Abstract: A flexible joint is provided for facilitating bending of tubular segments. The flexible joint includes an outer cylindrical housing and at least one inner tubular member disposed within the outer cylindrical housing. The outer cylindrical housing has a first end which has an inwardly projecting bevel-shaped portion. The inner tubular member has a first end which has an outwardly projecting bevel-shaped portion. An elastomeric pad is bonded between an inner surface of the outer cylindrical housing and an outer surface of the inner tubular member at their respective first ends. The elastomeric pad has a bevel-shaped section which is adjacent to the inwardly projecting bevel-shaped portion of the first end of the outer cylindrical housing and the outwardly projecting bevel-shaped portion of the first end of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an offshore platform fendering system includes the steps of installing a jib crane on a platform leg above the existing fendering system, detaching the upper and lower load cells from the leg, and removing the existing fendering system using the jib crane in concert with a support vessel crane. The upper load cell of the existing fendering system is detached to leave a protruding cylindrical stub. Using the jib crane and vessel crane, a new unitary fendering system is then positioned next to the leg. The upper load cell is coupled to the stub and the lower load cell is clamped to the leg. The new fendering system is installed as a unitary piece, that is, an elongated bumper with the upper and lower load cells already attached.