Abstract: A pile gripper which uniformly engages a plurality of gripper teeth against a pile during engagement and uniformly retracts those same gripper teeth during disengagement is described. In one embodiment, the pile gripper is comprised of a an elastomeric bag, a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially on the pile-side of the gripper's structure, and a plurality of segment retraction elements. Each segment has a plurality of teeth which are used to "grip" an anchor pile. Segment teeth direction may alternate from segment to segment or segment group to segment group. Each segment group comprises a plurality of N segments, and each segment in a segment group is operatively coupled via grouping bars to the other segments in the segment group.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an offshore platform fendering system includes the steps of installing a jib crane on a platform leg above the existing fendering system, detaching the upper and lower load cells from the leg, and removing the existing fendering system using the jib crane in concert with a support vessel crane. The upper load cell of the existing fendering system is detached to leave a protruding cylindrical stub. Using the jib crane and vessel crane, a new unitary fendering system is then positioned next to the leg. The upper load cell is coupled to the stub and the lower load cell is clamped to the leg. The new fendering system is installed as a unitary piece, that is, an elongated bumper with the upper and lower load cells already attached.