Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for deploying one or more plate anchors on the seafloor prior to later installation (embedment) of the plate anchors using an installation tool such as a suction follower. The methods and apparatus may be used for batch-setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor for a drilling vessel mooring in which the plate anchors and an installation tool are subsequently engaged for subsequent suction embedment of the plate anchors to design penetration depth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a self-directed (i.e., autonomous), steerable gravity-embedded anchor. This anchor free-falls through the water column, accelerates due to gravity and uses its kinetic energy to embed itself into the seafloor so as to function as an anchor for mooring of both floating vessels and other underwater structures. Unlike existing gravity-embedded plate anchors, this device can steer itself to its intended target location on the seafloor, enhancing placement accuracy and allowing release directly from an installation vessel on the water surface, thereby greatly simplifying installation.

Abstract: Releasable mooring systems and methods for drilling vessels that may be implemented with dockable and releasable mooring buoys to provide for both a quick disconnect of the mooring system from a drilling vessel and for re-connection of the drilling vessel when the vessel returns to the well site.

Abstract: Releasable mooring systems and methods for drilling vessels that may be implemented with dockable and releasable mooring buoys to provide for both a quick disconnect of the mooring system from a drilling vessel and for re-connection of the drilling vessel when the vessel returns to the well site.

Abstract: An anchor handling/tug/supply (AHTS) vessel is employed to engage conductor casings with the seafloor. The conductor casings initially penetrate the seafloor to a first depth under their own weight. The conductor casings may optimally be further engaged with the seafloor to a second depth by the application of suction to the interiors thereof or by the use of a drop hammer. The conductor casings are driven to grade by a hydraulic pile driving hammer deployed from the deck of the AHTS vessel the previously deployed conductor casings to grade before being recovered to the deck of the AHTS vessel.