Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore structure for offshore operations. In an embodiment, the structure comprises a buoyant hull. The hull comprises a first elongate horizontal pontoon having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The pontoon includes a first node disposed at the first end of the pontoon, a second node disposed at the second end of the pontoon, and an intermediate section extending axially from the first node to the second node. Moreover, the first node has a width W1, the second node has a width W2, and the intermediate section has a width W3 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in bottom view. The width W3 varies moving axially from the first node to the second node.

Abstract: An articulated flowline connection, or coupling, between a flowline and a structure. In some embodiments, the coupling includes a housing and three cylindrical members, each disposed within the housing. The housing has a first longitudinal centerline. The first cylindrical member is rotatable relative to the housing about the first centerline, the first cylindrical member supporting the flowline, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the first centerline relative to the housing. The second cylindrical members are immovable relative to the structure. The housing and the first cylindrical member disposed therein are rotatable about a second axis normal to the first centerline relative to the second and third cylindrical members, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the second axis relative to the structure. In some embodiments, the flowline is also rotatable about a third axis normal to the first centerline and the second axis relative to the coupling.