Abstract: A portable mooring device for a small watercraft includes frame means having a pair of opposing side members and a plurality of crossbar members that are assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements therebetween with removable pins, watercraft-seating means having shoe and support elements that are assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements therebetween and the watercraft-seating means to the frame means with removable pins, and securing means having a tongue mechanism with a winch wherein the securing means is assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements thereof and by releasably securing the securing means to the frame means with removable pins. The portable mooring device is easily disassemblable by simply removing all of the removable pins. A method of mooring a small watercraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mooring robot which can be dock-mounted, and can also include vacuum cups for engagement with the freeboard of a ship. The robot can position the vacuum cups within a three-dimensional operating envelope. A parallel arm linkage having two parallel arms pivoted about respective axes which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship are fixed to the dock for extending and retracting the vacuum cups in the transverse direction. The parallel arms are fixed to a vertical elongate guide to which the vacuum cups are slidably fixed, the parallel arms raising and lowering the vacuum cups and maintaining the guide substantially vertical. The vacuum cups are mounted for sliding in substantially horizontal track aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the ship for fore and aft movement of the vacuum cups. A mooring system can also include a plurality of the mooring robots being remotely controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fluid transfer between a fixed marine production platform and a work vessel (eg. jack up barge). The method includes positioning the work vessel next to the production platform and then adjusting the elevational position of the vessel relative to the production platform so that the deck of the production platform and the deck of the work vessel or at about the same elevational position. A bridge truss spans between the deck portions of the production platform and work vessel, the truss having interconnected truss members and a planar surface that enables flexible hoses to be supported by the truss. The truss further includes a plurality of piping spool pieces that span across the truss. Ends of the spool pieces have quick connect fittings that enable the spool pieces to be quickly connected to the piping system of the production platform and work vessel. The gap between the production platform and the work vessel are spanned with the truss.

Abstract: A mooring assembly including two detachably coupled elements configured and dimensioned so that one of the elements passes through the other element as the boat is being piloted in a travel direction by the unassisted boater. The elements engage one another upon reversing the direction of advancement of the boat.

Abstract: A device for measuring tension in a line for mooring a ship to a dock or an anchor. The device includes three pulleys secured to rigid frames or springs. Sensors are placed on rigid frames, springs or shafts for securing the pulleys. Portions of the mooring line extending from a center pulley to the other two pulleys are approximately perpendicular to portions of line extending from the two pulleys to a winch or a mooring post or hook. The springs between the pulleys may provide resilience in the mooring line which may obviate a need for a pendent line between the mooring line and the winch. The sensors communicate with a signal-processing unit which transmits amplified sensor signals to a monitor which is accessible to personnel aboard the ship. The monitor may display the tension in the mooring line in text or graphic formats.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first floating structure to the seabed, includes the steps of: providing a second floating structure, anchored to first and second anchoring points respectively on the sea bed via at least two anchor lines, attaching the second floating structure to the first structure via a pulling device, on the side of the first anchor line, displacing the first floating structure away from the second anchoring point towards the first anchoring point, disconnecting the first anchor line from the second floating structure while maintaining a pulling force on the second anchor line via the pulling device, and attaching the first anchor line to the first floating structure. By interconnecting a temporary buoy to the vessel to be anchored via a tension member, the anchor lines of the buoy and the vessel can remain under tension at all times whereby damage to the anchor lines is prevented.

Abstract: Thrusters in communication with a feedback control system are provided on a cylindrical offshore marine member, such as a spar, for reducing and/or controlling vortex-induced-vibrations, low-frequency drift oscillations due to random waves, and low-frequency wind induced resonant oscillations. The thrusters are provided thrust instruction from the feedback control system based on marine member displacement and current velocity.

Abstract: A magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto. The support member includes a fastener for attaching the magnetic docking apparatus to a vessel. The support member and the fastener cooperate to position the electromagnet external to the vessel. When the vessel is positioned proximate a docking point that includes a ferrous object, the magnetic docking apparatus is operable to energize the electromagnet. When energized the electromagnet creates a magnetic attraction between itself and the ferrous object, and the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held at the docking point. The electromagnet is also operable to be de-energized to release the vessel from the docking point. In another aspect of the present invention, a method includes attaching a magnetic docking apparatus to a vessel. The magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto.

Abstract: A system for converting Jones Act/OPA90 compliant tankers to shuttle tankers includes a dynamic positioning system, means for bow loading of crude oil, and the necessary power systems to make each operational.

Abstract: A method for determining heave and heave rate for a vessel is described. The vessel includes an inertial navigation system (INS), and sensors for the INS being located at a point A of the vessel, the vessel having a zero heave reference point B, and the described method provides heave and heave rate at a point C of the vessel. The method includes determining reference coordinates for points A, B, and C of the vessel, generating a velocity signal representative of a velocity at a point on the vessel, generating a heave rate signal based upon the velocity signal, and generating a heave based upon the heave rate signal.

Abstract: Offshore wind power installations usually require a landing stage or landing pier so that craft, in particular ships, can guarantee supply and transportation services. In the case of small offshore installations, these are usually simple jetties with possible ways of making boats fast. In the case of larger offshore installations at which larger supply ships land, the landing installations are of a more expensive and complicated structure and have for example supply intermediate storage facilities such as fuel tanks and loading equipment such as cranes.

Abstract: This boat docking system allows small or medium size boats to dock under adverse conditions of swift currents and contrary winds with limited crew and no assistance from shore. The invention includes a docking stick to be used from the boat and a small vertical post that is permanently attached to the dock. The docking stick is comprised of a rigid handle with a stiffened loop at one end and a flexible adjustable loop at the other end. As the boat approaches the dock the flexible end of the docking stick is attached to the boat amidships, and the stiffened loop is dropped over the post, or a cleat, on the dock. The boat is then powered slowly forward. The resultant pull on the boat forces it to move sideways towards the dock where it will remain stationary, under power, until securing lines can be attached to the boat.

Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a TLP to its tendons using pull-down lines to rapidly submerge the hull to installation draft while compensating for inherent hull instability during submergence and to provide motion arrest and aid in station keeping. The system includes tensioning devices mounted on the TLP, usually one for each tendon. Each tensioning device is equipped with a pull-down line which is connected to the corresponding tendon. The TLP hull is submerged to lock-off draft by applying tensions to the pull-down lines connected to the top of the tensions, or by a combination of applying tensions to the pull-down lines and ballasting the hull. As the tensioners take in pull-down line, the hull submerges, i.e. the draft increases.

Abstract: A mooring cover comprises an apron for substantially surrounding a dock mooring. The apron may have two or more rows of self draining pockets arranged along its length for storing boating accessories and a fastener for securing the opposite ends of the apron about the mooring. A top cover may be provided for covering the top of the mooring as the mooring cover is mounted thereto. In an alternate embodiment, the mooring cover mounts to a railing extending along a dock. In this embodiment, the mooring cover also has an apron with a plurality of self draining pockets arranged along its length for storing boating accessories; however, the mooring cover has a flap extending from the apron adapted to wrap around and attach to the apron for securing the mooring cover to the railing.

Abstract: A system and method for mating risers or umbilicals extending vertically or near vertically from the ocean floor to a floating offshore system such as a TLP or semi-submersible platform. The risers or umbilicals are suspended vertically above the vessel's keel and are supported laterally near the platform's keel by keel guides or riser receptacles positioned along the submerged perimeter of the vessel's hull, or within the hull by production riser slots disposed in the bottom of the hull. The keel guides or production riser slots each receive a keel joint assembly which laterally supports a riser or umbilical passing therein while providing a bearing surface for free vertical movement of the riser.

Abstract: A mooring robot (100), in a preferred dock-mounted embodiment, includes vacuum cups (1, 1′) for engagement with the freeboard of a ship. The robot (100) can position the vacuum cups (1, 1′) within a three-dimensional operating envelope. A parallel arm linkage having two parallel arms (2, 2′) pivoted about respective axes which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship are fixed to the dock (110) for extending and retracting the vacuum cups (1, 1′) in the transverse direction. The parallel arms (2, 2′) are fixed to a vertical elongate guide (10) to which the vacuum cups (1, 1′) are slidably fixed, the parallel arms (2, 2′) raising and lowering the vacuum cups (1, 1′) and maintaining the guide substantially vertical. The vacuum cups (1, 1′) are mounted for sliding in substantially horizontal track (22) aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the ship for fore and aft movement of the vacuum cups (1, 1′).

Abstract: A small, no-tools-required device, for example constructed of weather and UV resistant glass-filled nylon, that is inserted into the gaps between the deck boards of any conventionally constructed outdoor deck, then turned 90° like a key and released. Once tension is applied to the device through an attachment, for example using an elastic strap, a locking tab engages against the underside of the deck boards and the stabilizer tab at the opposite end of the device from the attachment prevents the device from twisting. The device can then be used to secure any items on the surface of the deck and prevent unexpected shifting or moving due to wind, weather, or any other unforeseen force. It is installed or removed in seconds and causes no damage to the deck itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile protection system for moored or anchored ships. The system comprises a reinforced foldable surface unit and a foldable net unit connected to the surface unit to provide a restricted area. The surface unit prevents small boats from entering the area and the net unit prevents divers from entering the area. The net unit is provided with an alarm to indicate if a diver tries to penetrate the net.

Abstract: A portable boat beaching device that works with a tire to dock or beach a boat at a water's edge, shore-line, or a river bank and the like. The beaching device comprises a flexible tire cover and at least one floatation guide member. The beaching device optionally comprises at least one ballast guide member and/or at least one tire ballast member and/or a cover tightening system.

Abstract: The disclosed catenary anchor leg mooring system includes a cylindrical hull portion which reduces the tendency of the cylindrical hull to roll and pitch in response to the action of winds and waves. This motion reduction comes from changing the diameter and draft of the cylindrical hull.

Abstract: A dock stabilizer is provided that attaches about a piling on a dock or a pier to stabilize the dock or pier. In one aspect, the dock stabilizer utilizes a plurality of roller assemblies that are spaced axially and laterally apart from one another to reduce twisting or rocking of the dock. At least one of the roller assemblies may have a roller disposed a predetermined distance from the surface of the dock to counteract a moment arm and provide equilibrium on the dock.

Abstract: A mooring robot (100, 200) for releasably fastening a first moveable object (S) to a second nearby object (51) is disclosed. The first moveable object (S) moves in response to the application of external forces to the object (S). The robot (100, 200) operates to restore the first object (S) to a predetermined operating position. With particular reference to the mooring of a vessel (S), the mooring robot (100, 200) has attractive attachment element(s) (1) fixable to a ship's hull and includes a movement unit (10, 210), with active three-degree-of-freedom translation, for controlling the position of the attachment element(s) (1). The movement unit (10, 210) includes a restorative means associated with each of the two degrees of translational freedom in the horizontal plane which provide a restorative force acting to return the attachment element(s) (1) to the predetermined operating position.

Abstract: An apparatus as described for mooring to floating vessels (10, 12) side-by-side. The first vessel (10) is moored to the seabed by a single point mooring system (14). The apparatus comprises an arm (20) with proximal and distal ends. The arm (20) is mountable on the first vessel (10) for rotation about a vertical axis and the distal end projects outwardly from the first vessel (10) in use. A substantially inelastic mooring line (24) is attached to the distal end of the arm (20) and is securable to the second vessel (12). The resilient means (26, 28) is operable to allow limited rotation of the arm (20) about the axis in the first direction in response to tension in the mooring line (24) which exceeds a pre-determined value. The resilient means automatically restores the arm (20) to its former position upon reduction of the tension below the predetermined value. The arm (20) is freely rotatable about the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Procedure for retrieving an insertion of an underwater buoy (12, 50) in a well (11) at the bottom of a dynamically positioned vessel (10), at which a pulling line (16, 34) for interconnection with the buoy (12, 50) is lowered through the well (11) and hoisted to the deck (13) of the vessel (10), and the buoy (12, 50) is interconnected with the pulling line (16, 34) and hoisted into the well (11) by use of a winching device (15, 65) on the vessel, comprising the steps of attaching the pulling line (16, 34) to the connection unit (19, 32) on the deck (13) of the vessel (10), to lower the connection unit (19, 32) with the pulling line (16, 34) towards the buoy (12, 50) by use of a hoisting device (18, 30, 39) on the vessel (10) under possible guidance by use of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel, to place the connection unit (19, 32) on a cooperating device (20, 51, 52) on the top of the buoy (12, 50), whereby a terminal end on the pulling line (16, 34) is connected to the cooperating device (20, 51, 5

Abstract: A method of connecting two or more elongate connection members (105) between the seabed and a floating vessel (106) carrying a connector (102) which is suspended from the vessel by at least two spaced apart suspension members for relative displacement of the connector with respect to the vessel, at least one suspension member being connected to tensioning elements (109, 109′) for exerting an upward force on the connector. The method comprises the steps of: a) attaching one or more connection members to the connector, b) increasing the tensioning force of the tensioning elements, or vice versa, and c) repeating steps a and b until the connection members are installed between the vessel and the seabed.

Abstract: A steel catenary riser (SCR) system includes a tensioning mechanism on a floating facility that controllably applies a substantially constant tension to an SCR that is fluidly coupled to the facility by a flexible jumper conduit. More specifically, the system includes a tensioning device located on the floating facility; and an SCR having an upper portion, which, in the preferred embodiment, extends above the surface of the body of water. The upper portion of the SCR is connected to the tensioning device by a connection element, such as a cable, chain, rope, or wire, whereby tension is controllably applied from the tensioning device to the SCR. A flexible jumper conduit is fluidly connected between the upper portion of the SCR and the floating facility for conducting fluid from the SCR to the floating facility.

Abstract: System for loading and unloading of fluid products to or from a vessel (1), where a fluid hose (4) is fastened to the bottom side of a submerged frame (2) so that the frame (2) is free to turn around a vertical axis with respect to the hose (4) in that an additional hose (9) is connected with the hose (4) at the frame and with the vessels coupling for loading and unloading, and that the frame (2) may be maneuvered with contact against the bottom of the vessel, and held in positioned during the operation.

Abstract: A mooring assembly including two detachably coupled elements configured and dimensioned so that one of the elements passes through the other element as the boat is being piloted in a travel direction by the unassisted boater. The elements engage one another upon reversing the direction of advancement of the boat.

Abstract: A thrust measurement system includes a water pool for receiving therein a watercraft in a floating condition, a bow holding apparatus disposed on an edge portion of the water pool for holding a bow of the watercraft, a thrust measurement device mounted in the bow holding apparatus, and an anchoring device spanning between an edge of the water pool and a hull of the watercraft for anchoring the watercraft in position against swinging movement about the bow. In order to permit free rise and fall of the bow of the watercraft, the bow holding apparatus has a floating structure that can move freely in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A thrust measurement system includes a water pool for receiving therein a watercraft in a floating condition, a bow holding apparatus disposed on an edge portion of the water pool for holding a bow of the watercraft, a thrust measurement device mounted in the bow holding apparatus, and an anchoring device spanning between an edge of the water pool and a hull of the watercraft for anchoring the watercraft in position against swinging movement about the bow. In order to permit free rise and fall of the bow of the watercraft, the bow holding apparatus has a floating structure that can move freely in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A mooring system that uses combination traction winch/windlass units is improved by adding an additional fairlead at each combination unit location and by increasing the strength of existing combination units, their foundations and the foundations of associated equipment such as fairleads and turning sheaves. By these relatively simple upgrades, the mooring capabilities of the system can be economically augmented in those situations where additional lines are desired, such as in areas subject to tropical revolving storms. Normal mooring, when there is no threat of hurricanes, has the anchor and chain attached to the floating structure by wire deployed from the traction winch. When storm season threatens, additional anchors attached to chain run over the windlass can be added, allowing the number of lines to be doubled. The additional anchors can be installed if the floating structure is conventionally moored or if it is attached to pre-set moorings.

Abstract: A system for transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between two vessels (1, 2). The system comprises a coupling head (7) mounted at one end of a flexible pipe means (4) and arranged for attachment on a platform (19) at one end of one vessel (1) when it is not in use, and a connection unit (8) mounted at one end of the other vessel (2) and comprising a pull-in funnel (50) shaped for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) to a locking position in which the pipe means (4) can be connected to transfer pipes (56) on the other vessel (2) via a valve means (31) arranged in the coupling head. The coupling head (7) is provided with a guide means (40) and is connected to at least one pull-in wire (42) for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) into the connection unit (8) by a winch means (66) an the other vessel (2).

Abstract: An offshore loading or production system for dynamically positioned ships, comprising a riser means (4) extending between a supply means and a coupling head (5) for connection to a connecting means (6) on the ship (1). The riser means (4) comprises a lower riser portion (7) extending along the seabed (8) and being arranged to take up a wavy shape above the seabed by means of at least one bottom-anchored first buoyancy element (9), and an upper riser portion (10) of which the lower end is connected to the lower riser portion (7) via a second buoyancy element (11), and of which the upper end is connected to the coupling head (5) via a swivel unit (12). The second buoyancy element (11) is connected to a supporting anchoring (17) extending along the seabed (8) in a direction away from the lower riser portion (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fluid transfer between a fixed marine production platform and a work vessel (eg. jack up barge). The method includes positioning the work vessel next to the production platform and then adjusting the elevational position of the vessel relative to the production platform go that the deck of the production platform and the deck of the work vessel or at about the same elevational position. A bridge truss spans between the deck portions of the production platform and work vessel, the truss having interconnected truss members and a planar surface that enables flexible hoses to be supported by the truss. The truss further includes a plurality of piping spool pieces that span across the truss. Ends of the spool pieces have quick connect fittings that enable the spool pieces to be quickly connected to the piping system of the production platform and work vessel. The gap between the production platform and the work vessel are spanned with the truss.

Abstract: A simple and compact Apparatus for holding a floating vessel to a fixed location without the use of ropes or flexable fastenings, connecting to existing hardware on vessel with a quick release mechanism, preventing any movement away from the dock as viewed from above, but allowing for three plains of movement associated with water, vertical tidal movement, rocking wave movement, and front to back dipping movement. A preferred embodiment includes that it retains the said vessel closer than any prior art making it impossible to fall between vessel and fixed location thus making it the safest docking system available.

Abstract: Thrusters in communication with a feedback control system are provided on a cylindrical offshore marine member, such as a spar, for reducing and/or controlling vortex-induced-vibrations, low-frequency drift oscillations due to random waves, and low-frequency wind induced resonant oscillations. The thrusters are provided thrust instruction from the feedback control system based on marine member displacement and current velocity.

Abstract: A turret is supported on a vessel with bearing assemblies that permit the vessel to weathervane about the turret. The turret includes an upper turret structure, a lower turret structure, and a flex joint arrangement. The upper turret structure connects to the vessel with an upper turret bearing assembly and conical couplings. The conical couplings not only allow a smaller diameter bearing to be used on the upper turret, but also isolate the upper turret bearing assembly from ovaling of the vessel. A lower radial bearing assembly provides radial rotation support to a lower turret structure. A flex joint arrangement connects the upper and lower turret structures with a flex joint to minimize moments transferred from the lower turret structure to the upper bearing assembly.

Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.

Abstract: A moon pool platform containment system is disclosed for a vessel comprising a first moon pool having a width, length, and depth, to aid in stabilizing moon pool platform motion to achieve a motion compensated moon pool submerged platform, the moon pool platform containment system a platform having a predetermined opening therethrough, the opening defining a second moon pool, the platform being sized smaller than the width and length of the first moon pool; at least one leg connected to the platform, the leg having a predetermined length; a source of leveling material; and a chamber in communication with the source of leveling material via a leveling material conduit. Leveling material may be supplied to or transferred from the chamber to supply positive or negative floatation as dictated by forces on the platform.

Abstract: The collapsible land anchor of this invention includes an anchor body, a drive anvil coupled to the top end portion of the anchor body, and a runner member that is slidable longitudinally through the drive anvil between an operative position and a collapsed position. A retraction anvil is coupled to the top end portion of the runner member, and a hammer weight is carried on the runner member. In its operative position, the runner member extends beyond the drive anvil away from the cavity of the anchor body to space the drive anvil apart from the retraction anvil. Also in the operative position, the hammer weight is slidable along the runner member into the drive anvil to drive the anchor body into the ground. In the collapsed position, the runner member is displaced towards and at least partially stowed in the cavity of the anchor body.

Abstract: A method of connecting two or more elongate connection members (105) between the seabed and a floating vessel (106) carrying a connector (102) which is suspended from the vessel by at least two spaced apart suspension members for relative displacement of the connector with respect to the vessel, at least one suspension member being connected to tensioning elements (109, 109′) for exerting an upward force on the connector. The method comprises the steps of: a) attaching one or more connection members to the connector, b) increasing the tensioning force of the tensioning elements, or vice versa, and c) repeating steps a and b until the connection members are installed between the vessel and the seabed.

Abstract: The invention is a integrated operation using buses to pick up passengers at outlying locations, transfer the passengers to a monorail system for ferrying the passengers to a floating dock structure where the passengers connect to a riverboat for using river-based transportation for communting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structures such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stern roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.

Abstract: The beach anchor is used by being pushed into the sand on shore. Being lightweight it is easy to carry and easy to store. A ten year old child can do the installation of the beach anchor into the sand.

Abstract: A riser connected by a trunnion mounted/pivoting riser support to a disconnectable body or to a riser table of a permanently connected turret. The trunnion includes a trunnion housing and trunnion pivot. The trunnion housing is arranged to allow a riser to pass through it and up to a vessel turret where the disconnectable body is connected to the turret. The trunnion pivot allows the trunnion housing and riser to pivot about a horizontal axis, allowing a disconnectable body to submerge to the sea floor.

Abstract: Procedure for retrieving an insertion of an underwater buoy (12, 50) in a well (11) at the bottom of a dynamically positioned vessel (10), at which a pulling line (16, 34) for interconnection with the buoy (12, 50) is lowered through the well (11) and hoisted to the deck (13) of the vessel (10), and the buoy (12, 50) is interconnected with the pulling line (16, 34) and hoisted into the well (11) by use of a winching device (15, 65) on the vessel, comprising the steps of attaching the pulling line (16, 34) to the connection unit (19, 32) on the deck (13) of the vessel (10), to lower the connection unit (19, 32) with the pulling line (16, 34) towards the buoy (12, 50) by use of a hoisting device (18, 30, 39) on the vessel (10) under possible guidance by use of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel, to place the connection unit (19, 32) on a cooperating device (20, 51, 52) on the top of the buoy (12, 50), whereby a terminal end on the pulling line (16, 34) is connected to the cooperating device (20, 51, 5

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for mobile offshore drilling units and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel is provided for transporting at least one suction anchor having a deployment connection and a mooring connection. The, said anchor handling vessel incorporates an anchor deployment mechanism having a handling wire with a quick-disconnect socket connector for accomplishing movement of said suction anchor from the service vessel for line deployment to the sea bottom. After deployment of the suction anchor, disconnecting the handling wire from the deployment connection and moving it to the mooring connection, such that the handling wire becomes the main mooring wire. Connecting buoys with the main mooring wire to position it for recovery. Repeating such procedure for each of the plurality suction anchors and mooring wires of the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: A method of conducting operations to an offshore field from multiple separated drill centers using a floating vessel having a turret-mounted mooring element and a workstation separate from the mooring element in which the vessel is moored at a central mooring element location and operations are sequentially carried out at separate drill centers associated with the mooring element location by allowing the vessel to weathervane to a heading associated with a subsequent drill center once operations have been completed at a first drill center.