Abstract: A compact offshore tension leg platform having a deck, a hull, and a plurality of elongate tendons securing the hull to an ocean floor foundation provides full well workover and production capabilities for autonomous operation and can be installed and operated in any waterdepth and sustain any environmential loading conditions. The hull supports the well risers of well trees located below the water surface at an elevation in close proximity to the connections of the tendons to the hull. Alternatively the risers and trees may be supported by the deck. A well workover platform, supported by a circular perimeter trackway on the deck may be positioned over any of the well risers for workover operations. Liquid products may be exported from the platform via a seabed pipeline or to a floating tanker moored to a mobile offtake on the deck support column. The hull is configured to minimize loadings in the tendons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a functional package from a jack-up rig to a fixed platform is provided. A functional package comprising a drilling package, a construction crane, a rocket launch module, or other heavy apparatus may be directly placed upon a fixed platform without exceeding the load bearing limits of a fixed platform. This placement occurs using a cantilever beam that is spliced so that it may be separated into a shuttle portion and a base portion to reduce the weight effect of the cantilever beam upon the fixed platform. The cantilever beam may be provided with a new and unique splice section that permits detachment of the distal shuttle portion upon which rests a functional package. The distal shuttle may be deposited onto a fixed platform. The distal shuttle may be reattached after operations are completed for transfer of the functional package to another location.

Abstract: A different approach to tender assisted drilling which has the flexibility to be used with multiple jack-up rigs, and nearly any type of fixed offshore production platform. A skid base includes distinct capping beam feet and skid-off feet, the former adjustable to capping beam spacing and the latter restricted to support of the skid base upon cantilever beams. A special swivel mechanism and sliding mounting in the capping beam feet, and a vertical jack in the aft skid-off feet, enable the skid base to be transferred to the fixed platform simply by aligning them over the capping beams and depressurizing the skid-off feet. Thus, walking mechanisms may be swivelled and oriented upon the capping beams, notwithstanding relative movement between the jack-up rig and the platform. The skid base is simply walked across from the cantilever beams to the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and installing a deck of an offshore platform onto a substructure without requiring heavy lift cranes. The towing vessel or semisubmersible vessel is configured with a cutout or opening therein that surrounds the substructure onto which the platform is to be placed. The platform is transported in an elevated position upon the semisubmersible vessel and it spans across this opening such that once the semisubmersible vessel is properly positioned (i.e. the elevated platform being positioned over and in alignment with the substructure), the semisubmersible vessel is rapidly ballasted thereby transferring the platform onto the substructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and using a drilling apparatus or a construction crane apparatus from a single moveable vessel is provided. Either a drilling apparatus or a construction crane apparatus is skidded onto the deck of a jack-up rig which is then floated to a remote location for use of the apparatus. The skidding of the construction crane apparatus is facilitated by a new and unique pony structure to raise the base of the construction crane apparatus above a skid on the jack-up rig.

Abstract: A skidbase 16 and a drilling structure 18 are adapted for transfer between a jack-up platform 12 and a fixed platform 14. The jack-up platform 12 is moved into position adjacent the fixed platform 14 and raised to a height aligned with the fixed platform 14. The skidbase 16 is then transferred onto the fixed platform 14 to provide a base on which the drilling structure 18 is next placed. The jack-up platform 12 is raised to a vertical height aligned with the skidbase 16. To ensure proper location of the top surface of the jack-up platform 12 relative to the skidbase 16, a connection means 47 automatically engages and aligns the jack-up platform 12 with the skidbase 16 so that skid rails 32, 44 located on the deck of the jack-up platform 12 and on a top surface of the skidbase 16 are positioned a precise distance apart and at the same vertical height. The drilling structure 18 is then skidded onto the skidbase 16 so that drilling operations may be performed from the fixed platform 14.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation of heavy, ballastable, gravity fundament structures on the sea bottom at large depths. In accordance with the invention, there is utilized air, water, and a liquid lighter than water in various proportions and combinations to provide the structure with the required buoyancy and submerged weight during the sequential phases of the transport and descent operations in order to finally position the structure in a selected location on the sea bottom. Various modes can be used to accomplish the descent and the structure may in a final stage be penetrated down into the sea bottom to a sufficient degree.

Abstract: An offshore deck or platform unit is provided with depending legs having shock absorbing stabbing tip assemblies for engagement with the upstanding columns of a marine substructure to transfer the weight of the deck to the substructure by positioning the deck relative to the substructure with a barge and ballasting down the barge to move the deck into engagement with the substructure. The barge also carries a deck support structure comprising plural sand jack assemblies which provide for disengagement of the barge from the deck. The stabbing tip assemblies include coaxially arranged primary locating pins which are dropped into position to hold the location of the deck relative to the columns and annular resilient collars for transferring vertical and lateral shock loads between the columns and the deck during the transfer process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conducting offshore well operations from an auxiliary vessel in support of a compliant platform. The auxiliary offshore drilling vessel is restrained with respect to the compliant platform in position adjacent the well bay of the compliant platform and vertically aligned with a selected well site for conducting well operations.

Abstract: A heave compensating support system is disclosed for positioning a subsea work package. The present invention provides a subsurface buoy with a lift line connected to the subsea work package and a compensating lift line having a catenary loop below its connection to the subsurface buoy on one end and connected to a surface vessel on the other end, whereby the heave compensating support system elements cooperate to establish a natural frequency for the suspended subsea work package which materially differs from the average wave frequency acting upon the surface vessel.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transportation of a heavy package of a vessel to a quay or similar loading location uses a first apparatus for transportation of the package in a vertical direction and a second apparatus for transportation in a horizontal direction. A support member in which the package is placed is alternately raised and lowered by a set of lifting devices. The support member and a support element are also supported separately and alternately on a foundation via climbing arrangements. The support member and support element are moved in a stepwise lifting movement or in a stepwise lowering movement.

Abstract: A system for aligning a drilling module on a jack-up rig with a drilling module support surface on a fixed rig wherein the angular disposition of the drilling module is varied by moving a portion of the jack-up rig on at least one of the legs of the jack-up rig to bring the angular disposition of the drilling module into alignment with the angular disposition of the drilling module support surface on the fixed rig prior to transferring the drilling module from the jack-up rig to the fixed rig. The system also includes a position assembly for positioning the drilling module on the drilling module support surface in a predetermined aligned position.

Abstract: A relatively light-weight offshore structure with design characteristics that allow it to be installed in a water depth up to two hundred fifty (250') feet with a conventional jack-up drilling rig or a small derrick barge. The structure consists of one (1) vertical pipe column that is driven into the sea floor, which can be used as a conductor for a well and may also support a platform with wellhead deck, production equipment deck, heliport, etc. The vertical column is collar clamped and welded to a submerged support brace assembly. The brace assembly is rigid, light, floats during installation, and is self-uprighting. It consists of two (2) main diagonal support legs that are connected to the vertical column near the water-line, and has two (2) pile connection sleeves at its base for piles to be driven into the sea floor. The support piling may be pre-loaded into the support brace assembly for ease of offshore installation.

Abstract: A boom for the installing of a small boat dock while the installer need not enter the water is presented along with the method for use. Diagonal supports necessary to the final installation in the best mode of the method invention are included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for erecting and removing offshore structures including a jacket and a platform is disclosed. The system of the invention includes a platform-lifting unit, a jacket lifting unit, and a control unit. The platform-lifting unit includes a laterally and vertically movable truss member, which is hingedly connected to a barge with lifting beams, and a means for positioning the truss member at desired height and at lateral displacement above the barge. The jacket-lifting unit contains a ballast tank structure connected to a strong back that has a plurality of grappling members. The control unit contains all supporting and controlling systems for the other units. To remove the platform, the truss member of the platform lifting unit is moved underneath the platform, the truss is raised to exert force on the platform, the platform is severed from the jacket, and the platform is moved on top of the barge.

Abstract: A method of constructing a column-like marine structure including the steps of constructing and placing an assembly of floats in a dry area, placing on the float assembly a column base having its own buoyancy, flooding the area to float the assembly of floats and column and moving them to deeper water, ballasting the floats to sink them and while maintaining buoyancy of the column removing the floats, completely ballasting the column to sink it, reconnecting the floats around the top of the column, constructing a further column part on top of the column, lifting the assembly by the buoyancy of the floats and/or the buoyancy of the column and floating it to a desired location in deeper water.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for landing and securing a payload to a subsea assembly, such as a hydrocarbon recovery assembly, utilizing a surface vessel and a subsea ROV. The payload is suspended from a submersible payload package, and the package and payload are lowered subsea by a vessel cable. Guide cables extending from the package may be secured to the subsea assembly, and a floatation device thereafter activated to render the package positively buoyant, thereby making the guide cables taunt and relaxing the vessel cable to de-couple the package and payload from the surface vessel. The guide cables are then used to lower the payload from the package onto the assembly, and the payload secured to the assembly with the ROV. The floatation device is subsequently deactivated such that the pacakage is no longer positively buoyant, thereby re-coupling the package to the surface vessel.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a braced offshore structure that is constructed on land as a single unit in a compact bundle before being transported on a barge to the installation site. After the compact unit is launched, it is unfolded and ballasted before being installed upon the ocean floor. This structure consists of an elongated central tower having a plurality of braces pivotally secured thereto. These braces are initially positioned generally parallel to this central tower within recesses in the central tower but after the braces are unfolded, they extend at an angle to the central tower.

Abstract: A movable ocean launching apparatus includes a semi-submersible ocean launcher for space rockets and a carrier for carrying it while holding the upper supporting deck thereof. This arragement makes it possible to inexpensively realize the transporation of the ocean launcher, preparation for ocean-based launching and the like and also to reduce the total construction costs of the launching base.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for setting a deck structure or other marine superstructure using a barge mounted cantilevered support structure. The cantilevered support structure is attached at one end of a floating vessel. The cantilevered support structure extends past the edge of the vessel and, in one embodiment, includes means for rotating parallel support members about the deck of the floating vessel permitting the cantilevered support structure to be raised and lowered while it remains substantially parallel with the top of the offshore platform enabling the superstructure to engage the top of a previously installed offshore platform in a synchronized manner. Alternatively, this superstructure may be aligned directly over the platform. A cantilevered drilling rig is then aligned over the cantilevered support structure and used to lift the deck structure or marine superstructure, permitting the vessel and cantilevered support structure to move.

Abstract: A buoyant vessel which alone can support a heavy superstructure has a well within which a floating body is disposed. The floating body can displace sufficient water in the well to support the superstructure by itself. Valves are provided for transferring water into and out of the body to lower and raise the superstructure with respect to the water surface on which the vessel is floating.

Abstract: A system and method for mating a preconstructed integrated deck mounted on a barge with a previously installed offshore jacket is provided. The system comprises at least two primary load transfer units, at least one secondary load transfer unit, and a plurality of drop block assemblies. The primary load transfer units are designed to absorb a portion of the weight of the integrated deck as the integrated deck is lowered onto the jacket. The secondary load transfer units are designed to engage after a portion of the weight of the integrated deck has been absorbed by the primary load transfer units and to assist the primary load transfer units in absorbing an additional portion of the weight of the integrated deck as it continues to be lowered onto the jacket. The drop block assemblies are designed to disengage the integrated deck from the barge and thereby transfer the remaining weight of the integrated deck to the jacket.

Abstract: An artificial island structure which is constructed on land can be conveyed to and placed in a vertical standing position on an underwater base site by loading the island structure, while horizontal, on a floating buoyant carrier, transporting the carrier with island structure thereon to a large displacement buoyant vessel, journalling one end of the carrier to the vessel, transporting the vessel with carrier and island structure to a position over the underwater base site, ballasting the carrier until it swings to an upright position, suspending the upright island structure from the vessel, disconnecting the carrier from the island structure, and lowering the island structure onto the underwater base site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a floating apparatus (1, 2, 18) for the construction of columnlike elements (16, 17), forming part of a pier, a jetty or the like marine structure, in which a first part (16) is manufactured on a support (5) attached to the floating apparatus. Whilst said apparatus rests on the waterbottom (15), which first part (16) is lowered on the waterbotton (15) after lifting the floating apparatus to free it from the waterbottom and after displacement to a place with deeper water. There the next part (17) is made upon the still deeper water, lowered again until they rest on the bottom, after which the next part is made and so on until the final height and destination are reached. The floating apparatus is completely equiped (10, 11, 14) for performing the work and has a construction such, that it can be disengaged from the finished structure.

Abstract: A lattice framework to form or when forming an offshore structure capable of supporting a deck above the water for offshore operations, such as drilling for oil or gas for exploration or production as well as radar stations and the like where it is desired to maintain a stable platform in a fixed position over the sea bed, having four main legs which branch out into buttresses to support a spread base at the lower part of the structure and in which two of the main legs form launch rails on which the structure can be launched from a barge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a marine superstructure on a vessel floating in a body of water to a working site, placing the semi submersible part of the apparatus into a body of water, lowering the semi submersible into a stable position, moving the marine superstructure from the vessel and onto the semi submersible, elevating the semi submersible with the marine superstructure over the marine structure, lowering the semi submersible vessel and the marine superstructure, causing the marine superstructure to rest on the marine structure, pulling the semi submersible away from the marine structure and marine superstructure and placing the semi submersible back onto the vessel. To remove the marine superstructure from the marine structure and place the marine superstructure onto the vessel the same method is used in reverse.

Abstract: Both an offshore platform mating system and method are disclosed in which adjacent first and second jacket sections are provided with a plurality of corresponding docking poles and receptacles, respectively. Alignment of the adjacent jacket sections is facilitated by using at least one extended or lead docking pole on the first jacket section which projects further toward the second jacket section than do the other docking poles and is thus the first to engage one of the horizontally aligned receptacles when the first and second jacket sections vertically approach. Mating procedures for the first and second jacket sections continue with rotational alignment of the first and second jacket sections about the lead docking pole which acts as a pivot while alignment of the other receptacles is adjusted with respect to the other docking poles.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery and launch of secondary watercraft such as SALM bases, barges and the like onto and from the deck of a host ship, comprising a pair of elongated inclined skid beam assemblies extending transversely across the host ship defining a pair of parallel skid paths spaced apart longitudinally of the ship, each skid beam assembly comprising a stationary skid beam section and a hinged skid beam section. The stationary skid beam section has a substantially rectilinear skid surface spanning a major portion of the width of the ship's deck and extending in an inclined plane relative to the deck defining a wedge-like skid formation converging toward a side of the vessel for slidably supporting the secondary watercraft during launch and recovery thereof.

Abstract: A load transfer system and method for its use for mating an integrated deck structure onto an offshore platform substructure at an offshore location is disclosed. The load transfer system utilizes a probe extending downwardly from the integrated deck and adapted to mate with the substructure, and a shock-load absorbing system having a first spring with a linear compressive response and a second spring with a variable compressive response mounted in series between the integrated deck and the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a marine superstructure on a vessel floating in a body of water to a working site, placing the semi submersible part of the apparatus into a body of water, lowering the semi submersible into a stable position, moving the marine superstructure from the vessel and onto the semi submersible, elevating the semi submersible with the marine superstructure over the marine structure, lowering the semi submersible vessel and marine superstructure, causing the marine superstructure to rest on the marine structure, pulling the semi submersible away from the marine structure and marine superstructure and placing the semi submersible back onto the vessel. To remove the marine superstructure from the marine structure and place the marine superstructure onto the vessel the same method is used in reverse.

Abstract: A method of controlling the vertical position of a body in water, where the body has or is given a positive buoyancy, providing a structure which is of sufficient weight to give the body negative buoyancy, providing a structure which is separate from the body and from which to support the load over the body, and providing a device for lowering the load into engagement with the body.

Abstract: The equipped deck (1) is charged onto a self-elevating platform (2). The platform is positioned close to the fixed platform (11) and the deck is lifted from the self-elevating platform (2) to the level of the fixed platform (11). The deck is slid on the fixed platform (11) by means of a cradle (6) mounted on blocks provided with regulating jacks. The blocks co-operate with sliding ways provided on each of the platforms. The two platforms are coupled by means of a guiding frome (12).

Abstract: A modular spaced framed structure is constructed using uniform components to provide the desired geometry of the modular structure. The structure is comprised of a plurality of rigid Y-shaped devices, each of which has three tubular branches which are disposed at respective predetermined space angles with respect to one another, and a plurality of panels spanning the spaces between the devices. Linear coupling members are also provided for interconnecting abutting branches of adjacent devices. In the preferred embodiment the three branches of each device are oriented at respective space angles of 108.degree., 108.degree. and 108.degree. so that a tower structure having a pentagonal horizontal cross-section is formed. Each successive level of the tower below the apex has a substantially greater area than the level above it so that the legs of the tower are inclined to provide greater resistance to earthquake forces.

Abstract: A method of placing a template on the seafloor beneath a floating vessel. The method comprises suspending the template beneath at least one sling-mounted pendant buoy and using a tow cable and restraint cable to position the template in a position generally centered beneath the vessel. An extendable support, such as a drill string, may be connected to a previously attached descent sling, control lines and buoy slings detached, additional ballast added as needed, and the template lowered to the seafloor.

Abstract: A light-weight, modular drilling template. A template is constructed of light-weight tubular steel having ring stiffeners to provide adequate crush resistance to withstand collapse under hydraulic loading provided by water pressure at 1800 feet water depth. The template is constructed as a pod-receiving frame with separable pods that may be installed after the frame has been set on the seafloor and leveled. The individual pods may be fine tune leveled by means of adjustable jacking mechanisms that form part of the latching devices that secure the pods to the frame. A method for installing a foundation template subsequent to installing the drilling template is also described.

Abstract: A method consists in at least partially surrounding a prefabricated structure by means of a floating caisson while leaving a gap of several meters between the caisson and the structure. Then, when the floating assembly constituted by the caisson and the structure is located at the site where the structure is to be grounded, the assembly is positioned and oriented approximately and the caisson is grounded on the sea bed or on a river bed by ballasting. Thereafter, the structure is grounded on the bed accurately in position and in orientation by ballasting the structure while using the grounded caisson as a fixed point for positioning and orienting the structure. This method may be used for accurately grounding a foundation for a bridge pier, and it also makes it possible to prefabricate and assemble a bridge superstructure (pier, pylon, deck, shrouds) on land or in a harbor, with the superstructure being temporarily supported on the caisson.

Abstract: A method of installing a floatable pump apparatus and an anti-erosion plate at a selected location in a bounded water treatment basin wherein the floatable pump apparatus includes a float having a central opening therethrough and a motor and axial flow propeller-type pump. A winch is temporarily mounted on the upper side of the float and one end of the winch cable is extended downwardly through the central opening in the float and attached to the anti-erosion plate. The float and winch with the anti-erosion plate suspended from the winch cable is then lifted by a shore based crane and deposited in the water treatment basin adjacent the boundary of the basin. The float with the anti-erosion plate buoyantly supported thereby, is moved to the desired location in the basin and the winch then operated to lower the anti-erosion plate onto the bottom of the basin. The float is thereafter moved back to the boundary of the basin.

Abstract: A system for mating an integrated deck structure with an offshore substructure is provided. The system comprises a spud can attached to a leg of the integrated deck structure and a bin attached to a leg of the substructure for receiving the spud can. The bin contains a bed comprising a medium having variable stiffness and damping characteristics which is utilized to minimize the dynamic forces that occur between the integrated deck structure and the substructure during the mating procedure.

Abstract: A vessel (10) is provided for installing or removing a module (16) on or from a support structure (30) erected in a body of water. The vessel is able to suspend the module over the support structure by cranes (14, 15), enabling installation or removal of the module to be accomplished while the module is being suspended.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for installing the enbloc superstructure of an offshore platform on the fixed legs emerging from water of the lower structure or jacket including loading the whole superstructure on a vertically movable support platform provided on the deck of a semisubmersible raft or barge, completely submerging the raft in the vicinity of the jacket, the stability being maintained by vertical buoyancy tanks on the raft deck, and lifting the support platform and the superstructure by activating related hydraulic lift cylinders, to a height higher than that of the protruding ends of the jacket leg, independently from wave-motion of sea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Upper and lower connections form attachments between the truss members and the deck package at upper and lower elevational positions on the deck package. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length, in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch. Alternate embodiments include the use of a hydraulic cylinder as an example.

Abstract: A marine operations structure for use in arctic seas having steel/concrete composite ice walls positioned to permit multi-year ice ridges to be broken up with lower vertical forces imposed on the structure than heretofore possible. The structure provides for simultaneous contacting and fracturing of both surface ice floe and multi-year ice ridges by proportioning of the ratio of the annular dimension of a first sloped surface to the radius of the structure within the range of about from 0.15 to 0.30. The structure is fabricated by modular construction techniques which lowers total construction costs. The structure is in the form of a sixteen-sided polygonal sloped walled marine structure with internal ballast tanks for providing gravity founding of the structure on the sea floor. Modular drilling equipment is provided for and supported by the structure for use through two rectangular shaped moon pools extending vertical throughout the central core of the structure.

Abstract: A method for positioning an offshore platform jacket is used wherein the jacket is loaded on a barge in a conventional manner and towed out to sea to a predetermined offshore location. The barge is submerged, and the buoyant jacket is detacted. The jacket is towed away, and the barge is resurfaced for additional use.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure setting and recovery device and method that can lift great loads offshore. The unit consists of a conventional deck cargo barge fitted with one or more rails running almost the entire length of the barge. A horizontal jacking unit runs along the rail or rails. Pivotally attached to the horizontal jacking unit is an inclined jacking unit that is connected to the grappling arm by a rack and pinion. The grappling arm has attached to it grappling devices that will grab and hold the vertical or inclined members of the marine structure. At one end of the grappling arm is a buoyancy tank that can be filled with either water or air to make the grappling arm and buoyancy tank float or sink. The device will be moved up to a marine structure, clamp itself onto the structure and then pull the structure over. The buoyancy tanks will then be filled with air, transporting the marine structure to the surface. The horizontal jacking unit will then pull the unit up and onto the deck of the barge.

Abstract: A variable capacity floating articulated barge assembly including two barges which are pivotally connected at their mating ends. An elongated structure to be launched is jacked to initiate it sliding along skidways on each barge toward one end region where a pivotal support member finally supports this structure prior to it being launched from this barge assembly. During launching the barges and the support member of this assembly pivot with respect to each other depending upon the degree and location of the load.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for installing an integrated deck on a platform substructure located in a body of water. The deck is supported on jack-up means which, in turn, are mounted on a rigid pontoon raft having a U-shaped configuration. The jack-up means is capable of raising and lowering the deck to and from, respectively, the substructure and for raising the composite platform from one position and lowering it to another position offshore. The U-shaped opening in the raft is oriented so that the jack-up means on the barge straddles the substructure below the deck. Piles may be driven through the base from the raft and from the platform itself when the raft has been removed from the deck once the deck has been installed on the substructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a U-shaped arrangement of floats which are ballastable and deballastable so as to raise and lower their height in the water. On each parallel leg of the float arrangement, are mounted supporting beams that are movable along their longitudinal axes so that they may extend into the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats and also be retracted therefrom. The device may be used for lifting and transporting large loads by placing the load in the center of the U-shaped arrangement of floats while the floats are ballasted so that they sit low in the water, extending the supporting beams into the center of the arrangement of floats so that they are underneath the load, and then deballasting the floats so that they rise higher in the water while lifting the load.

Abstract: A subsea template is installed by a method which includes the steps of securing the template in a position beneath the deck of a semi-submersible drilling vessel, moving the semi-submersible drilling vessel to an appropriate offshore site and subsequently lowering the template from the semi-submersible to the sea bed. In addition, at least three anchorage templates may be loaded onto one or both of the pontoons of the semi-submersible drilling vessel at its original position and are subsequently lowered from the pontoons to their respective locations on the sea bed after the semi-submersible has moved to the offshore site.

Abstract: A device for damping impacts between a load (1) and a floating support (70) while the load is being removed from said support which includes at least one housing (10) on which the load rests. The device includes means (11, 15, 18) for automatically and irreversibly inserting a damping unit (14) between the load and its bearing point on the floating support as soon as the weight of the load is removed from the bearing point.

Abstract: A load transfer device and method is disclosed for rapid, controlled transfer of a load between two support surfaces such as transfer of a prefabricated deck from a barge to an offshore deck support structure. The load transfer device connects a piston chamber to a support base on the barge and receives the prefabricated deck on one end of the piston rod, the other end of which is received within the piston chamber and is supported upon an enclosing membrane of a bladder assembly which distends and contracts as hydraulic fluid enters and is dispelled therefrom to raise, support or lower the piston rod.