 12a. Then, a tower 11 is fixed to the upper end of the base slab portion 12a.

Abstract: Compliant offshore platforms with isolated decks using one or more bearings located on a generally horizontal plane that is in proximity to the vertical center of gravity of the deck.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing a variable volume size is described. The arrangement includes an outer bellow having an outer end wall closing the outer bellow at one end. The arrangement further includes an inner bellow having an inner end wall closing the inner bellow at one end, the inner bellow being arranged at least partly inside the outer bellow. The arrangement further includes a base at which another end of the outer bellow and another end of the inner bellow are attached. The arrangement further includes a position measuring apparatus for measuring at least one position indicative of a distance between the outer end wall and the inner end wall.

Abstract: A floating power generation assembly has at least three floating units (3400) provided with power generation means (3402, 3404) and floating in a body of water. At least one of the three floating units (3400) is a tension leg platform. The assembly also comprises first anchors secured to a surface beneath the water, and first cables (3414, 3416) connecting the buoyant body (3400) to the first anchors. Second anchors are secured to the underwater surface and connected by second cables (3412) to the floating units (3400). The floating units (3400) are arranged substantially at the vertices of at least one triangle or quadrilateral.

Abstract: A method for handling a hydro sound absorber in the region of an offshore construction site. The method includes, prior to beginning noise-emitting work, positioning a hydro sound absorber in the region of the offshore construction site. The method includes positioning a transport housing receiving the hydro sound absorber close to at least one of a seabed or a surface of the water. The method also includes spreading out the hydro sound absorber from a first functional position out of the transport housing at least one of vertically to the extent of the offshore construction site or horizontally to the geometry of the seabed.

Abstract: A support of deep caisson type having a longitudinal axis, for floating installation in a body of water and provided with mooring lines for anchoring to a seabed, has a lower portion in the body of water having a weight element, an upper portion that supports a platform above a water surface, and an extended portion in an area between the upper portion and the lower portion. The extended portion has one or more internal storage chambers and one or more ballast chambers. The storage chambers are arranged closer to the longitudinal axis than the ballast chambers.

Abstract: A method of installing a production buoy at a subsea anchoring location is disclosed. The method includes floating a production buoy over a subsea anchoring location. Then, hanging at least a tether off the production buoy such that the or each tether extends from the production buoy towards the subsea anchoring location occurs. The method includes submerging the production buoy to a depth which allows connection of the or each tether to the subsea anchoring location. An apparatus suitable for use with this method is also provided.

Abstract: A structure for mounting offshore installations such as wind turbines or oil and gas platforms. The structure comprises a base, a top piece and a lattice structure connecting the base to the top piece. The sub-components of the structure can be pre-assembled prior to installation to facilitate ease of construction, or they may be transported to a pre-determined location and assembled on site.

Abstract: This invention provides a tidal current generating device and an installation frame thereof. The tidal generating device includes an installation frame, at least three hydro turbines, and at least one power generation module. The installation frame of the tidal current generating device includes an outer frame and at least two buoy units. The at least two buoy units are disposed on two sides of the outer frame. When the installation frame of the tidal current generating device is used, the at least two buoy units are vertical to a horizontal plane and parallel to a direction of water flow. The at least three hydro turbines are disposed in parallel within the outer frame. The at least one power generation module is connected with the three hydro turbines. When water flows to the hydro turbines, the hydro turbines rotate to drive the power generation module to generate power.

Abstract: An offshore system with a rig and a cantilever having a rigid cantilever structure with an operational end. The rig is provided with a first support rail which extends along a side of the deck supporting structure. Travelling and swivelling assemblies are arranged between the first support rail and the cantilever beams. The rig is provided with one or more second support rails that extend over the deck in a direction transverse to the first support rail. The system has a cantilever inner end carrier device travels over and engages on said one or more second support rails. This device is connected via a vertical pivot axis swivel to a connector part of the rigid cantilever structure at or near its inner end to provide a rotation axis at a fixed location relative to the structure for the rotational motion of the cantilever, the cantilever inner end carrier device holding the cantilever inner end relative to the deck.

Abstract: A structure for underwater placement on a sea, lake or river bottom. The structure has tunnels to allow water and water currents, as well as marine organisms, to pass freely therethrough and infiltrate and colonize the openings. One or more hitch points are provided on the structure for attaching mooring lines to ships, boats, floating wind turbines or other floating objects, thereby allowing the structure to serve as a mooring to anchor such objects. The hitch points can be recessed within a depression in the surface of the structure and the hitch bar ends can also be recessed, providing an exterior surface free of protuberances.