Abstract: A marine structure which includes a jack-up platform assembly having a platform and at least three support legs, each leg having a generally cylindrical adapter at a lower end thereof. A support assembly includes a receptacle for each of the support legs, the receptacle mating with the support leg adapter and supporting the platform assembly, enabling the platform to be jacked up above an ocean surface. A stop assembly is removably attached to each of the support legs, the stop assembly being spaced from the support leg adapter and including a stationary part which mechanically engages a portion of the receptacle when the support leg adapter penetrates a predetermined distance into the receptacle. The stop assembly is secured to the receptacle by pins extending through a part of the stop assembly and a part of the receptacle.

Abstract: A deep water support assembly for a jack-up type marine structure comprises a support base, pile guides in the base through which piles are driven to anchor the support base to a marine floor, at least one receptacle containing a grouting material and adapted to mate with the jack-up structure for providing an anchoring foundation, and a support structure for supporting the receptacle at a fixed height below the marine surface. A method of assembling the marine structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drydocking method and apparatus including a moment resisting arrangement for maintaining the drydocking device in a substantially horizontal plane while raising or lowering a vessel relative to a surface of a body of water. The drydocking device includes a submersible pontoon having a first side positioned adjacent to a single fixed structure and having an arrangement for selectively introducing air or water into at least one chamber within the pontoon for raising and lowering the pontoon, respectively. The pontoon has a moment resisting arrangement which includes a cable secured to the fixed structure and extending around a first sheave positioned adjacent to the first side of the pontoon. The cable extends across the pontoon and around a second sheave positioned adjacent to a second opposite side of the pontoon to an anchoring arrangement beneath the second side of the pontoon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jacking apparatus for effecting relative vertical movement between an upright leg and a platform. The jacking apparatus includes a frame having at least two generally vertical parallel side rails. A carrier arranged adjacent the upright leg is movably carried along the frame by fluid cylinders for vertical movement relative to the rails. First and second elongated jack tracks are fixedly secured in a generally vertical orientation to the upright leg. Each of the jack tracks is received within a correspondingly shaped recess in the carrier. Each of the jack tracks further includes a plurality of regularly spaced openings extending completely through the jack track in a direction generally along the circumference of the leg. First and second pins supported by the carrier are selectively engaged in an aligned one of the openings in the first and second jack tracks to prevent vertical movement of the carrier relative to the leg.

Abstract: A jacking assembly for a leg of a jackup offshore platform includes driving assembly and a movable carriage. The driving assembly includes a pair of counterrotating pinions spaced to receive a double-toothed gear rack of the carriage. The driving assembly is attached to the platform so that it can be entirely removed for reuse, if desired. The double-toothed gear rack is pivotally connected to a movable yoke at the upper end which yoke surrounds the leg. Surfaces of the double-edged gear rack are provided with stiffening members that cooperate with the driving assemblies to guide the gear rack during relative movement between the leg and the offshore platform. To selectively connect the carriage with the leg, the movable yoke is provided with a plurality of actuators having pins received by openings at preselected distances along the leg. A locking device is provided on the platform to engage other openings on the leg to fix the relative location of the platform and the leg while the carriage is repositioned.

Abstract: Jacking apparatus is disclosed for effecting relative vertical movement between an upright leg and a platform. The jacking apparatus comprises a frame which includes a cross member mounted on the platform. Vertically spaced first and second fluid cylinders are carried by the platform, with the first cylinder being mounted on the cross member. Each fluid cylinder carries a beam and a holding device for selectively coupling the beam to the leg. The power cylinders and the holding devices are operated 180.degree. out of phase to effect step-by-step movement of the platform relative to the leg. Power transfer chains operably connect the first and second fluid cylinders to the cross member of the support frame to transfer forces from the first and second fluid cylinders directly to the cross member. As a result, a relatively balanced distribution of vertical forces is applied to the cross member thereby reducing its size requirements.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for connecting two vessels, such as a tugboat and a barge, to form a composite vessel, are disclosed. The method uses hydraulically powered apparatus completely controlled from one of the vessels to extend a shaft from one vessel toward the other vessel which has apparatus to capture the extended shaft. The method accommodates substantial misalignment between the vessels being connected by permitting lateral adjustment during connection. The apparatus for effecting the connection includes an active member carried by one of the vessels and a passive member carried by the other of the vessels. The active member is hydraulically actuated, includes a longitudinally reciprocable shaft which is actuated by a powered toggle linkage, and includes a release mechanism. The passive member is carried by the other of the vessels and automatically engages the shaft of the active member.