Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring a derrick from a jack-up rig to an offshore platform are disclosed which include positioning the rig and platform next to each other, providing an elevator pad on the platform that is set at the same level as the deck of the rig, installing skid beams between the deck of the rig and the top of the elevator pad, skidding the rig from the rig to the pad, and lowering the pad and derrick to the normal level of the platform for use in drilling operations.

Abstract: The present invention is of a deepwater platform which incorporates a central two-piece tower extending from the ocean floor to at least a few feet above the ocean surface. The central tower is divided into an upper tower section and a lower tower section, with the lower tower section being substantially higher than the upper tower section. The tops of outwardly and downwardly positioned struts are connected to the tower at the dividing point between the upper and lower tower sections. Both the lower end of the central tower and the lower ends of the struts are anchored to the ocean floor by driving piles through pile sleeves secured thereto. The dividing line between the upper tower section and the lower tower section depends upon the angle at which the struts are positioned against the tower.

Abstract: Method of utilizing a jack-up well drilling rig in shallow water to drill an isolated well having an unsupported well conductor, and subsequently to attach a reinforcing frame near the water line and to drive pile through the frame into the ocean floor without moving the jack-up rig off location.

Abstract: A utility bridge suitable for connecting offshore facilities such as offshore platforms is disclosed in which a plurality of helical pipelines provide flow communication between the facilities and relative movement of the facilities in response to environmental forces is provided for by helical pipelines with torsion expansion loops supported by a substantially rigid frame of the utility bridge which has means to prevent coupling of dynamic forces between the respective offshore facilities.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reinforcing a shallow water unsupported well conductor by positioning a well jacket adjacent the well conductor, raising the jacket to a selected height above the ocean floor, driving pile through the legs of the jacket, connecting each pile to a surrounding leg and operatively connecting the jacket to the well conductor with the jacket being supported on the piles above the ocean floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning drilling equipment modules on an offshore platform apparatus which are removeably connected to the platform and adapted to contain equipment associated with the drilling of wells. A major portion of the equipment is secured to and within the modules and is simultaneously removeable with the modules as a unit when drilling operations on the platform apparatus have been completed. The drilling equipment modules are transported to a second location which may be either a jacket positioned on the ocean floor or a storage yard for future use of the modules on another platform. Alternatively, production equipment modules containing previously-installed equipment associated with the production of well fluids and being of a size and arrangement to be interchangeable with drilling equipment modules are subsequently lowered onto the platform apparatus next to the wellhead equipment modules after drilling operations on the platform apparatus have been completed.