Abstract: A concrete vessel is provided with a loading and unloading system, in which the vessel has an inner hull skin which is generally cylindrically curved. An outer hull skin is provided, which is transversally spaced from, and peripherally encloses the inner hull skin. The outer hull skin is planar on an upper side, so as to form a deck. A barge dock or hanger is located between the deck and the inner hull skin. A gate is provided in the outer hull skin between the deck and the inner hull skin for floating a barge to and from the dock or hanger.

Abstract: A monolithic concrete marine vessel hull construction includes an inner hull skin including at least two transversely interconnected, longitudinally, horizontally coextensive hull shells made of vertically slip-formed concrete. Each of these inner hull shells is generally cylindrically curved on inner and outer peripheral surfaces thereof. Each inner hull shell is closed at its opposite ends by end walls. The hull construction further includes an outer hull skin including an outer hull shell made of vertically slip-formed concrete that is transversely spaced from and peripherally encloses the inner hull skin. The outer hull skin is planar on its upper side and curved perimetrically on its lower side. There are a plurality of concrete bulkheads which extend between and effectively interconnect the inner and outer hull skins. The outer hull shell is closed at its opposite ends by bow and stern members. A concrete deck forms an integral part of the planar upper side of the outer shell.

Abstract: A marine construction includes a hull for vessel made of concrete. The hull has at least two circular cylinders and additional cylinders either outside the circular cylinders or as interposed cylinder members of triangular cross-section adjacent the at least two circular cylinders. The construction is usable for transport, storage, floating docks, submarines, aircraft carriers, and the like.

Abstract: The invention is related to an offshore platform with storage facilities for natural resources, such as LNG. The invention is particularly concerned with the problem of providing sufficient safety in storing such products, e.g., protection against collision with tankers.

Abstract: A floating offshore platform is provided which, in operation, is anchored to the sea bed by an anchoring device. The platform includes an elongate column-like structure which, in operation, floats in an upright position. An anchoring device is connected to the elongate structure by at least one vertically extending cable or the like which is tensioned to restrain vertical displacement of the structure, and a plurality of generally horizontally extending members which interconnect the lower end of the structure with the anchoring device so as to restrain lateral displacement of the lower end of the structure. With this arrangement, the column-like structure behaves as a floating column pivoted to the sea bed.

Abstract: A marine structure for the handling of liquids such as hydrocarbons comprises a substructure including a plurality of cells. A watertight superstructure extends upwardly from at least one but preferably some of the cells to a height above sea level whereat it supports a deck structure. Within one of the cells which includes a superstructure a column is formed, which column extends upwardly from the bottom of the cell to a substantial height, preferably above sea level, and is arranged such that at least an upper portion of the space within the column located below sea level is kept dry so that machinery or the like can be stored thereat. Pipes extending upwardly from the cells can be formed integrally with and even in the walls of the column. The column may extend all the way to the deck.

Abstract: A method of supporting a structure, such as a drilling structure used in offshore oil activities. The structure includes a caisson having at least one ballast cell and a plurality of skirts extending downwardly below the base of the caisson. The skirts define compartments which are open at their lower ends. The structure is floated to a location at sea and is then sunk. Ballast is then introduced into the ballast cell to cause the skirts to penetrate downwardly into deeper layers of sea bed soil. The skirts thus form closed compartments. Sea water trapped within the compartments is then removed and ballast is then removed from the ballast cell to reduce the vertical load on the sea bed to a load level such that the sea bed material does not fail. Movement of the structure is primarily restrained by adherence and friction between the sea bed and the skirts and by temporary pressure differentials within the closed compartments created by partial movement of the structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a caisson adapted to bear against the sea floor, constructed such that it contacts the sea floor with a minimum of motion. The caisson includes downwardly protruding members which make first contact with the sea bottom, thereby reducing the motion of the caisson by an acceptable level when the more fragile portions reach the sea floor.