Abstract: A mooring system comprises a pair of first mooring elements configured at first ends for connection to a floating vessel, and a pair of second mooring elements configured at first ends for connection to a seabed below a water surface. A restrictor member is connected between said pair of first mooring elements' second ends. The restrictor member has a length dimension that is less than or equal to the width of the vessel to which the mooring system is connected.

Abstract: A mooring line length adjusting device and method is disclosed. The device is arranged for connecting lower and upper mooring line section to its respective ends and for adjusting the total length of the mooring line. The upper section of the mooring line includes a chain segment at its end connected to the device. The device includes a locking element to lock the chain segment to itself. A connecting structure for a temporary pulling mechanism to pull the device in a direction to transfer tension from the upper mooring line section to the temporary pulling mechanism is a part of the device. The method discloses steps and details how to use the device.

Abstract: A foundation interface device for pulling a cable (16) that is arranged in a conduit into a structure. The interface device has a flexible, generally cylindrical pull-in member (12) that is connected to the conduit. At the leading end of the pull-in member is a weak link latch having releasable arms (72) connected to the pull-in member and connection piece (66) connected to the cable. At the rear of the pull in member is a slidable sleeve operably connected to extendable teeth (40). The slidable sleeve has an abutment (36) that contacts an opening of the structure when the interface device is pulled into the opening, causing the sleeve to slide rearward at thus extending the teeth to lock the interface device in the opening.

Abstract: An underwater turbine apparatus includes a nacelle, containing a generator; a rotor connected to a first end of the nacelle and in communication with the generator to cooperate therewith to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy; a float connected to the nacelle; and a stabilizer connected to the nacelle; a tower connected to the nacelle by a joint; a base supporting the tower; an auger protruding from the underside of the base; and a motor for driving the auger, operable to drill the auger into engagement with an installation surface for the underwater turbine. A method for installing an underwater turbine apparatus includes rotating an auger, on the underwater turbine apparatus, to engage a seafloor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for mooring a structure, the apparatus includes a first portion for receiving a portion of a line, such as a mooring line, extending from a structure. A guide portion for guiding a/the portion of a line received by the first portion, the guide portion being movably connected to the first portion and a second portion for connecting or coupling the apparatus to a seabed or a further structure located thereon, the second portion being movably connected to the first portion and/or guide portion.

Abstract: A method for determining a displacement of an anchor is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial position of the anchor; and determining a displacement of the anchor. The step of determining the displacement of the anchor includes (i) measuring anchor velocity values, (ii) measuring at least one further physical quantity associated with the anchoring, (iii) deciding whether the anchor is at rest or in motion, wherein a value of the further physical quantity is taken into account in the decision, and (iv) integrating the velocity values over time during intervals when the anchor is deemed to be in motion.

Abstract: A chemical above ground non-metallic storage tank has an inner tank grounding system to minimize a risk of a spark caused by a nearby lightning strike or a static discharge. An anchor is lowered via cable to a bottom of the tank. The top of the cable is secured to an anchor attached to a roof (or side) of the tank. A ground wire is run from the anchor to ground.

Abstract: A method and system for heading control during ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). A method for heading control during STS transfer of LNG while moored on a buoy includes berthing a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) to a buoy at a forward end of the FSRU, holding a stern of the berthed FSRU at a first heading with a bow of the FSRU pointing into a current, docking an LNG carrier (LNGC) alongside the berthed FSRU, mooring the LNGC to the berthed FSRU in a double-banked configuration at the first heading, adjusting the first heading of the FSRU and moored LNGC to a second heading with the bow of the FSRU and a bow of the LNGC pointing into a swell, and transferring LNG from the LNGC to the FSRU while the FSRU and moored LNGC are pointed into the swell.

Abstract: A system for laying an underwater pipeline on a bed of a body of water has a construction site to form a string of an underwater pipeline, the string being defined by a curved portion shaped substantially like a portion of the bed of the body of water characterized by an abrupt change in slope; at least two vessels to transfer, in the body of water, the string from the construction site to a laying site in the body of water and substantially on the vertical of a path along which to lay the string; and a plurality of floating devices configured to be coupled to the string and so as to selectively support and sink the string in the body of water, and progressively lay the string along the path on the bed of the body of water.

Abstract: An anchor has a fluke, a shank that is connected to the fluke, a coupling to attach the fluke to an anchor line or anchor chain, and an angle adjustment provision to adjust the angle between the shank and the fluke, wherein the angle adjustment provision is a hinge between the fluke and the shank, a first positioning member connected to the shank that is provided with a series of first positioning holes at a first intermediate distance and a second positioning member connected to the fluke that is provided with a series of second positioning holes at a second intermediate distance and spaced apart from the hinge axis, and a positioning pin that is inserted in one of the aligned first and second positioning holes, wherein the second intermediate distance differs from the first intermediate distance.

Abstract: A system includes mooring lines arranged respectively in three to eight directions, and at least one of a plurality of offshore structures included in the offshore structure group is moored by locking the mooring lines in the respective directions with separate mooring bases, and at least one of the mooring bases locks the mooring lines which are connected respectively to three to eight of the offshore structures in the offshore structure group. With this configuration, even when part of the mooring lines mooring the offshore structures is broken or the mooring function of the mooring bases is lost, although the offshore structure moves, the offshore structure is kept being moored by the remaining mooring-line group, so that the offshore structure can be prevented from colliding with another offshore structure.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to anchoring systems for floating bases for the production of energy at sea (floating wind turbine, wave energy, floating hydraulic turbines, ETM platform, etc.) and/or for petroleum exploitation at sea, constituted by at least one anchoring line which comprises at least one portion which is constituted by cable, chain or a combination of the two and at least one elastic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (60), such as a chain stopper, for connecting a chain 320 or at least one portion of a chain (320) to a structure (55), such as an offshore structure or vessel. The device comprising a first portion (70) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to a structure (55) so as to provide movement of the first portion (70) relative to a structure (55) about or around a first axis (310) of the first portion (70). The first portion comprises a chain or line guiding means (75) arranged for rotational movement about or around the first axis (310) of the first portion (70). In some examples, the device (70) may comprise a second portion (80) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to the first portion (70) so as to provide movement of the second portion (80) relative to the first portion (70) about or around a second axis (315) of the second portion.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anchor alarm device which is a manually deployed weighted device attached to or near the anchor which signals to device equipment at water-level. The device detects the movement of, or physical force generated by, a dislodged anchor. When deployed, a component of the anchor alarm device rests adjacent to or as part of a seated anchor at a distance predetermined by the tolerance of the secondary rode. The secondary rode connects the device directly to the anchor, or near the anchor on the primary rode. Upon displacement of the set anchor, in excess of the secondary rode, the device alerts the user. The device utilizes sensor monitoring inside of a housing component to detect a force indicative of anchor displacement. This detection triggers a signals emission which alerts the user of the change in position. In cases wherein the anchor is not immediately retrieved, device re-arms autonomously and stops emission of the alarm signal until the next anchor displacement.

Abstract: A method of supporting a chain stopper on a vessel, a chain stopper assembly for a vessel, and a vessel. The method of supporting a chain stopper on a vessel may comprise the steps of connecting a swivel element to the support structure on the vessel such that the swivel element is pivotable around a first axis perpendicular to a substantially horizontal axis; and coupling a chain stopper element to the swivel element such that the chain stopper element is pivotable relative to the swivel element around the substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: An anchor and an anchor positioning system are provided in which an anchor shackle is arranged such that, in use, it is disposed within a chasing collar. The anchor shackle can be positioned in a locking position in the chasing collar in which rotational movement of the anchor shackle around its longitudinal axis is inhibited. The anchor shackle may also be positioned in an unlocked position in the chasing collar. The anchor shackle can rotate around its longitudinal axis from the unlocked position to the locking position. Accordingly, the anchor shackle assists in maintaining the anchor in a desired orientation corresponding to the locking position.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A traction system (11; 60) for operating lines (18), in particular mooring lines and/or riser lines, of a vessel (1), includes at least two work stations (26) distributed along at least two sides of the vessel (1) and engaged by respective operating lines (18). The traction system includes a main traction device (14; 15, 17; 15A, 17) and a transmission device (36) having a duty line (28) connected to the main traction device and at least one guide member (24) for selectively routing the duty line (18) to each work station (26) for attachment to a respective operating line (18). A line storing space (22; 42, 44) is provided for storing parts of the duty line and/or hauled in moorings lines; the main traction device, the transmission device and the line storing space are placed together at or near a side of the floating production unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for deploying one or more anchor piles on the seafloor using submersible line tensioning systems and techniques to achieve tensioning of mooring lines at the seafloor rather than at the conventional vessel deck level. Among other things, the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously employed for tensioning mooring lines for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) when additional mooring legs must be added to the original complement of MODU legs, as well as and for tensioning mooring lines for vessels having turret mooring systems, each of which have limited space for surface tensioning equipment.

Abstract: A structure for underwater placement on a sea, lake or river bottom. The structure has tunnels to allow water and water currents, as well as marine organisms, to pass freely therethrough and infiltrate and colonize the openings. One or more hitch points are provided on the structure for attaching mooring lines to ships, boats, floating wind turbines or other floating objects, thereby allowing the structure to serve as a mooring to anchor such objects. The hitch points can be recessed within a depression in the surface of the structure and the hitch bar ends can also be recessed, providing an exterior surface free of protuberances.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a force sensor or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient.

Abstract: Method for mooring an offshore structure includes: providing a mooring line having one end connected to the sea bed and a connector at a free end; lifting the free end onto a deck of an anchor line handling vessel; connecting on the anchor line handling vessel a chain tensioner with a connection side to the connector; providing a working chain having a short tensioning part and a long installation part into the entry side of the chain tensioner; holding a free end of the installation part while lowering the chain tensioner below water level; picking up a free end of a pendant attached to the offshore structure, and attaching it to the free end of the installation part in an interconnect position on the anchor line handling vessel; placing the interconnect position overboard; connecting a lifting cable on the anchor line handling vessel to the tensioning part below water level; and exerting an upward tensioning force on the tensioning chain part.

Abstract: Hydroplaning navigation buoys may include a buoyant buoy body having an elongated water submersible body segment, a buoy rudder carried by the water submersible body segment and a protruding body segment extending from the water submersible body segment in angular relationship thereto.

Abstract: A mooring system for a plurality of wave energy converters (WECs) includes a multiplicity of anchors coupled to form an array of contiguous hexagonal shaped cells. Each cell has 3 WECs and 3 anchors located at the vertices of the hexagon, with a WEC alternating with an anchor going around the perimeter of the cell. Except for the cells at the edges of the array, each WEC is connected to two anchors of its cell and an anchor of an adjacent contiguous cell. Each WEC is connected to three different anchors via 3 mooring lines spaced 120 degrees apart about the WEC. The ratio of the number of anchors per WEC is decreased by connecting each anchor to more than one WEC. The cells can be arranged to form many different patterns. In one embodiment a plurality of WECs and anchors are deployed in a generally triangular formation extending from an apex of the triangular formation to a base.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the passing of a participant of an aquatic event by a water-based timing point including an RFID tag associated with the participant, an aquatic based RFID tag reading point having one or more aquatic tag reading assemblies placed in the water, each aquatic tag reading assembly having one or more RFID tag readers mounted thereon at a position above the surface of the water on an aquatic tag reader mounting assembly, the aquatic tag reader mounting assembly having a portion below the surface of the water and including at least one float system and at least one stabilization system.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A flowing-water driveable turbine assembly (104) for location in river or sea areas with unidirectional and bidirectional water flows. The turbine assembly comprises a turbine support (106) with positive buoyancy in water. The turbine support (106) is arranged to be anchored by an anchoring system (108) to a water bed. The turbine assembly comprises at least one turbine (110). The positive buoyancy of the turbine assembly in water has an upward force to constrain the turbine support 106 and the at least one turbine (110) to a position of floating equilibrium against a downward force of the anchoring system (108). The turbine assembly may have variable buoyancy, a duct around each turbine for directing water through the turbine to generate power from water flow, and a winch or winches for submerging the turbine assembly or parts thereof.

Abstract: A mooring leg connector (4) is configured for use with a mooring chain part (3) of a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to moor a floating structure (1) to the seabed. The connector has an elongate tubular element (5) extending in the mooring leg direction and a latch mechanism (6) for fixation of the mooring chain part to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement along the mooring leg in the direction of the seabed. The elongate tubular element has a passage for the mooring chain to pass through and includes at the top a double articulation axis including a roll articulation (7) and a pitch articulation (8). The roll and pitch articulations are coplanar.

Abstract: An underwater apparatus for generating electric power from ocean currents and deep water tides. A submersible platform including two or more power pods, each having a rotor with fixed-pitch blades, with drivetrains housed in pressure vessels that are connected by a transverse structure providing buoyancy, which can be a wing depressor, hydrofoil, truss, or faired tube. The platform is connected to anchors on the seafloor by forward mooring lines and a vertical mooring line that restricts the depth of the device in the water column. The platform operates using passive, rather than active, depth control. The wing depressor, along with rotor drag loads, ensures the platform seeks the desired operational current velocity. The rotors are directly coupled to a hydraulic pump that drives at least one constant-speed hydraulic-motor generator set and enables hydraulic braking. A fluidic bearing decouples non-torque rotor loads to the main shaft driving the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system comprising at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

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: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: The present invention concerns to a device for gripping and adjusting the tension in an elongated component. The device is characterized in that front tightening assembly (101) is mobile relative to rear body (10) and includes means (9) for joining to jaws (3), these means remaining active after said jaws (3) have gripped the component so that the movement of said jaws (3) results in movement of said joined assembly (101) which then applies forward traction on elongated component (E). Applications found in the handling of elongated objects such as cables, ropes or similar parts.

Abstract: A traction method for an operating line, in particular a mooring line, of a floating production unit includes the steps of: attaching an end chain portion of the operating line to a socket of a main cable running through a sheave at a work station; reeling in the main cable, using a winch, to bring the socket of the main cable up to the sheave; locking the operating line with a chain stopper; slackening the main cable and moving the sheave closer to the chain stopper to reduce pull on the main cable; reeling in the main cable to run the socket of the main cable through the sheave; once the socket of the main cable has run through the sheave, releasing the operating line from the chain stopper, and reeling in, by means of the winch, the main cable and the operating line connected to it, to set the operating line to a given tension.

Abstract: Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern.

Abstract: A boat anchor is described and which includes a fixture, which is releasably secured to a cleat that is mounted on a boat; an adjustable arm moveably mounted to the fixture and which has a distal end; a channel member mounted on the distal end of the adjustable arm and which defines a passageway; and an elongated anchor rod which is received in the passageway and which further has a distal end which is operable to engage an underwater surface, which is located near the boat, and wherein the adjustable arm maintains the boat at a predetermined distance from the anchor rod.

Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for a vessel is presented, comprising a moonpool in the vessel, a turret structure mounted for a rotation in said moonpool and a buoy member having a plurality of passages each adapted to receive a riser. The turret structure has a lower end comprising a buoy receptacle for detachably receiving the buoy member, wherein the mooring system further comprises a plurality of mooring lines for transmitting mooring forces and each have a lower end and an upper end connected to the seabed and the buoy member, respectively. The mooring lines each comprise a first section which in a disconnectable manner is connected to the turret structure and a second section connected to the first section at a coupling point and connected to the buoy member. Also methods for disconnecting and reconnecting such a mooring system are presented.

Abstract: A mooring system for a floating vessel such as a drilling unit is provided. The floating vessel has a platform for providing drilling, production or other operations in a marine environment, and a tower for providing ballast and stability below a water line in the marine environment. The mooring system generally includes a plurality of anchors disposed radially around the tower along a seabed, and a plurality of mooring lines. Each mooring line has a first end operatively connected to the tower, and a second end operatively connected to a respective anchor. Each mooring line further comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together using linkages. Each joint is at least five meters in length. The mooring system is capable of maintaining station-keeping for the vessel greater than about 100 Mega-Newtons such that operations may be conducted when the marine environment is substantially iced over.

Abstract: The wind power plant includes blades mounted on an annular pontoon. The pontoon is rotatable about a vertical axis. An energy converter is situated on a platform that is encircled by the annular pontoon. A kinematic mechanism is designed so as to be capable of transmitting the rotational energy of the annular pontoon to the receiving unit of the energy converter. The floating platform is equipped with positioning means that include at least six anchors located on the bottom of a body of water. The anchors are connected to the platform by flexible members and are offset in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the annular pontoon relative to the point at which the flexible member is attached to the platform. The technical result is an increase in the number of places where the wind power plants can be installed and an increase in electric power generation.

Abstract: A mooring system for a semi-submersible platform includes buoyancy structures for providing buoyancy to the semi-submersible platform, mooring lines connected to the buoyancy structures, and anchors embedded in the sea floor that are connected to the mooring lines. At least one-half of the mooring lines are attached to one of the buoyancy structures. A ballast control system for a wind turbine platform includes a sensor that is configured to detect a rotation of a wind turbine and a controller that is configured to direct a transfer of ballast to correct the of the wind turbine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a floating system positioned in a body of water having a water bottom, the system comprising a host member floating in the water; an elongated underwater line structure, comprising a top connected to the host; a bottom extending to the seabed and adapted to connect to a flowline lying on the seabed; a first portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; a second portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; and a transition segment between being shaped concave downward, the transition segment located between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A mooring arrangement for a semi-submersible offshore structure having an outer hull with a lower (2) and an upper (1) water line, comprises a mooring line (4) extending from a fixed point on the seabed to an attachment on the offshore structure, at least a portion of the mooring line closest to the attachment being a chain. The attachment comprises a hawse (10) and a chain stopper (22) located below the lower water line. The chain stopper (22) is located in a dry space inside the outer hull and is sealingly attached at one end to the hawse and at the opposite end to a chain pipe (9) which extends inside the hull to above the upper water line. The hawse extends outwards from the chain stopper and is sealed to an opening in the outer hull.

Abstract: An elastic anchor rope has an elastomeric core over most of its length. The core stretches during mooring to permit discharge of persons and items such as on a beach with subsequent retraction of the craft to an offshore location. A bow line permits retraction of the craft to the beach for loading purposes. Tensile loads are transferred from the elastomeric core to an intermediate cord and from the cord to end portions of the rope that do not have the core.

Abstract: An anchor for use with a buoyant decoy used in hunting has a hollow anchor housing configured for detachable engagement with the buoyant decoy, the hollow housing having an anchor head portion, a ballasted and ballastible anchor shaft portion and a hook portion unitary connected to the anchor shaft portion. A reel assembly with a spool of an anchor line is positioned in the anchor housing. The spool is rotated by a detachable crank handle to rewind the anchor line into the housing. A spring-operated release plunger is positioned within a bore formed in the head portion. When the plunger is depressed, the anchor line can be extended and/or retrieved. A hook on a free end of the anchor line allows detachable securing of the anchor housing to the keel of the decoy.

Abstract: A system of floating and weight-stabilized wind turbine towers with separately floodable compartments and aerodynamic overwater encasement and the appertaining semisubmersible mooring structures including anchorage on the seabed, a horizontally floating underwater mooring meshwork and an actinomorphic buoy-cable-mooring to the wind turbine towers. Also, a method to transport wind turbine towers from the manufacturing plants on-shore to the final off-shore destination by towing the vented towers in a horizontal position with towboats. Further, a method to erect the wind turbine towers at the final destination, including the assembly of the wind turbines. The worldwide potentials of off-shore wind farming in deep waters to produce electricity in an ecologically and economically sound way in order both to satisfy men's requirements and to help to reduce the need to rely on critical fossil and nuclear resources being immense.

Abstract: A system for mooring a floating plant for the production of energy from currents in a body of water, comprising a plant (10) floating in the body of water and having at least one generator (7) for energy production, and at least one elongate first mooring element (24) which at a first end is connected to one end of the plant (10). The first mooring element (24) at its second end is attached to one buoyant element (50) floating in the body of water and anchored to a bottom (B) below the body of water, and the second end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the buoyant element (50) at a level (d) in the body of water that corresponds to the level in the body of water at which the first end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the floating plant (10), whereby the first mooring element (24) runs horizontally or almost horizontally in the body of water.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.