Abstract: A support structure is disclosed for use in drilling and production operations having one end positioned above a body of water and another end below the body of water on a bed. The support structure includes a base and a jacket structure having at least three jacket legs and support members for supporting a structure, such as a deck. The base has at least four cylindrical base legs engageably positioned in a generally rectangular pattern on the bed and a base frame connected to the cylindrical base legs. The cylindrical base legs start and terminate below the body of water. The jacket has a first jacket leg, a second jacket leg, a third jacket leg. The first, second, and third jacket legs start below the body of water and terminate above the body of water and are positioned with the support members for supporting a structure above the body of water. The first jacket leg is attached to one of the cylindrical base legs and the second jacket leg is attached to another of the cylindrical base legs.

Abstract: A support structure for use with at least two wells, and a method for providing and supporting at least two wells in the ground beneath a body of water, includes a caisson, a plurality of conductors, and a guide frame, which support at least two wells without the use of any piles or brace members, the at least two wells being supported solely by the conductors, the caisson, and the guide frame.