Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A dual-BOP or multi-BOP self-standing riser configuration is disclosed, including at least a riser or another similarly fixed tubular structure disposed in communication with an associated drilling vessel and a subsurface well. The system supplements the traditional mud-line level BOP with one or more additional near-surface BOPs, which are tensioned using an adjustable buoyancy chamber rather than by means of a vessel-born tensioning device.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for installing, maintaining and controlling a self-standing riser (SSR). SSRs are installed using wire pulleys or weights to place the SSRs over a wellhead. A flow diverter, which may be incorporated into or separate from a buoyancy chamber, allowing diversion of flow both into and out of an SSR. Non-annular buoyancy chambers configured to receive a riser of an SSR through a slot of the buoyancy chamber.

Abstract: A system and method of establishing an offshore exploration and production system is disclosed, in which a well casing is disposed in communication with an adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well hole bored into the floor of a body of water. A lower connecting member joins the well casing and the chamber, and an upper connecting member joins the adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well terminal member. A lift device is disposed in communication with the lower connecting member to increase the flow of fluids throughout the system. The chamber's adjustable buoyancy enables an operator to vary the height or depth of the well terminal member, and to vary the vertical tension imparted to drilling and production strings throughout exploration and production operations.

Abstract: An offshore coiled tubing deployment system is provided, wherein the system includes a sea vessel hull configured to include a mounted coiled tubing spool; and a mast configured to guide lengths of coiled tubing received from said mounted coiled tubing spool. Methods, means and locations for the mounted coiled tubing spool are also provided, as well as lubricated coiled tubing riser assemblies which interface with self-standing riser systems. Tractors, swivel plates, buoyancy devices and positioning systems therefor; and a self-standing riser system joined with one or more of a blowout preventer, wellhead, production tree or injection tree are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A multi-tiered self-standing riser system includes one or more intermediate buoyancy chambers configured to provide an upward lifting force on strings of associated riser assemblies. The intermediate chambers have either an open-bottomed or closed container design. The chambers can further include an auxiliary buoyant material designed to either mix with or contain pressurized fluids injected into the chambers. The self-standing riser system further includes a lower riser assembly affixed to a primary well-drilling fixture. The system also includes an upper riser assembly and one or more additional buoyancy chambers disposed in either direct or indirect communication with one another, as well as with drilling, production and exploration equipment as required by associated operations.

Abstract: A dual-BOP or multi-BOP self-standing riser configuration is disclosed, including at least a riser or another similarly fixed tubular structure disposed in communication with an associated drilling vessel and a subsurface well. The system supplements the traditional mud-line level BOP with one or more additional near-surface BOPs, which are tensioned using an adjustable buoyancy chamber rather than by means of a vessel-born tensioning device.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: An offshore coiled tubing deployment system is provided, wherein the system includes a sea vessel hull configured to include a mounted coiled tubing spool; and a mast configured to guide lengths of coiled tubing received from said mounted coiled tubing spool. Methods, means and locations for the mounted coiled tubing spool are also provided, as well as lubricated coiled tubing riser assemblies which interface with self-standing riser systems. Tractors, swivel plates, buoyancy devices and positioning systems therefor; and a self-standing riser system joined with one or more of a blowout preventer, wellhead, production tree or injection tree are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser system is provided, wherein the vessel hull is configured to receive, transfer and deploy components of a self-standing riser system. The vessel hull includes at least a landing platform, a component transfer means, and a deployment platform suitable for deploying the riser components into associated surrounding waters. Various means of assisting the process whereby self-standing riser components are loaded onto the vessel and stored; transferred from receiving to deployment platforms; and deployed from the vessel into surrounding waters are also considered.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. Other aspects comprise improved platform floor plans, with various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means also being described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are methods and means of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and for adding extension members to extend the length of a support post as needed during installation, maintenance or operations.

Abstract: A dual-BOP or multi-BOP self-standing riser configuration is disclosed, including at least a riser or another similarly fixed tubular structure disposed in communication with an associated drilling vessel and a subsurface well. The system supplements the traditional mud-line level BOP with one or more additional near-surface BOPs, which are tensioned using an adjustable buoyancy chamber rather than by means of a vessel-born tensioning device.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.