Abstract: A deep draft semi submersible structure wherein the semi-submersible has a center of gravity below its center of buoyancy and the structure is a floating vessel with at least three vertically oriented buoyant columns. Each of the vertically oriented buoyant columns have at least one ballasted compartment and the columns are spaced apart at a sufficient distance to reduce vortex induced vibration amplitude. There are at least two connecting structural sealed trusses connected to the columns below sea level, they are positioned to minimize hydrodynamic wave action on the trusses and to transfer shear loads between the columns while remaining transparent to wave and ocean current motion.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification unit wherein a buoy can be floated in the water for engaging a floating vessel for transport of LNG and a storage vessel can have a deep water gas storage system for storing a compressed gas. A inflexible thin single walled vessel can be for storing compressed gas under water in deep water, wherein the storage vessel is pressure equalized by water surrounding the inflexible thin single walled vessel. A compressed gas intake can be for admitting and discharging compressed gas to and from the inflexible thin single walled vessel. A water port can be for admitting and discharging water to the inflexible thin walled storage vessel and a valve disposed at the compressed gas intake to the inflexible thin single walled vessel for controlling compressed gas admission and discharge to the vessel.

Abstract: A deep ocean gas storage system for storing compressed gas, the system comprising an inflexible thin walled storage vessel anchored to the sea floor having an axis located in water substantially perpendicular to and on a sea floor below sea level, a gas intake for admitting and discharging compressed natural gas to and from the vessel; a water port for admitting and discharging water to the vessel using hydrostatic pressure to discharge compressed gas from the vessel at a substantially constant discharge pressure as the volume of the gas in the storage vessel decreases when water content of the vessel increases; a conduit fluidly connected with the water port oriented substantially parallel to the axis having a discharge opening above the level of sea water in the vessel; and a valve disposed at the gas intake to the vessel for controlling compressed gas admission and discharge.

Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel comprising a plurality of stabilizing columns, a deck disposed between the tops of the columns, at least one void tank in one stabilizing column, at least one active variable ballast compartment disposed below the void tank, at least one emergency water ballast compartment disposed at the bottom of the stabilizing column below the active variable ballast compartment and below the void tank, wherein the emergency water ballast compartment is flooded during normal operating conditions, a pressurized air source for expelling water from the emergency ballast compartment, at least one control valve connected to the pressurized air source for rapidly passing air into the emergency water ballast compartment, and at least one port in the emergency water ballast compartment for expelling water from the emergency water ballast compartment.

Abstract: A guide for a buoyancy can on a floating offshore platform. The platform includes at least one support structure adjacent the buoyancy can. The guide comprises at least one compression pad supported by the support structure and adjacent the exterior surface of the buoyancy can. Lateral movement of the buoyancy can toward the support structure compresses the compression pad so as to absorb the force generated by the buoyancy can movement, and so as to protect the buoyancy can and components of the floating offshore platform from damage.

Abstract: There is provided a guide for a buoyancy can on a floating offshore platform. The platform includes at least one support structure adjacent the buoyancy can. The guide comprises at least one compression pad supported by the support structure and adjacent the exterior surface of the buoyancy can. Lateral movement of the buoyancy can toward the support structure compresses the compression pad so as to absorb the force generated by the buoyancy can movement, and so as to protect the buoyancy can and components of the floating offshore platform from damage.