Abstract: A staggered fairing system is disclosed for suppressing vortex-induced vibration of a substantially cylindrical marine element in a plurality of fixed fairings are deployed. Each fairing has a leading edge substantially defined by the circular profile of the marine element and a pair of shaped sides departing from the circular profile of the marine riser and converging at a trailing edge. The connections between the marine element and the fairings through which the fairings are secured to the marine element in a non-rotative manner hold the fairings in an array of different orientations along the axis of the marine element. A method for protecting a substantially cylindrical marine element from vortex-induced vibration is also disclosed in which a plurality of fairings are installed about the marine element in a non-rotative manner so as establish an array of fairing orientations along the axis of the marine element.

Abstract: A method for reducing VIV is disclosed for a spar platform having a deck, a cylindrical hull having a buoyant tank assembly, a counterweight and an counterweight spacing structure. The overall aspect ratio of the hull is reduced by providing one or more abrupt changes in hull diameter below the waterline.