Abstract: A support structure for use in the offshore wind farm industry, and a method of manufacturing and installing same, including a foundation for installation on a seabed below a body of water and a tower connected to and extending upwards from the foundation and being capable of supporting at least an equipment unit. The foundation includes a bottom slab and a wall extending upwards from the bottom slab, thereby defining a first cavity for holding ballast and for providing buoyancy during tow-out and installation. The foundation further includes a circumferential skirt extending downwards from the bottom slab, thereby defining at least one compartment underneath the foundation.

Abstract: A tower structure (1) for use in a body of water, comprising a hollow outer section (2) with a first end (4) equipped with an opening. An inner section (3) is telescopically accommodated in the cavity of the outer section (2) and is telescopically movable in the outer section (2) from a position in which essentially the whole of the inner section is accommodated in the outer section to a position in which a length of the inner section projects above the first end of the outer section. The inner section comprises a plurality of chambers (6, 6?) fluid-connected via ducts (10?) and openings (9), and where at least one chamber is fluid-connected via at least one duct (10) to a source for a ballasting fluid (8), whereby the chambers (6) can selectively be filled with ballasting fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled deployment of ballast material onto a subsea location, preferably a subsea structure, comprising at least one chute for conveying said ballast material, said chute having a first end and a second end; at least one buoyancy element associated with the chute such that the chute may assume a generally vertical orientation in the water, supported by said buoyancy element; a support element associated with said chute and adapted for cooperation with an installation weight, said chute second end being adapted for connection to an element associated with the seabed.

Abstract: A tendon which is divided into compartments enclosing therein pressurized gas. A method for transporting a fluid containing tubular body or assembly of bodies above a sea/river bed floor and within a body of water. In addition to the method for transporting the tendon a method of installing and removing an internal pressurized tendon or assembly of tendons in a vertical position in a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tendon divided into compartment enclosing therein pressurized gas. The invention also relates to a method for transporting a fluid containing tubular body or assembly of bodies above a sea/river bed floor and within a body of water. In addition the invention comprises a method of installing and removing an internal pressurized tendon or assembly of tendons in a vertical position in a body of water.

Abstract: A suction anchor for mooring systems, especially from floating installations for offshore production of oil and gas. The anchor is made in the form of a hollow cylindrical body (2) that is open at both ends and is completely embedded in the seabed (1), i.e. it is surrounded by seabed mass on all sides. Such a deep siting of the anchor (2) results in several advantages. For instance, the anchor (2) will penetrate to a depth with presumably firmer masses. The danger of a split on the back of the anchor is also avoided. The anchor can be left behind after use, because it lies at an approved depth. The anchor is mounted by means of a top piece designed as an inverted beaker-shaped part provided with a vent hole so that the anchor can be suction penetrated. The top piece is recovered and used again for lowering other similar anchors. Advantageous embodiments/sitings of the anchor cable (5,7) connected to the anchor are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installation of heavy, ballastable, gravity fundament structures on the sea bottom at large depths. In accordance with the invention, there is utilized air, water, and a liquid lighter than water in various proportions and combinations to provide the structure with the required buoyancy and submerged weight during the sequential phases of the transport and descent operations in order to finally position the structure in a selected location on the sea bottom. Various modes can be used to accomplish the descent and the structure may in a final stage be penetrated down into the sea bottom to a sufficient degree.

Abstract: The immersion and positioning of a sink element on the sea bottom is controlled by providing a weight system suspended from the sink element. An auxiliary surface vessel has a control cable directly connecting the vessel with the weights system suspended from the sink element. The sink element is immersed with the weight system suspended therefrom and therebelow until the weight system contacts the sea bottom and the sink element reaches a preselected stabilized equilibrium elevational position above the sea bottom. Then the sink element can be laterally displaced while substantially maintaining the height of the sink element above the sea bottom by having the auxiliary surface vessel pull on the control cable connected to the weight system in a direction of movement towards the final location site. The weight system contacts the sea bottom during this movement to help control the movement of the sink element and minimize the influence of outside forces.