Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel has a pair of vertically spaced pontoons with varied buoyancy. The lower pontoon is retained in a close vertical proximity to the upper pontoon when the vessel is in transit. The lower pontoon is ballasted at the deployment site, dropping the pontoon to a depth of about 32 meters below the first pontoon baseline. As a result, stability and motion characteristics of the vessel are significantly improved.

Abstract: A technique for guiding a riser in an offshore environment. The technique utilizes a keel guide that permits the passage of connectors or other components therethrough. A bushing is mounted within the keel guide to guide the relative linear motion of the riser assembly through the keel guide.

Abstract: An anchor assembly and method includes a boat that has a length less than 15 feet. A catch is attached to the boat. A housing has a first side wall, a second side wall and a peripheral wall extending there between. A spool is rotatably mounted in the housing. A rotation of the spool is biased in a first direction. The peripheral wall has an opening therein. A tether is attached to the spool and has a free end extending outwardly through the opening. The spool rotates in a second direction as the tether is extended outwardly of the housing. An anchor is attached to the tether. A clasp attached to the housing is attached to the catch. The tether is released outward of the opening so that the anchor falls into a body of water and comes to rest on a bottom surface of the body of water.

Abstract: An anchor line pretensioning method of an anchor line configuration that includes anchor lines (2, 3, 4) which are not diametrically opposed with respect to the structure that is moored to the seabed via the anchor lines. Two anchor lines (2, 3) on a first side of the installation vessel are mutually connected via a connecting member (13), such as for instance a triangular plate (13). The triangular plate (13) is connected to the vessel (10) in a fixed connection point or may be connected to a tensioning device on the vessel. During pretensioning, the pull force exerted on the tri-plate (13) is oriented in the same direction as the pull force exerted on the tensioning line (4) that is located on the opposite side of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for offshore mooring, a clamping apparatus includes a clamping mechanism and a pulley. A mooring line connected to an anchor or a pendant line connected to a vessel to be moored extends through the clamping mechanism and around the pulley of the clamping apparatus. The distal end of the line extending through the clamping apparatus is connected to an anchor handling vessel. The anchor handling vessel is employed to apply a predetermined tension to the pendant line and the preset mooring line. A remote operated vehicle is then employed to actuate the clamping apparatus and to disengage the anchor handling vessel.

Abstract: A mooring arrangement between a floating storage body spread moored in deep water and a shuttle tanker, the arrangement including a single point buoyant member that is adapted for mooring a shuttle tanker in offloading position relative to a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a link between the floating storage body and the single point buoyant member. One embodiment (100) of the invention employs a submerged yoke (30), having one end (31) rotatably coupled to a FPSO (10) and a second end (32), supported by a buoy. A mooring hawser (28) extends from the buoy to the shuttle tanker and product hoses connect the shuttle tanker with the FPSO and extend along the submerged yoke. In another embodiment, the mooring buoy is stationed by a hold-back mooring system (303–304) and the FPSO or the tanker or both is provide with traction device (308) to move the tanker into loading position with respect to the FPSO.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for offshore mooring, a clamping apparatus includes a clamping mechanism and a pulley. A mooring line connected to an anchor or a pendant line connected to a vessel to be moored extends through the clamping mechanism and around the pulley of the clamping apparatus. The distal end of the line extending through the clamping apparatus is connected to an anchor handling vessel. The anchor handling vessel is employed to apply a predetermined tension to the pendant line and the preset mooring line. A remote operated vehicle is then employed to actuate the clamping apparatus and to disengage the anchor handling vessel.

Abstract: A lateral mooring system for tendon-based platforms is disclosed, which provides reduced installation and/or operational cost associated with the installation and operation of an extended-base tension leg platform. The lateral mooring system includes a plurality of mooring lines that provide lateral support to the platform in mild metocean conditions, but may have application in more severe oceanic condition. A method for installing the system on the platform and a method for drilling wells on a offshore site.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a Quick Anchoring Equipment system (30) which permits underwater connection and disconnection of anchoring lines (2) to anchoring devices that are already fixedly attached to the bottom of the sea. The Quick Anchoring Equipment (30) consists of chain cable, cables, hooks and buoys specifically organized and configured, which, are attached at the submerged end of the anchoring line (2), which makes it possible with a single support boat (5), together with a remote operated vehicle (6), to carry out this whole anchoring lines (2) operation fundamental to floating platforms (1). The invention also includes the method to install and uninstall the Quick Anchoring Equipment (30).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an oscillation suppression system is provided to inhibit vertical and rotational resonance of a floating platform. The oscillation suppression system includes energy absorption chambers mounted in or about the hull of the floating platform. The chambers may be separately attached or integrated as part of the structure. The chambers are comprised of gas in an upper portion, and water mass in a lower portion. The chambers are closed or partially vented at the upper ends and open at their bottom ends. The enclosed gas in the upper portion of the chamber acts as a gas spring reacting against the floating platform and the water mass. The suppression of resonant oscillations of the floating platform system is accomplished through the gas-spring pressure changes acting on the floating platform system in phase opposition to external forces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flexible anchoring rope for fixing a floating platform in the water, and such anchoring rope is made of a substance consisting of a mixture of rubber and carbon fiber in an appropriate ratio and wrapped inside fibers. The fixtures on both ends of such flexible anchoring rope are used to fix a floating platform to an anchor in the water. By means of the good pre-stressed buffer provided by the flexible anchoring rope, the maximum extensibility is up to 90˜120% which can sustain the tension produced by the tidal currents during the rising and ebb tides, and its good resilience can keep the floating platform in a specific area.

Abstract: An anchor block construction (10) for attachment to an escape line (100) extending from a drilling rig (101) wherein, the construction (10) includes a concrete block member (20) having a base (21) with a plurality of downwardly depending anchor leg members (30), at least two inwardly angled sidewalls (22) (24) provided with anchor rod members (40) (40) disposed in recessed receptacle elements (50) and a top surface (26) likewise provided with an anchor rod member (40?) disposed in a recessed receptacle (50) wherein, the escape line (100) is intended to be secured to a selected one of the sidewall anchor rod members (40)(40) which is disposed beneath the midline of the concrete block member (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchor line installation method comprising the steps of: connecting the anchor line (2) to the seabed with an anchoring device (4), providing an anchor line part (7) on the floating structure (3), picking up the free end of the anchor line (2) with an installation vessel (1), providing a first connector element (10) on the free end of one of the anchor line (2) and the floating structure anchor line part (7), either prior or after picking up said free end, providing a second connector element (12) on the other of the anchor line (2) and the floating structure anchor line part (7), extending a pulling line (8) between the second connector element (12) and the installation vessel, the pulling line being engaged on the installation vessel (I) with the first connector element (10), lowering the first and second connector elements (10, 12) in the water, from the installation vessel (I), and hauling in the pulling line (8) with a pulling device (13) on the installation vessel (I), thereb

Abstract: A swing arm type chain support with a hook arrangement integral with a swing arm which allows a mooring chain to ratchet over the hook while tensioning, then automatically engage the hook when tension is reduced.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an oscillation suppression system is provided to inhibit vertical and rotational resonance of a floating platform. The oscillation suppression system includes energy absorption chambers mounted in or about the hull of the floating platform. The chambers may be separately attached or integrated as part of the structure. The chambers are comprised of gas in an upper portion, and water mass in a lower portion. The chambers are closed or partially vented at the upper ends and open at their bottom ends. The enclosed gas in the upper portion of the chamber acts as a gas spring reacting against the floating platform and the water mass. The suppression of resonant oscillations of the floating platform system is accomplished through the gas-spring pressure changes acting on the floating platform system in phase opposition to external forces.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for an anchoring system for a boat which permits the user to deploy the anchor from the side or rear of the boat, and for the anchoring point on which the anchor rope acts to travel from the side or rear of the boat to the front of 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 technique for guiding a riser in an offshore environment. The technique utilizes a keel guide that permits the passage of connectors or other components therethrough. A bushing is mounted within the keel guide to guide the relative linear motion of the riser assembly through the keel guide.

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: Hydrocarbon mooring and transfer system includes a tower resting on the seabed, a vessel containing hydrocarbons, anchoring elements having at least four spaced-apart anchoring members connected via a respective anchor line to the vessel. A hydrocarbon transfer duct extends between a coupling position, located between the bow and stern of the vessel and the tower. The system includes at least six anchoring members, at least four of which are connected to the vessel, the vessel being attachable to at least two different groups consisting of four anchoring members in at least two orientations.

Abstract: A floating platform for recovery of oil and gas from offshore oil and gas fields supports one or more decks above the water surface to accommodate equipment for drilling and processing oil, gas and water recovered from the oil and gas field. The platform includes a central column having a portion substantially below the water surface, and including a portion which extends above the water surface. The central column includes a base node and a plurality of pontoons extending outwardly therefrom and is anchored to the seabed by one or more tendons secured to the pontoons and to the seabed. Ballast modules fixedly or removably secured to the base node and/or the pontoons accept solid or liquid ballast for lowering the vertical center of gravity of the platform.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes a vessel and one or more anchor lines extending from a first anchor to a pulling device on the vessel and from there on to a second anchor. The anchor line may extend transversely to the length direction of the vessel, or may extend parallel to the length direction of the vessel, offset from the longitudinal or transverse centre-lines. The anchoring system provides an active semi-weathervaing capability whereby heave and roll motions may be significantly reduced. Accurate station keeping maybe achieved with a relatively small number of pulling devices, the pulling force of which can be relatively small.

Abstract: A portable marine outhaul has a closed loop of line strung between pulleys attached to a pair of anchors, e.g. sea and land anchors, and used to keep a boat moored off a temporary shore. The outhaul uses a reel rotatably mounted inside a housing. One half or run of the line, preferably fed through one hole in the housing, is wrapped on one half of a spool of the reel. The other half or run is fed through a second hole in the housing, spaced from said first hole a sufficient distance to control tangling. This other run is wound in the same direction onto the other half spool of the reel. In a manually-operated form, a crank turns an axle attached to the center of the spool. Initially attached to either anchor, the outhaul unwinds until reaching the other anchor where it is attached. The two lines of the outhaul are then cleated or otherwise secured, preferably to the side of the container. This completes the outhaul loop. The boat is then attached to the loop and can be pulled off shore and on shore at will.

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 hawser system for connecting a semisubmersible tender to a deep draft caisson vessel comprising: a first winch and a second winch disposed on the first end of the tender; a first hawser connected to the first winch and a second hawser connected to the second winch; a first sheave and a second sheave disposed on a second end of the tender opposite the first end of the tender, the first sheave for engaging the first hawser and the second sheave for engaging the second hawser; a first hawser fairlead disposed on a first side of the tender for receiving the first hawser and a second hawser fairlead disposed on the second side of the tender for receiving the second hawser and wherein the first hawser crosses the second hawser three times as each is reaved to each fairlead and wherein the first and second hawsers pass beneath the deck of the tender to the deep draft caisson vessel; at least one connector or joining the first and second hawsers at a position n the deep draft caisson vessel, after the hawsers pass

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: 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 using a semi-submersible tender with a deck, a shape that results in a combined environmental load less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition, a plurality of supports each with a rounded shape connected to the deck, a plurality of pontoons connecting the supports with each pontoon being capable of ballast transfer, wherein the tender is used for mooring in a tendering position relative to an offshore platform during a 1-year, 10-year, and 100-year storm, as well as non-storm conditions, using hawsers with adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the platform and the tender and adequate stiffness to synchronize the mean/low frequency movement between the platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a 10-year winter storm, and enough slack during a 10-year storm to enable the tender to move to a tender standby position, and wherein the tender uses an at least 6-point mooring system for creating global equilibrium between the platform and t

Abstract: A single hoisting mechanism is positioned on a turret of either an external or an internal turret mooring system for a FSO or FPSO vessel and is releasably securable to each of a plurality of anchor leg chains. The mechanism is mounted for angular rotation about the center-line of the turret in order that the hoist can be angularly aligned and selectively engaged with each of the anchor leg chains or riser/umbilicals spaced around the turret.

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 mooring arrangement between a floating storage body spread moored in deep water and a shuttle tanker, the arrangement including a single point buoyant member that is adapted for mooring a shuttle tanker in offloading position relative to a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with a link between the floating storage body and the single point buoyant member. One embodiment (100) of the invention employs a submerged yoke (30), having one end (31) rotatably coupled to a FPSO (10) and a second end (32), supported by a buoy. A mooring hawser (28) extends from the buoy to the shuttle tanker and product hoses connect the shuttle tanker with the FPSO and extend along the submerged yoke. In another embodiment, the mooring buoy is stationed by a hold-back mooring system (303-304) and the FPSO or the tanker or both is provided with traction devices (308) to move the tanker into loading position with respect to the FPSO.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mooring that provides an alternative to the chain traditionally used in mooring installations. It provides a flexible tie member to couple vessels to permanently located anchors which simulates the action of a mooring chain, but which is more durable and where the weights used in the apparatus may be reusable. The mooring apparatus comprises or includes, a flexible or articulable elongate member having a first end and a second end, and plurality of weights each secured and spaced along the elongate member, the first end adapted to be connected to an anchor weight and the second end adapted to be connected to a buoy. The method comprises using the mooring apparatus to moor a vessel.

Abstract: A floating platform for recovery of oil and gas from offshore oil and gas fields supports one or more decks above the water surface to accommodate equipment for drilling and processing oil, gas and water recovered from the oil and gas field. The platform includes a central column having a portion substantially below the water surface, and including a portion which extends above the water surface. The central column includes a base node and a plurality of pontoons extending outwardly therefrom and is anchored to the seabed by one or more tendons secured to the pontoons and to the seabed. Ballast modules fixedly or removably secured to the base node and/or the pontoons accept solid or liquid ballast for lowering the vertical center of gravity of the platform.

Abstract: A system for anchoring of a vessel in connection with the transfer of fluids, especially hydrocarbons, between the vessel (1) and a place at the seabed (4) wherein the system comprises a mooring line (5) extending between a connecting means (8) on the vessel (1) and an anchor means (6) at the seabed (4). A lump weight (9) is fastened to the mooring line (5) between the ends thereof, and a loading hose (12) extends between the anchor means (6) and a connecting point (15) at the vessel (1), the loading hose (12) at a place between the ends thereof being connected to the lump weight (9), so that the lump weight forms a point of division between a lower part (16) and an upper part (17) of the hose.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for offshore mooring, a clamping apparatus includes a clamping mechanism and a pulley. A mooring line connected to an anchor or a pendant line connected to a vessel to be moored extends through the clamping mechanism and around the pulley of the clamping apparatus. The distal end of the line extending through the clamping apparatus is connected to an anchor handling vessel. The anchor handling vessel is employed to apply a predetermined tension to the pendant line and the preset mooring line. A remote operated vehicle is then employed to actuate the clamping apparatus and to disengage the anchor handling vessel.

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: An anchor assembly for a watercraft comprises a spherical stainless steel-lead filled heavy body to be removably coupled to the hull of the watercraft by a stainless steel coupling cable, the heavy body being so designed as to provide a “dead body” with the watercraft in an anchored condition.

Abstract: A chain table for connecting mooring legs to a turret. The chain table includes downwardly sloping connection flanges with bosses for forming holes for pivoting members of a coupler assembly. The downward slope of the flanges allows forces from connected anchor legs to be better directed to the chain table as compared to connecting flanges which extend perpendicularly from the body of the chain table. As a result, the chain table can be made smaller which allows it to be fabricated by casting techniques. An anchor leg pattern is established by connecting vessel end portions of anchor legs to the chain table while the vessel is in port, installing at a mooring site seabed portions of anchor legs according to an anchor leg pattern, and after the vessel arrives at the mooring site, connecting each vessel end portion to each corresponding seabed anchor leg portion to establish the anchor leg pattern for mooring the vessel.

Abstract: An inflatable raft tethering arrangement includes an inflatable raft and a tether. The inflatable raft has an aperture and a rigid reinforcement. The rigid reinforcement is disposed about the aperture. The tether includes a clasp, a cord, and a suction mechanism. The clasp is secured to the raft through the aperture and the cord secured to the clasp and the suction mechanism.

Abstract: A vessel includes at least two anchor lines connected respectively at a substantially fixed position near the bow and near the stern of the vessel. At least one of the anchor lines includes at least two branching anchor lines each connected with one end to the anchor line in a connection point and connected with the other end to the seabed. By means of this system, a stable anchoring arrangement is achieved in which the sides of the vessel are easily accessible by for instance a shuttle tanker. The system also allows for a weathervaning action through relatively small angles, for instance between 0 and 90°. In another embodiment, at least one of the anchor lines is connected to a substantially fixed position pulling system such as a winch system for lengthening or shortening the anchor lines. For providing a weathervaning action through a range of about 0° and 90°, the anchor lines are maintained in a tensioned state by the winch system and are varied in length.

Abstract: A mooring system for a semisubmersible tender which comprises a deck, a shape that results in a combined environmental load of less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition, a plurality of supports connected to the deck, a plurality of pontoons connecting to the supports, at least two hawsers for connecting the tender to a production platform, each having adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the production platform and the tender, and adequate stiffness to synchronize the average and low frequency movement between the production platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a storm having a designation of up to a 10-year storm in the tendering position, connectors securing each hawser, a hawser guidance system; and an at least 8-point mooring system with each mooring lines consisting of: a first length of steel wire rope; a length of polymer rope secured to the first length of steel wire rope; a second length of steel wire rope secured to the polyme

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structure 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: The invention consists of a floating production vessel operating on the surface of the sea with two or more risers connected between equipment or wells on the sea floor and the vessel or its equipment at the surface. The risers are rigid, jointed pipe with rugged field proven drill-pipe type connections. The arrangement, spacing, and support of the risers at the vessel and on the sea floor is such that the vessel, riser supports, and upper ends of the risers may be rotated from a neutral heading up to about 90 degrees in either direction without the use of a swivel or turret at the surface or sub-sea, and without damage to the risers or reducing the spacing between the risers unacceptably.

Abstract: A seabed flowline is connected to a substantially conventional tanker serving as a floating storage facility by a system comprising a three-leg mooring and a flexible riser. The mooring comprises anchors connected by anchor risers to a common node, and a mooring pendant extending from the node to the tanker. The flexible riser comprises a flexible rubber hose extending from the seabed to the tanker, and a single rotational coupling. The hose has a top section secured along part of the mooring pendant, and an intermediate section provided with buoyancy and restrained by a tether to maintain it clear of the anchor risers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (15) which consists of an anchor connection component (16) and a chain connection component (17). Said anchor connection component (16) is provided at its one end with a location fork (21) for the anchor. Said chain connection component (17) is provided at its one end with a fork part (41) for accommodating a chain link. One screw bolt (25, 46) each penetrates the limbs (23, 24) of the location fork and the limbs (44, 45) of the fork part (41). Said screw bolt is fixed with its head in the one limb and with its screw shaft (28, 47) in the other limb and is secured by an attachment screw (48) if required. The anchor connection component (16) and the chain connection component (17) are linked with one another via a ball-and-socket joint (19). One component is provided with a ball (38) and the other component with a socket (34) with an opening (37) leading to the location fork (21).

Abstract: A mooring system and method for mooring in deep and ultra deep water which allows conventional shallow water floating platforms and vessels to be moored in deep and ultra deep water using a conventional shallow water mooring system, while maintaining an acceptable watch circle. A plurality of buoys are placed at a specific depth below the ocean surface and are tethered at high tension to the ocean floor such that the buoys remain stationary. A shallow water floating platform or vessel can then be moored to the buoys using a conventional mooring system, being in effect “fooled” into believing that the sea bottom is shallower than it actually is.

Abstract: A mooring and tender system comprising: a deck; a shape that results in a combined environmental load of less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition; a plurality of supports connected to the deck; a plurality of pontoons connecting to the supports, at least two hawsers for connecting the tender to a production platform, each having adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the production platform and the tender, and adequate stiffness to synchronize the mean and low frequency movement between the production platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a storm having a designation of up to a 10-year storm in the tendering position, connecting means securing each hawser; a hawser guidance system; an at least 8-point mooring system with each mooring lines consisting of: a first length of steel wire rope; a length of polymer rope secured to the first length of steel wire rope; a second length of steel wire rope secured to the polymer rope; and means for c

Abstract: A device for determining amount of deployment of an anchor that includes a sensor assembly, an anchor line, a detector/pulse module, and a digital counter/readout display. The sensor assembly includes a coil assembly that contains metal detecting coils. The anchor line contains a plurality of pairs of pins that are spaced-apart from each other, are in alignment with each other, and cooperate with the metal detecting coils, wherein each pin of each pair of pins is perpendicularly crossed to each other, engage each other, and extend diametrically in the anchor line. The detector/pulse module has an input jack, an output jack, an LED, and an on/off switch. The digital counter/readout display includes a digital display, an automatic sleep mode/wake button, a power/reset ganged button, a fuse, a power jack, and a data jack. The device further includes a metal detector circuit that includes a tuner circuit, and an amplifier pulse shaper.

Abstract: A mooring system for a semisubmersible tender which comprises a deck, a shape that results in a combined environmental load of less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition, a plurality of supports connected to the deck, a plurality of pontoons connecting to the supports, at least two hawsers for connecting the tender to a production platform, each having adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the production platform and the tender, and adequate stiffness to synchronize the mean and low frequency movement between the production platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a storm having a designation of up to a 10-year storm in the tendering position, connecting means securing each hawser, a hawser guidance system; and an at least 8-point mooring system with each mooring lines consisting of: a first length of steel wire rope; a length of polymer rope secured to the first length of steel wire rope; a second length of steel wire rope secured to the pol