Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembles installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor. The plate anchor may comprise first and second plate members, the second plate member pivoting relative to the first plate member to prevent upward movement of the anchor.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembly is installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembles installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor.