Abstract: An offshore depot having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper inwardly-tapered wall and a lower outwardly-tapered wall that produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. Ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore depot includes a tunnel formed within or through the hull at the waterline that provides a sheltered area inside the hull for safe and easy launching/docking of boats and embarkation/debarkation of personnel. When the watertight tunnel doors are all shut, the tunnel may be drained to create a dry dock environment within the hull. The offshore depot includes berthing and dinning accommodations, medical facilities, workshops, machine shops, a heliport, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved design for a multi-sectional truss spar hull platform having a truss and a spar hull. One or more sections can be transported to a designated location and off-loaded into water from an available transport vessel. The truss includes a skirt tank at the upper end of truss that can be coupled to the lower end of the hull. The skirt tank can provide buoyancy during float-off and mating operations to the hull. The skirt tank is designed to allow the portion above the water to be coupled to the hull in a first orientation, the truss with the skirt tank rotated with the hull in the water to a second orientation to expose the previously underwater portion, and then the previously underwater portion can be coupled together above the water. The integral skirt tank will be flooded after the spar hull is up-ended.

Abstract: The invention described herein teaches that one drilling barge can be employed in two different areas. The standard drilling practice requires two vessels to perform the same work as one drilling barge invention. Standard drilling rigs require that one unit will drill well locations in water depths of 8?-18?. A second drilling unit must be provided to drill in water depths of 18?-60?. As a result of this invention, water depths of 8?-60? can be provided by use of the one vessel employing the novel stabilization system. The service area's coverage is increased greatly by use of the invention thereby creating excellent cost reduction and improved drilling procedures in remote and harsh drilling areas. The invention's cost is slightly more than the standard drilling barge however; coverage of the service area can be 500% greater than the standard vessel's coverage.

Abstract: In a spar-type floating structure comprising a tall, thin floating body 2 and a ballast portion 3 provided to the floating body 2 so that the weight of the ballast portion 3 allows the floating body 2 to float in upright position, the floating body 2 includes a horizontally-extending first extended portion 21 arranged at the bottom, a horizontally-extending second extended portion 22 arranged in the middle, and a column portion connecting the first and second extended portions 21, 22 and extending up to the waterline, the first extended portion 21 forms the ballast portion 3, and the second extended portion 22 constitutes a buoyancy portion giving buoyancy to the floating body 2.

Abstract: A floating unit for energy production comprising: at least one hull, internally provided with means for electric energy production (8); two or more ducts (10, 11) for feeding and discharging air respectively, emerging from an upper surface (5) of the hull (2) for connecting said means for electric energy production (8) to the external environment; and hydrostatic balance means (13) of the hull (2) to position the hull between an immersion condition in which it can stay fully under the water surface and a floating condition in which it is partly emerged and the respective upper surface (5) thereof is above the water surface; said pair of ducts (10, 11) in the immersed condition of the hull (2) being partly emerging above the water surface.

Abstract: A method of constructing a semi-submersible unit with a side wall. To construct the semi-submersible unit, the method can include placing a hull in a body of water and connecting a deck structure to the hull. In addition, there is a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit, with a side wall.

Abstract: A tension leg platform for use in offshore hydrocarbon production and drilling operations, wherein the tension leg platform can include a plurality of column pairs. Each column pair can include a primary column connected with a secondary column and a secondary pontoon between the primary column and secondary column. The primary columns can be configured to support a deck, and the secondary columns can be connected with the primary column below the draft of the tension leg platform. The tension leg platform can also include a plurality of primary pontoons for connecting the primary columns to one another.

Abstract: This installation comprises a transport conduit which is at least partially submerged in a body of water, a device for conveying fluid between the vessel and the conduit, and a floating platform for securing the vessel. The platform comprises a carrier structure which is partially submerged in the body of water. The carrier structure comprises an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which open in the body of water. The floating platform further comprises flexible lines for anchoring the carrier structure to the bottom of the body of water. The ratio of the volume of the internal spaces to the total of the volume of the open-work trellis and the volume of the internal spaces is greater than 0.9.

Abstract: A tendon is assembled in a horizontal orientation using connectors or by welding at a weld station on a barge or other vessel located at or near the installation site of a tension leg platform. During assembly, the tendon is pulled away from the assembly vessel and tensioned by a tug or offshore work vessel. When fully assembled, the tendon may be up-ended in a manner similar to a wet-towed tendon, and then either pre-installed using floats or passed over to a TLP which is on-site and ready to receive tendons.

Abstract: The invention provides a sub-structure (2) comprising at least one leg (4) having first buoyancy means (4a) arranged in a lower part of the at least one leg to provide a first buoyancy, and a float element (3) having second buoyancy means to provide a second buoyancy, wherein the sub-structure and the float element are constructed to allow relative wave induced motion with respect to each other in a substantially vertical direction wherein the leg is movable from a pre-installation position to an installation position by a substantially downwards movement of the leg with respect to the float element, and wherein during at least a second part of the downwards movement of the leg towards the installation position and/or in the installation position the first buoyancy means are substantially located below a wave zone to substantially decrease heave action on the first buoyancy means.

Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling and installing a very large floating barge (1) and includes manufacturing each side portion (10) and each connection portion (15) separately, placing each side portion (10) on the water, moving the connection portions (15) between the side portions (10), moving the connection portions (15) vertically, fixing the connection portions (10) to the side portions (15) and taking the barge (1) to the operation site.

Abstract: This floating support (1) for an offshore structure, in particular such as a wind turbine, of the type including means in the form of a support mast (2), the upper part of which is associated with the structure and the lower part of which is associated with means in the form a float (3), is characterized in that the means in the form a float (3) comprise means in the form of a cage (9, 10, 11) for receiving buoyancy tanks (12).

Abstract: A platform (10) with a central region (70) for production and/or processing and/or storage of hydrocarbons, has a hose reel (30) arranged adjacent to a service area (50). The hose reel is arranged outside the central region and oriented with its axis of rotation (a-a) being directed towards the central region, and the service area is not between the reel and the central region.

Abstract: An offshore structure having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper vertical wall, an upper inwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper vertical wall, a lower outwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper sloped wall, and a lower vertical wall disposed below the lower sloped wall. The upper and lower sloped walls produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. A heavy slurry of hematite and water ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore structure includes one or more movable hawser connections that allow a vessel to be moored directly to the offshore structure during offloading. The movable hawser connection includes an arcuate rail with a movable trolley that provides a hawser connection point that allows vessel weathervaning.

Abstract: An offshore system for drilling or production includes a buoyant hull. In addition, the offshore system includes a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the offshore system includes a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the offshore system includes a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor has a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end positioned above the sea floor.

Abstract: An offshore system for drilling or production comprises a buoyant hull. In addition, the system comprises a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the system comprises a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the system comprises a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor comprises a first sleeve having a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor, an upper end positioned above the sea floor, an inner surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, an outer surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, and a slit extending helically about the first sleeve. The slit extends radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first sleeve.

Abstract: Column-stabilized floating offshore platform structure for dry tree application is provided. The offshore floating platform can include a deck, a jacket frame attached to the bottom of the deck for supporting the deck, a hull structurally coupled with the jacket frame for providing buoyancy and a restoring force to stabilize the platform, and a mooring system coupled with the hull for maintaining the position of the platform. A method for providing the offshore floating platform is also provided.

Abstract: A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: A support structure for mooring a vertically extending floating wind turbine or the like body has a ring of tether attachment points for connecting respective tethers running down to the seabed. The ring is spaced from the body by a ring of inclined struts running diagonally downwardly and inwardly from the plane of the attachment points.

Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel for offshore operations is suitable to be operated in icy waters and in ice-free waters. The vessel includes an operating deck, at least one lower hull, an essentially vertical connecting structure between the at least one lower hull and the operating deck, and a ballast system. The connecting structure has a water portion and an icebreaking portion arranged on top of each other. The vessel is configured to have an icebreaking draft for icy waters, and a water draft for ice-free waters in which the waterline is substantially level with the water portion. The icebreaking portion has a closed tapered contour. During the water draft, the collective area of the water portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface is smaller than the collective area of the icebreaking portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface during the icebreaking draft.

Abstract: A working system includes a floating type floating structure, and a working ship configured to perform at least installation or maintenance of the floating structure. The floating structure has a column section whose peripheral surface is located at a waterline when the floating structure is floating, a ballast section arranged below the column section and a flange section arranged at an intermediate portion of the column section. The working ship has a gripping section capable of engaging with the flange section, and a raising/lowering device configured to raise and lower the floating structure.

Abstract: There is provided a floatation device for supporting at least one photovoltaic solar panel above a body of water. Preferably, the floatation device includes a base that is able to float on or in the body of water, and at least one support to position the at least one photovoltaic solar panel at an angle to the base. At least one coupling member is used to couple the floatation device to an adjacent floatation device. In various embodiments an array of floatation devices holding solar panels can be constructed that can be rotated on the body of water to relatively easily track the motion of the sun across the sky during the day. The pitch angle of solar panels can be fixed or varied. Optionally, the base includes at least one opening.

Abstract: A monohull offshore vessel includes a hull having a moonpool and a pipe storage. A multipurpose tower is mounted on the hull at the moonpool, and a pipe handling system is provided for handling pipes to be used with the multipurpose tower. The pipe handling system includes a gantry beam provided at opposite ends thereof with guides for interacting with horizontal guide tracks extending along opposite sides of the pipe storage for movement along the pipe storage. The guides supporting the gantry beam extend beyond the pipe storage, such that the pipe handling system can cover parts of the vessel other than the pipe storage to transport pipes and/or other objects.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: An offshore marine port including a plurality of individual modules of the same dimensions and alike size and shape, being attached to form a singular large platform and having apparatus either fixed or mobile, robotic or manned, pertaining to the handling and efficient movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while being off-loaded or on-loaded to either bulk or break bulk vessels or barges; liquids vessels or barges; or cargo container vessels or barges. The ‘modules’ are constructed in a way as to most effectively provide for the movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while transiting through the intended structure. The mono semi-submersible sections of each module, serves to allow for more usable arrears for below main deck operations, while still providing for ample research and development spaces and supporting laboratories.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more modules each comprised of one or more layers of permeable and porous matrix comprised of post-consumer carpet fibers and a top covering and a bottom covering around each layer. Alternate embodiments include layers comprised of polyethylene terephthalate bottle-fiber matrix and/or jute or coir fibers. A method of manufacturing the floating island module described above.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the general art of energy storage and power generation, and in particular to systems for capturing and storing energy, for instance, offshore floating ocean energy systems. In various embodiments, such systems may include a pneumatically stabilized platform base coupled to a power generator and a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an offshore wind turbine complete set, comprising a foundation, a tower column and a wind turbine set. The foundation utilizes a steel-concrete structure and comprises a plurality of tanks which are respectively provided with an opening; a lower end of the tower column is installed on the foundation; and the wind turbine set is installed on an upper end of the tower column. When the offshore wind turbine complete set floats on water, the openings of the plurality of tanks are under the water, and the tank is injected with air or water, and the buoyancy and uprighting force are provided by the plurality of tanks, so as to keep the entire structure in a vertical floating state consistent with the state of installation on the offshore site, but without external force on the water.

Abstract: These Ocean rafts for mining hydrogen consist of a variety of structurally connected modules that form seaworthy powered maneuverable floating ocean platforms for an on-board hydrogen mining and storage facility, as well as an oxygen, distillation, and mineral recovery operation. These operations shall be powered by synergistic clean energy systems consisting of: a photogalvanic solar array; wind turbines; perimeter wave action devices; and mechanisms that derive electrical energy from the variable tension on the anchor lines. There may also be a small on-board nuclear reactor to generate continuous additional electricity. Underwater propellers powered by fuelcells, capable of a full 360 degree rotation and located on the corners of the platform, will enable rotation and navigation of the entire assembly.

Abstract: A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible vessel may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns, within a support grid in the area between the pontoons and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll.

Abstract: A system for performing a desired subsea well-servicing operation, comprises a vessel, a service apparatus for performing the desired subsea well-servicing operation, the service apparatus being supported on the vessel; and a support apparatus mounted on the vessel, the support apparatus having first and second modes, wherein in the first mode the support means does not provide access to a well by the service apparatus and wherein in the second mode the support means does provide access to a well by the service apparatus. The vessel may be a vessel of opportunity and the service apparatus may be selected from the group consisting of subsea tree installation apparatus, perforating apparatus, acidizing apparatus, fracturing apparatus, workover apparatus, reservoir stimulation apparatus, wireline apparatus, coiled tubing apparatus, and snubbing apparatus.

Abstract: A semisubmersible mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) includes a submersible lower hull comprising a ring pontoon having a trapezoidal shape; an upper hull having the trapezoidal shape; three stability columns supporting the upper hull from the lower hull; and a drilling rig. The MODU may be operated in a tender assist mode or an independent drilling mode. The MODU may be equipped to prepare, drill, and complete a subsea wellbore or to workover an existing subsea wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting and processing gases from submerged sources are disclosed. A system for removing and processing a gas from a submerged area in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a membrane or other open-bottom structure having a port and being disposed over at least a portion of the submerged area so as to at least partially enclose a volume of the gas. The system can further include a chemical reactor coupled to the open-bottom structure to receive the gas, and positioned to conduct a non-combustion reaction to dissociate a constituent from a donor substance of the gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform body for supporting drilling, storing, treatment or production of hydrocarbons. The platform body have a cross section with a center point in a first plane, and is defined by a side wall formed by at least one side wall section, the side wall is arranged around the periphery of an open recess. Each side wall section comprises a first and a second side, an upper and a lower edge, the first and second side of the side wall section defines at least a first side wall thickness. The first side of the side wall section faces away from the open recess and the second side of the side wall section faces towards the open recess. The mentioned open recess has a cross section with a center point in the first plane. Further is the center point of the cross section of the open recess displaced a distance in the first plane, from the center point of the cross section of the platform body.

Abstract: A mobile marine service module and method allows for in-water service of marine vessels. The service module permits servicing and repair of a marine vessel without removal from the water. The service module can attach to a marine vessel, against the hull, below the water line. Once in place and sealed against the vessel's hull, water from inside the module can be removed to provide a platform to work on the vessel, such as to provide service to the vessel's outdrive, for example. With the mobile marine service module, the vessel remains afloat during service, with little or no stress on the hull.

Abstract: A support of deep caisson type having a longitudinal axis, for floating installation in a body of water and provided with mooring lines for anchoring to a seabed, has a lower portion in the body of water having a weight element, an upper portion that supports a platform above a water surface, and an extended portion in an area between the upper portion and the lower portion. The extended portion has one or more internal storage chambers and one or more ballast chambers. The storage chambers are arranged closer to the longitudinal axis than the ballast chambers.

Abstract: A floating dock system contains a polymeric foam core, a structural collar, attachment means connected to the structural collar and a protective coating adhering to and completely covering the polymer foam core and structural collar and is free of decking or plates that are independent of the structural collar between the top surface of the polymeric foam core and the protective coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a monohull offshore drilling vessel comprising: a hull having a moonpool and a main deck, which hull further has a hold, which hold has a floor and a side wall, a firing line hoist system that is mounted on the hull above the moonpool, which firing line hoist system comprises a mast, which is connected to the hull of the drilling vessel, a pipe storage for storing drill pipes in a substantially horizontal position, a riser storage for storing risers in a substantially horizontal position, wherein the pipe storage and/or the riser storage extend to the floor of the hold.

Abstract: Floating platform (1) having a flat cover element (2) and a sealing element (3), which is connected to the cover element (2), makes a sealing contact with a liquid surface (4) during operation and encloses a closed cavity (5) together with the cover element (2) and the liquid surface (4) or a bottom surface, in which cavity (5) an overpressure which supports the cover element (2) can be produced by a compressed-air production apparatus (5?), with at least one circumferential wall (6) being provided as the sealing element (3), and having a sealing section (3?) which projects into the liquid during operation.

Abstract: This floating support for an offshore structure such as a wind generator in particular, of the type including an element in the form of a support mast (16), the upper part of winch is associated with the structure and the lower part of winch is associated with elements (18) in the form of float and with ballast-forming elements (17), is characterized in that the elements (18) in the form of a float have an overall shape winch widens out from the lower part of the element (16) in the form of a mast, allowing two stable positions of the support to be defined, one of the positions being a lying-down position and the other a position standing up on the elements in the form of a float.

Abstract: A towable buoyant platform of modular floating segments is provided to serve as a floating target. The platform connects at least one pontoon thereto. The pontoon includes a keel that connects to the hull and a plurality of buoyant modules. The keel extends longitudinally along the platform. Each module has an interface that connects to the keel. Each module also includes first and second longitudinal ends. The first and second ends have a tongue and a groove, respectively. The tongue and groove are slideably connectable to each other, such that fore and aft modules of the plurality attach together.

Abstract: The moonpool includes a first space formed by being penetrated from a bottom surface through an upper deck of the drillship so as to carry out a drilling operation; and a second space formed on a side of the first space in a lengthwise direction of the drillship, a bottom of the second space being open toward a lower side of the drillship. The second space is formed on a side of the first space in the lengthwise direction of the drillship so that the overall length of the moonpool is increased.

Abstract: A dynamic anchoring system for use in stabilizing a floating platform is provided. The dynamic anchoring system includes a mooring assembly having a plurality of rodes each with an adjustable length. As waves cause the platform to rock, the length of each rode is adjusted in a manner to counteract the motion created by the waves. Thus, the platform remains substantially level. The platform supports a wind turbine on a mast. At least one motion sensor on the mast provides motion data indication the direction and speed of the hull's motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating concrete body and to a floating assembly using the same, comprising: a main body having a buoyancy space to provide buoyancy; and a buoyancy member which has a lower specific gravity than water and fills the buoyancy space in such a way that it can block water from flowing into the buoyancy space. The floating concrete body and the floating assembly using the same according to the present invention have the advantage that buoyancy can be provided even if cracking occurs in an outer wall of the floating concrete body, since water is blocked from flowing into the flotation space of the floating concrete body because the flotation space is filled by the buoyancy member. The floating concrete body and the floating assembly using the same according to the present invention which are constituted in this way can be employed in offshore fishing sites, offshore lodges, floating breakwaters, floating roadbridges and non-magnetic enclosures.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A towable buoyant platform of modular floating segments is provided to serve as a floating target. The platform connects at least one pontoon thereto. The pontoon includes a keel that connects to the hull and a plurality of buoyant modules. The keel extends longitudinally along the platform. Each module has an interface that connects to the keel. Each module also includes first and second longitudinal ends. The first and second ends have a tongue and a groove, respectively. The tongue and groove are slideably connectable to each other, such that fore and aft modules of the plurality attach together.