Abstract: A tension leg means for a marine platform having a hawse pipe positionable over an anchor template guide frame means which includes one or more anchor pile members set in a seabed, each tension leg means comprising one or more tension pipe strings each including a plurality of pipe string members interconnected by couplings. A connector means secures each pipe string to an anchor pile member in a manner to lock the pipe string against relative rotation with respect to the anchor pile member. The pipe string extends into said hawse pipe and a quick latch connector means supported by the platform is arranged to quickly latchably connect the upper end of the tension pipe string to the latch connector means and platform while permitting adjustment of tension in the tension pipe string. Tension pipe strings are adjusted to substantially uniform tension by the latch connector means.

Abstract: A method of conducting offshore well operations including exploration drilling and production from a single floatable platform which is converted from semisubmersible exploration mode to tension leg production mode at a well site.