Mooring Systems

Abstract

Mooring systems for mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water. In some embodiments, the mooring system can include a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed and a plurality of mooring assemblies. Each mooring assembly can include a yoke and a tether. The yoke can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the yoke can be configured to be connected to the base structure such that the yoke can be partially rotatable about an axis relative to the base structure. The tether can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether can be configured to be connected to the yoke toward the second end of the yoke. The second end of the tether can be configured to be connected to the structure floating on the surface of the body of water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/743,707, filed on January 10, 2025, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to mooring systems for offshore platform systems. More particularly, such embodiments relate to mooring systems for mooring an offshore structure floating on a surface of a body of water.

BACKGROUND

In the offshore energy industry, and particularly the offshore floating wind industry, it is often necessary or desirable to moor a structure floating on the surface of the body of water to the seabed. These structures can include a wind turbine generator disposed on the structure. Certain structure configurations, e.g., the Tension Leg Platform (TLP), are available and have been used in oil and gas applications. TLP systems typically utilize vertically arranged tubular steel tendons to moor the platform to the seabed. Such systems can be expensive and difficult to install.

Traditional spread mooring systems are also available to moor the structure to the seabed. These systems typically include a plurality of mooring legs that include chain, wire, and/or synthetic ropes. However, these systems can be ineffective, can require large components, and can be expensive to procure and install.

There is a need, therefore, for improved mooring systems for mooring an offshore structure floating on a surface of a body of water.

SUMMARY

Mooring systems for mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water are provided. In some embodiments, the mooring system can include a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed and a plurality of mooring assemblies. Each mooring assembly in the plurality of mooring assemblies can include a yoke and a tether. The yoke can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the yoke can be configured to be connected to the base structure such that the yoke can be partially rotatable about an axis relative to the base structure. The tether can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether can be configured to be connected to the yoke toward the second end of the yoke, and the second end of the tether can be configured to be connected to the structure floating on the surface of the body of water.

In some embodiments, a mooring system for mooring a semisubmersible structure floating on a surface of a body of water can include a first column, a second column, and a third column. The mooring system can include a base structure and a first mooring assembly, a second mooring assembly, and a third mooring assembly. The base structure can be configured to be disposed on a seabed. Each of the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly can include a yoke and a tether. The yoke can include a first end, a second end, and a ballast tank disposed on the yoke toward the second thereof that can be configured to contain a ballast material. The tether can include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The first elongated member and the second elongated member can each include a first end and a second end. The first end of the first elongated member and the first end of the second elongated member can be connected to one another via a first equalizer and the second end of the first elongated member and second end of the second elongated member can be connected to one another via a second equalizer. The first end of each yoke can be configured to be connected to the base structure via a hinge assembly. Each hinge assembly can include a first hinge, a second hinge, and a thrust bearing. The first hinge and the second hinge in each hinge assembly can be configured to permit the first ends of each yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly to rotate relative to the base structure about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, respectively. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis can each be substantially horizontal. The first hinge and the second hinge in each hinge assembly can be configured to transmit a load between the first ends of each yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly and the base structure that can be substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively. The thrust bearing in each hinge assembly can be configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly, respectively, and the base structure that can be substantially parallel to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively. The first equalizer can be configured to be connected to the second end of the yoke via a first dual axis joint. The second equalizer can be configured to be connected to a corresponding column of the semisubmersible structure via a second dual axis joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows in reference to the drawings by way of non-limiting embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative mooring system mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of another illustrative mooring system, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 3 depicts a detailed view of the mooring system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative connection detail between the mooring system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a structure floating on the surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative connection detail between a tether and a weight of the mooring system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another illustrative mooring system mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the mooring system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 mooring a triangular shaped floating platform floating on a surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the mooring system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 mooring a spar type floating platform on a surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the mooring system shown in FIG. 7 that includes a wind turbine generator disposed on the floating platform, according to one or more embodiments described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references to the “invention”, in some cases, refer to certain specific or preferred embodiments only. In other cases, references to the “invention” refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows includes embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and also includes embodiments in which additional features are formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures can be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness.

Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Also, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Furthermore, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.”

Further, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” refer to both singular forms (i.e., “one”) and plural referents (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and processes of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations.

It should also be understood that the phrases “disposed therein”, “disposed within”, “disposed on” and other similar phrases, when describing a component, e.g., a first component, describe the first component as being at least partially arranged, located, placed, or positioned in, within, and/or on a second component.

The terms “rotate”, “rotation”, “rotatable”, and “rotating” are used interchangeably and refer to the partial or complete turning of a body around an axis or center point.

The terms “perpendicular” and “perpendicularly”, as used herein, refer to two lines or vectors that are coplanar and, therefore, intersect one another at a 90 degree angle. Further, the term “substantially” when used in the context of “substantially perpendicular” means a first line and a second line are orientated at angles of about 80 degrees, about 83 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 87 degrees, or about 89 degrees to, about 91 degrees, about 93 degrees, about 95 degrees, about 97 degrees, or about 100 degrees with respect to one another. Further, the term “substantially” when used in the context of “substantially parallel” means an axis and a plane (e.g., the surface of a body of water) are orientated at angles of about 160 degrees, about 165 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 175 degrees, or about 180, or about 185 degrees, or about 190 degrees, or about 195 degrees, or about 200 degrees with respect to one another.

It should also be understood that the term “weight” in this context can be a structure disposed on or a part of the mooring system. The term “submerged weight” has the meaning of a net submerged weight (a force) of an object in a body of water. More specifically, submerged weight can be defined as the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity less the volume of water displaced by the object multiplied by the density of the displaced water. Submerged weight = (mass*acceleration due to gravity) - (displaced volume of water * density of displaced water).

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative mooring system 100 mooring a structure 1 floating on a surface 2 of a body of water 3. In some embodiments, the mooring system 100 can include a base structure 110 that can be secured to or otherwise disposed on a seabed 4. In some embodiments, the base structure 110 can be a fabricated steel structure, a concrete structure, or a similar type structure that is suitable for use in an offshore subsea or submarine environment. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the base structure 110 can be secured to the seabed 4 with one or more piles (four are shown, 111). In some embodiments (as shown), the piles 111 can be driven piles, in other embodiments (not shown) the piles can be suction piles. In yet other embodiments, the base structure 110 can be a gravity base structure that is held into position by gravity. The selection of the configuration of the base structure 110 and/or the type of piles 111 can be determined, at least in part, by the properties of the seabed 4, a water depth, and/or the metocean conditions at the site.

In some embodiments, the mooring system 100 can also include a plurality of mooring assemblies 120, two are shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the mooring system 100 can include two mooring assemblies 120, three mooring assemblies 120, four mooring assemblies 120, or even more than four mooring assemblies 120. Each mooring assembly in the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 can include a yoke 121 that can have a first end 122 and a second end 123. In some embodiments, the yoke 121 can be connected to the base structure 110 such that the yoke 121 can at least partially rotate relative to the base structure 110.

In some embodiments, the yoke 121 in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 can be configured to rotate relative to the base structure 110 about an axis 150. In some embodiments, each axis 150 can be separate, apart, or otherwise different axes with respect to one another. In other embodiments, however, (not shown) the yoke 121 in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 can configured to rotate relative to the base structure 110 about a single or a same axis 150. In some embodiments the axis or, as shown, the two axes 150 can be horizontal or substantially horizontal with respect to the surface 2 of the body of water 3. In some embodiments, the axis or, as shown, the two axes 150 can be horizontal or substantially horizontal, e.g., within +/- 10 degrees, +/- 5 degrees, +/- 3 degrees, or +/- 1 degree, with respect to a horizontal plane when the structure 1 floating on the surface 2 of the body of water 3 is connected to the base structure 110 via the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 and is in a neutral or static position with respect to the base structure 104. In other embodiments, the axis 150 or, as shown, the two axes 150 can be angled or biased relative to the surface 2 of the body of water 3 more than +/-30 degrees, more than +/- 25 degrees, more than +/-20 degrees, more than +/- 15 degrees, more than +/-10 degrees, more than +/- 5 degrees, more than +/- 3 degrees, or more than +/- 1 degree, with respect to the horizontal plane when the structure 1 floating on the surface 2 of the body of water 3 is connected to the base structure 110 via the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 to account for a directionality of one or more metocean conditions. In some embodiments, the axis 150 or, as shown, the two axes 150 can be angled or biased relative to the surface 2 of the body of water 3 in a range from about +/- 1 degree, +/- 5 degrees, +/- 10 degrees, or +/- 15 degrees to +/- 20 degrees, +/- 25 degrees, or +/- 30 degrees.

In some embodiments, each mooring assembly 120 can include one or more tethers 130. In some embodiments, at least one mooring assembly 120 can include a weight 124. In such embodiments, the weight 124 can be a separate structure or feature that can be disposed on the yoke 121 to provide an overall submerged weight of the yoke 121 to provide a desired force to the tether 130. In some embodiments, the weight 124 can be disposed on or connected to the yoke 121. In some embodiments, the weight 124 can be connected to the yoke 121 toward the second end 123 thereof. In some embodiments, the weight 124 can be configured as a tank or ballast tank that can be configured to receive a ballast material that has a density that can be greater than a density of the body of water 3. Illustrative ballast material can be or can include, but is not limited to, concrete, iron ore, magnetite, rocks, sand, drilling mud, any other suitable material, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the weight 124 can be an integral part the yoke 121. In other embodiments, the weight 124 can be a solid body. Illustrative weights 124 can include, but are not limited to concrete blocks, metallic, e.g., steel blocks, or combinations thereof.

In other embodiments (not shown), at least one mooring assembly 120 can be free from a weight 124 that is a separate structure. In such embodiments, the yoke 121 can have a submerged weight that can be sufficient to provide the desired force to the tether 130. For example, in some embodiments, the yoke 121 can be constructed or fabricated from tubular or hollow members that can contain a ballast material disposed within an internal volume of the tubular or hollow member to provide the required submerged weight to provide the force to the tether 130. Other illustrative examples include a yoke fabricated from solid structural members, for example wide flanges or fabricated from tubular members that are configured to not be buoyant, for example that can be flooded when submerged.

In some embodiments, the weight 124 (if present) and yoke 121 can exert a force on the tether 130 due to the submerged weight of the yoke 121 and weight 124 (if present). In some embodiments, the tether 130 can include a first end 131 that can be configured to be connected to the yoke 121 and a second end 132 that can be configured to be connected to the structure 1 floating on the surface 2 of the body of water 3. In some embodiments, the first end 131 of the tether 130 can be connected to the yoke 121 via the weight 124 as is shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the first end 131 of the tether 130 can be connected to the yoke 121.

In some embodiments, the first end 131 of the tether 130 can be connected to the yoke 121 toward the second end 123 of the yoke 121.

In some embodiments, the tether 130 in each of the plurality of mooring assemblies 120 can be a structural member capable of withstanding a tensile force. Illustrative structural members suitable for use as the tether 130 can be or can include, but is not limited to, a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, a tubular structure, a solid rod, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tether 130 can be configured with one or more segments of polyester rope, such as DEEPROPE® polyester rope marketed by Bexco, or MOORLINE® polyester rope marketed by Bridon, or CABRAL 512® polyester rope marketed by Lankhorst, or DYNEEMA® UHMWPE rope marketed by DSM, or any other synthetic rope that has suitable properties.

In some embodiments, a distance between the surface 2 of the body of water 3 and the seabed 4 can be in a range from about 20 meters to about 200 meters. In some embodiments, the distance between the surface 2 of the body of water 3 and the seabed 4 can be less than 50 meters (m), e.g., between 20 m and 50 m. In other embodiments, the distance between the surface 2 of the body of water 3 and the seabed 4 can be from 50 m to 75 m, or between 75 m to 100 m, or between 100 m to 150 m, or between 150 m to 200 m, or between 200 m to 300 m, or even greater than 300 m. In other embodiments, the distance between the surface 2 of the body of water 3 and the seabed 4 can be in a range from about 20 m, about 35 m, about 50 m, about 75 m, or about 100 m to about 150 m, about 200 m, about 250 m, about 300 m, about 350 m, or about 400 m.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of another illustrative mooring system 200, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 3 depicts a detailed close-up view of a portion or section of the mooring system 200 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a connection detail between a tether 230 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a structure 1 floating on the surface of a body of water, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a connection detail between a tether 230 and a weight 224 of the mooring system 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, according to one or more embodiments.

The mooring system 200 can be similar to the mooring system 100 shown and described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown, the mooring system 200 can include three mooring assemblies 220. In some embodiments, each mooring assembly 220 can include a yoke 221 and a tether 230 similar to the mooring assembly 120 shown in FIG. 1. Each yoke 221 can include a first end 222 and a second end 223.

In some embodiments, one mooring assembly 220, two mooring assemblies 220, or, as shown, all three mooring assemblies 220 in the mooring system 200 can also include an optional weight 224. For example, as shown, each optional weight 234 can be disposed on the yoke 221 in a corresponding mooring assembly 220. In some embodiments, the optional weight 234, if present, can be disposed on the yoke 221 in the corresponding mooring assembly 220 toward a second 223 of the yoke 221. In some embodiments, the optional weight 234, if present, can be disposed on the yoke 221 in the corresponding mooring assembly 220 at the second end 223 of the yoke 221.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the tether 230 can include a first end 231 and a second end 232 (see FIG. 4). As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tether 230 in each mooring assembly 220 can include a plurality of elongated members 233 that can each have a first end 234 and a second end 235. In other embodiments, not shown, the tether 230 can include a single elongated member 233, similar to tether 130 shown in FIG. 1 and described above. In some embodiments, each elongated member 233 in at least one, e.g., all, of the tethers 230, can be or can include, but is not limited to, a chain, a wire rope, a tubular member, a solid rod, a synthetic rope, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first end 222 of each yoke 221 can be connected to a base structure 210 via at least one hinge 260, two are shown. The hinges 260 can permit each yoke 221 to rotate relative to the base structure 210 about an axis 250. As shown, each yoke 221 can be configured to rotate relative to the base structure 210 about a corresponding axis 250. Said another way, each yoke 221 can be configured to rotate about axes 250 that can be independent with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the hinges 260 can be configured to transmit a load between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210. In some embodiments, the hinges 260 can be configured to transmit a load between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 that can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis 250 each yoke 221 can be configured to rotate about relative to the base structure 210. In some embodiments, the load transmitted between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 can be a normal load. In some embodiments, the load transmitted between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 can be a normal load that can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis 250 each yoke 221 can be configured to rotate about relative to the base structure 210.

In some embodiments, the hinges 260 can include a first part 263 disposed on or otherwise connected to the yoke 221 at or toward the first end 222 thereof, a second part 264 disposed on or otherwise connected to the base structure 210, and a pin 265 that can rotatively couple or connect the first part 263 and the second part 264 to one another such that the yoke 221 can rotate relative to the base structure 210.

In some embodiments the first end 222 of the yoke 221 can be configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 via a thrust bearing 270, two are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for each mooring assembly 220. In some embodiments, the thrust bearing 270 can include a first part 271 disposed on the yoke 221 and a second part 272 disposed on the base structure 210. The thrust bearing 270 can be configured to transmit the shear load between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 that can be substantially parallel to the axis 250 each yoke 221 can be configured to rotate about relative to the base structure 210. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thrust bearing 270 can be a uni-directional thrust bearing and in such embodiments, the mooring system 200 can include two uni-directional thrust bearings 270 for each yoke 221. The two uni-directional thrust bearings 270 can be orientated such that together the two thrust bearings 270 can react shear loads in two directions that are substantially parallel to the axis 250. In other embodiments, where only a single thrust bearing 270 may be utilized, the single thrust bearing 270 can be a bi-directional thrust bearing.

In some embodiments, when the structure 1 floating on the surface 2 of the body of water 3 is subjected to a metocean loading or metocean load, for example. any combination of wind, waves, and current acting on the structure 1, the mooring system 200 can provide or exert a restoring force on the structure 1 in a direction that can be substantially opposed to the metocean load. In some embodiments, the mooring system 200 can exert or transmit the restoring force to the structure 1 via the tethers 230. In some embodiments, each tether 230 can transmit a portion of the restoring force between the structure 1 and a corresponding yoke 221 and in turn, each yoke 221 can transmit the portion of the restoring force between the yoke 221 and the base structure 210 via the at least one hinge 260 and the at least one thrust bearing 270 and the plurality of piles 211, can transmit the restoring force between the base structure 210 and the seabed 4. The structure 1 can be a barge, a vessel, a spar platform, a semisubmersible platform, or any other structure configured to float on the surface 2 of a body of water 3.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the first end 234 of each elongated member 233 in each tether 230 can be connected to the yoke 221 or, if present, the optional weight 224, via a first articulated joint 241. In some embodiments, the second end 235 of each elongated member 233 in each tether 230 can be connected to the structure 1 via a second articulated joint 236. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, each tether 230 can include a first equalizer 237 disposed between the first ends 234 of elongated members 233 and the first articulated joint 241. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each tether 230 can include a second equalizer 238 that can be disposed between the second ends 235 of the elongated members 233 and the second articulated joint 236. In some embodiments the first and second equalizers 237, 238 can each be configured as a tri-plate or spreader bar or other similar structure that can have two or more connection points at a first end 239 thereof, and one or more connection points at a second end 240 thereof such that the load that is transmitted through the equalizer 237 can be substantially equally distributed between or amongst the two elongated members 233. As used here, the term “substantially equally distributed” means the load transmitted through the equalizer 237 can be distributed between or amongst a first of the two elongated members 233 and a second of the two elongated members 233 in a range from about 15%, about 12%, about 10%, about 7%, about 5%, about 3% or about 1% within one another. Said another way, the term substantially equally distributed means the load transmitted though the first and/or second equalizers 237, 238 between or amongst the first of the two elongated members 233 and the second of the two elongated members 233 can be equal to one another when differences due to friction and geometrical tolerances attributable in the equalizers 237, 238 are taken into account.

In some embodiments, the first articulated joint 241 and the second articulated joint 236 can each be a dual axis joint. In some embodiments, suitable articulated joints that can be used as the first articulated joint 241 and/or the second articulated joint 236 can be the articulated joints disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.: US 2023/0151846 A1 and US 2024/0011524 A1. In some embodiments, not shown, the first and second articulated joints 241, 236 can each be a connectable articulated joint as disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0425148.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the tethers or elongated members 130 can include an axial bearing 160 that can relieve a torque that can build up within the tether or elongated member 130 when the first end 131 of the tether or elongated member 130 rotates relative to the second end 132 of the tether or elongated members 130. For example, when the structure 1 rotates in a yaw direction relative to the base structure 110 by allowing the first end 131 of the tethers or elongated members 130 to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tethers or elongated members 130 relative to the second ends 132 of the tethers or elongated members 130. In some embodiments, the axial bearing 160 can be disposed toward the first end 131 (as shown) or toward the second end 132 of the tether 132, or between the first end 131 and the second end 132 of the tether 130.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another illustrative mooring system 600 mooring a structure 601 floating on a surface 602 of a body of water 603 to a seabed 604. The mooring system 600 can be similar to the mooring system 100, or the mooring system 200 with the exception that the mooring system 600 can include four mooring assemblies 620, one base structure, e.g., a rectangular base structure, 610, and one or more piles, e.g., four piles, 611. In some embodiments, the mooring assemblies 620 can be similar to or can be the same as the mooring assembly 220 or the mooring assembly 120.

FIG. 7 depicts the mooring system 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 mooring a triangular shaped semisubmersible platform 701 floating on a surface 702 of a body of water 703 to a seabed 704. In some embodiments, the platform 701 can include a first column 711, a second column 712, and a third column 713. In some embodiments, the first column 711, the second column 712, and third column 713 can be connected to one another via a first connecting structure 714 and a second connecting structure 715.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the mooring system 200 mooring a spar type platform 801 floating on a surface 802 of a body of water 803 to a seabed 804. FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the vertical mooring system 200 mooring the triangular shaped floating platform 701 floating on a surface 902 of a body of water 903 that includes a wind turbine generator 901 disposed thereon.

Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are "about" or "approximately" the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:

A1. A mooring system for mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water, that can include: a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed; and a plurality of mooring assemblies, each mooring assembly comprising: a yoke comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the yoke is configured to be connected to the base structure such that the yoke is partially rotatable about an axis relative to the base structure; and a tether comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tether is configured to be connected to the yoke toward the second end thereof, and the second end of the tether is configured to be connected to the structure.

A2. The mooring system of paragraph A1, wherein: the first end of the yoke of each mooring assembly is connected to the base structure via at least one hinge, the at least one hinge permits the yoke to rotate relative to the base structure about the axis, and the at least one hinge is configured to transmit a normal load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially perpendicular to the axis.

A3. The mooring system of paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the first end of each yoke is configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially parallel to the axis via a thrust bearing.

A4. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the first end of the tether in each mooring assembly is configured to be connected to the yoke via a first articulated joint that permits the tether to rotate relative to the yoke about at least one axis.

A5. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the first articulated joint is a first dual axis joint.

A6. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein the second end of the tether in each mooring assembly is configured to be connected to the structure via a second articulated joint that permits the tether to rotate relative to the structure about at least one axis.

A7. The mooring system of paragraph A6, wherein each second articulated joint is a second dual axis joint.

A8. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A7, wherein the tether in each mooring assembly comprises a plurality of elongated members.

A9. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A8, wherein each elongated member comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, a solid rod, a tubular member, or any combination thereof.

A10. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A9, wherein each tether comprises an axial bearing that permits the first end of the tether to rotate relative to the second end of the tether about a longitudinal axis of the tether.

A11. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A9 to A10, wherein each elongated member comprises: a first equalizer disposed between the first end of each elongated member and the first articulated joint; and a second equalizer disposed between the second end of each elongated member and the second articulated joint, wherein the first and second equalizers are configured to distribute a load substantially equally among the plurality of elongated members.

A12. The mooring system of any one any one paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein each mooring assembly comprises a weight disposed on the yoke toward the second thereof.

A13. The mooring system of paragraph A12, wherein the weight is a ballast tank configured to contain a ballast material that has density that is greater than the density of the body of water.

A14. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A13, wherein the axis the yoke is at least partially rotatable in at least one mooring assembly is substantially horizontal.

A15. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A14, wherein the base structure is configured to be secured to the seabed with a plurality of piles.

A16. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A15, wherein a distance between the seabed and the surface of the body of water is between 20 and 200 meters.

A17. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A16, wherein the structure is a barge, a spar platform, or a semisubmersible platform.

A18. The mooring system of any one paragraphs A1 to A17, wherein the structure comprises a wind turbine generator disposed thereon.

A19. The mooring system of any one of paragraphs A1 to A18, wherein: the mooring system comprises two mooring assemblies, and the yoke in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is partially rotatable about separate axes relative to the base structure.

A20. The mooring system of paragraph A19, wherein the separate axes are substantially parallel with respect to one another

A21. The mooring system of any one of paragraphs A1 to A18, wherein: the mooring system comprises three mooring assemblies, and the yoke in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is partially rotatable about separate axes relative to the base structure.

A22. The mooring system of paragraph A21, wherein each of the separate axes are non-parallel with respect to one another.

A23. The mooring system of paragraph A21 or paragraph A22, wherein each of the separate axes are substantially co-planar with respect to one another.

B1. A mooring system for mooring a semisubmersible structure floating on a surface of a body of water that includes a first column, a second column, and a third column, comprising: a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed; a first mooring assembly, a second mooring assembly, and a third mooring assembly, each mooring assembly comprising: a yoke comprising a first end, a second end, and a ballast tank configured to contain a ballast material; and a tether comprising two chain segments a first elongated member and a second elongated member, wherein: each elongated member chain segment comprises a first end and a second end, the first ends of the chain segments the first elongated member and the second elongated member are connected to one another via a first equalizer and the second ends of the chain segments the first elongated member and the second elongated member are connected to one another via a second equalizer, the first ends of the yokes are configured to be connected to the base structure via a hinge assembly, each hinge assembly comprises a first hinge, a second hinge, and a thrust bearing, the first hinge and the second hinge permit the yoke to rotate relative to the base structure about an axis that is substantially horizontal, the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to transmit a load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially perpendicular to the axis that is substantially horizontal, the thrust bearing is configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially parallel to the substantially horizontal axis, the first equalizer is configured to be connected to the second end of the yoke via a first dual axis joint, and the second equalizer is configured to be connected to a corresponding column of the semisubmersible structure via a second dual axis joint.

B2. The mooring system of paragraph B1 wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member each contain a segment of chain, a segment of wire rope, a segment of a synthetic rope, or any combination thereof.

Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim can be not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure can be not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation can be permitted.

While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail above, it can be apparent that modifications and adaptations thereof will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. It should be, therefore, expressly understood

that such modifications and adaptations may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof can be determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A mooring system for mooring a structure floating on a surface of a body of water, comprising:

a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed; and

a plurality of mooring assemblies, each mooring assembly in the plurality of mooring assemblies comprising: a yoke comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the yoke is configured to be connected to the base structure such that the yoke is partially rotatable about an axis relative to the base structure; and a tether comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tether is configured to be connected to the yoke toward the second end of the yoke, and the second end of the tether is configured to be connected to the structure floating on the surface of the body of water.

2. The mooring system of claim 1, wherein:

the first end of the yoke in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is connected to the base structure via at least one hinge,

the at least one hinge permits the yoke to rotate relative to the base structure about the axis, and

the at least one hinge is configured to transmit a load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially perpendicular to the axis.

3. The mooring system of claim 2, wherein the first end of yoke in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke and the base structure that is substantially parallel to the axis via a thrust bearing.

4. The mooring system of claim 3, wherein the first end of the tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is configured to be connected to the yoke via a first articulated joint that permits the tether to rotate relative to the yoke about at least one axis.

5. The mooring system of claim 4, wherein the first articulated joint is a first dual axis joint.

6. The mooring system of claim 5, wherein the second end of the tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies is configured to be connected to the structure via a second articulated joint that permits the tether to rotate relative to the structure about at least one axis.

7. The mooring system of claim 6, wherein each second articulated joint is a second dual axis joint.

8. The mooring system of claim 7, wherein the tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises a plurality of elongated members.

9. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein each elongated member in each tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, a solid rod, a tubular member, or any combination thereof.

10. The mooring system of claim 9, wherein each tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises an axial bearing that permits the first end of the tether to rotate relative to the second end of the tether about a longitudinal axis of the tether.

11. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein each elongated member in each tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises:

a first equalizer disposed between the first end of each elongated member and the first articulated joint; and

a second equalizer disposed between the second end of each elongated member and the second articulated joint, wherein the first equalizer and the second equalizer are configured to distribute a load substantially equally among the plurality of elongated members of each tether in each mooring assembly of the plurality of mooring assemblies.

12. The mooring system of claim 11, wherein each mooring assembly in the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises a weight disposed on the yoke toward the second thereof.

13. The mooring system of claim 12, wherein each weight in each mooring assembly in the plurality of mooring assemblies comprises a ballast tank configured to contain a ballast material that has density that is greater than a density of the body of water.

14. The mooring system of claim 13, wherein the axis of at least one of the yokes in the plurality of mooring assemblies is substantially horizontal.

15. The mooring system of claim 14, wherein the base structure is configured to be secured to the seabed with a plurality of piles.

16. The mooring system of claim 15, wherein a distance between the seabed and the surface of the body of water is in a range from about 20 meters to about 200 meters.

17. The mooring system of claim 16, wherein the structure floating on the surface of the body of water is a barge, a spar platform, or a semisubmersible platform.

18. The mooring system of claim 17, wherein the structure floating on the surface of the body of water comprises a wind turbine generator disposed thereon.

19. A mooring system for mooring a semisubmersible structure floating on a surface of a body of water having a first column, a second column, and a third column, comprising:

a base structure configured to be disposed on a seabed; and

a first mooring assembly, a second mooring assembly, and a third mooring assembly, each of the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly comprises: a yoke comprising a first end, a second end, and a ballast tank disposed on the yoke toward the second thereof that is configured to contain a ballast material; and a tether comprising a first elongated member and a second elongated member, wherein: the first elongated member and the second elongated member each comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the first elongated member and the first end of the second elongated member are connected to one another via a first equalizer and the second end of the first elongated member and the second end of the second elongated member are connected to one another via a second equalizer, the first end of each yoke is configured to be connected to the base structure via a hinge assembly, each hinge assembly comprises a first hinge, a second hinge, and a thrust bearing, the first hinge and the second hinge in each hinge assembly are configured to permit the first ends of each yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly to rotate relative to the base structure about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, respectively, the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are each substantially horizontal, the first hinge and the second hinge in each hinge assembly are configured to transmit a load between the first ends of each yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly and the base structure that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively, the thrust bearing in each hinge assembly is configured to transmit a shear load between the yoke in the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly, respectively, and the base structure that is substantially parallel to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, respectively, the first equalizer is configured to be connected to the second end of the yoke via a first dual axis joint, and the second equalizer is configured to be connected to a corresponding column of the semisubmersible structure via a second dual axis joint.

20. The mooring system of claim 19, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member in each tether of the first mooring assembly, the second mooring assembly, and the third mooring assembly each contain a segment of chain, a segment of wire rope, a segment of a synthetic rope, or any combination thereof.