Abstract: An apparatus and methods for installation of an offshore platform for supporting equipment installations is provided. The apparatus includes a platform configured to support offshore equipment supported by a structure such as a modular column assembly. The modular column assembly can be comprised of main barrel joint bundles.

Abstract: Described is a vessel and device for upending an elongate element from a deck of the vessel using a lifting means. A number of support structures, mutually coupled and running parallel to each other, for supporting an elongate element in lying position can be displaced collectively, parallel to the deck, relative to the position of the lifting means by displacing means provided for this purpose. A support structure of the device includes an upending tool which is connected for pivoting around an axis running parallel to an edge of the vessel to the relevant support structure and is configured to support an elongate element received in the support structure when this element is upended with the lifting means, wherein the upending tool is rotated around the axis. With the device elongate elements can be moved within reach of a lifting means.

Abstract: A method for installing an offshore wind power generation floating body may include manufacturing a lower structure including a damping plate, a guide beam including protruding portions, and a slot, coupling a temporary buoyancy tank to each protruding portion, installing a concrete block mounting structure in the slot, transporting the lower structure on the sea until a destination by a towing vessel, fixing the lower structure between a first work barge and a second work barge by a link bridge connected to each of the first work barge and the second work barge, and seating a concrete block connected to a second wire of a second crane seated on the second work barge on the concrete block mounting structure in a state in which first wires of a first crane are connected to the lower structure to maintain a tension equal to or greater than a set magnitude.

Abstract: This disclosure describes monitoring and operating subsea well systems, such as to perform operations in the construction and control of targets in a subsea environment. A submersible ROV that performs operations in the construction and control of targets (e.g., well completion components) in a subsea environment, the ROV has one or more imaging devices that capture data that is processed to provide information that assists in the control and operations of the ROV and/or well completion system while the ROV is subsea.

Abstract: A method for foundation of a transformer platform having at least four piles (12), in which precisely one pile driver (1) is brought to the location, the pile driver (1) is supported on the seabed (9) by means of extendable supporting legs (7), driving jigs (11) are attached to the pile driver (1), the piles (12) are inserted through the associated driving jigs (11), the piles (12) are successively driven into the seabed (9) whilst maintaining the position of the pile driver (1), upper ends of the piles (12) driven into the seabed (9) are arranged level with or above the associated driving jig (11), the supporting legs (7) of the pile driver (1) are retracted and the pile driver (1) is moved away from the location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for deploying and using a floating platform using articulated spar legs used as a type of hull, each of the spar legs attached to the floating platform by an articulated connection. Each of the articulated spar legs being moveable from a horizontal to a vertical position, horizontal for transport and vertical for deployment of the floating platform. The articulated spar legs serve to support the floating position of the floating platform. The articulated spar legs are moved from horizontal to vertical position by controlling ballast imposed upon or within spar legs. Each of the articulated spar legs are moveable from a vertical to a horizontal position with a ballast changing method. Systems and methods are presented for extracting natural renewable energy from the environment surrounding the floating platform with energy capture devices modularly affixed to the platform and energy capture devices incorporated into the articulated spar legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for transporting and installing a offshore wind power generator. The vessel for transporting and installing a offshore wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a support frame enabling a offshore wind power generator to lie moved perpendicularly to a vessel body through a vessel body opening portion formed at a tail of the vessel body; and a sliding deck being able to move horizontally with respect to the vessel body to open and close the vessel body opening portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a civil engineering device and a civil engineering method for using a civil engineering device. The device has a support device, a ground preparation tool, which prepares the ground at a preparation location, and at least one GPS unit, which is arranged on the support device and is designed to determine the position of the preparation location, wherein the GPS unit is arranged at a distance from the ground preparation location. The civil engineering device is characterised in that a measuring device is provided in addition to the GPS unit, the measuring device being designed to determine the distance between the GPS unit and the preparation tool.

Abstract: A weak-link latch for releasably pulling a cable (13) arranged in a conduit (14). The weak link latch is releasably connected to the conduit, and securely connected to the cable. A plurality of arms (4,5) extend laterally from a central member (1) arranged to engage the conduit, with at least one of which arms being a rotatable arm (5,19), rotatable about an axle (6) from an extended position in locked engagement with the conduit to a collapsed position disengaged from the conduit. A shear pin (7) is arranged between the rotatable arm (5,19) and the central member (1), the shear pin arranged to prevent rotation of the rotatable arm from the extended position to the collapsed position, said shear pin having a predetermined breaking force, said breaking force being a shear force due to rotational force from the rotatable arm.

Abstract: A frame for guiding and supporting a foundation element, such as a pile, during installation in an underwater ground formation comprises a plurality of guide mechanisms that are movable between an extended position to engage a pile located inside the frame and a retracted position. At least one of the guide mechanisms comprises a slider, a path supporting the slider, a rotatable link, and an actuator to move the slider along the path and the link between said extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drilling tender unit. In particular, the invention relates to a drilling tender unit having a hull of trimaran or catamaran configuration.

Abstract: A retaining wall counterfort includes a body having an elongate base and a rigid head extending from the base for engagement with a further retaining wall component. The base includes a front surface, which may abut a further retaining wall component, and a rear surface. A connecting loop is embedded in the base and extends away from the base, past the rear surface of the base, for engaging a head of a second counterfort.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas production plant for producing a product stream of liquefied natural gas installed at a production location and a process for producing liquefied natural gas includes a plurality of modules and an air-cooled heat exchanger bank designed for the installed production train. The heat exchanger bank includes a first row of air-cooled heat exchanger bays, and an adjacent parallel second row of air-cooled heat exchanger bays.

Abstract: A steel plate and concrete composite tank unit, tank groups and offshore platforms with new type of tank units are disclosed. The tank unit comprises an outer concrete tank that comprises an outer tank shell, two heads and ring shell connections at both ends, an inner steel tank that comprises an inner tank shell, epitaxial structures at both ends of the inner steel tank. Inner tank shell is connected to the outer tank shell by epitaxial structures, and an isolation layer that is formed from the gap between the outer concrete tank and the inner steel tank where it is filled with isolation medium.

Abstract: The foundation structure of an offshore structure, for example of an offshore wind energy system, is composed of steel tubes sheathed by an extruded layer made of a polyamide moulding composition. This simultaneously ensures both good protection from corrosion and good protection from mechanical effects, giving the foundation structure markedly prolonged lifetime.

Abstract: A multi-column tension leg platform is an offshore floating structure that is used to facilitate production of natural resources contained below the seabed. The multi-column tension leg platform includes a hull which is used to keep the entire structure afloat. The structure also includes a topside which is mounted to the top of the hull. The topside is used as a surface for supporting workers and equipment. The hull is made up of a plurality of flotation columns and a plurality of pontoons. Both the plurality of flotation columns and the plurality of pontoons are positioned about a vertical central axis of the topside. The plurality of flotation columns and the plurality of pontoons are buoyant structures that are aligned vertically and are used to keep the topside above water. The plurality of pontoons is mounted amongst the plurality of flotation columns.

Abstract: A system and method for offshore loading of large cargo vessels, or motherships. The system includes a plurality of mooring stations, which may be mooring buoys, positioned in an offshore mooring field proximal an onshore cargo loading facility. A mothership is positioned within the mooring field and moored via bow and stern lines to two or more different mooring stations. Environmental data, including wind, wave, and current data, as well data regarding the physical characteristics of the mothership and movement (roll/pitch/heave) of the mothership are collected by remote transmitting and sensing devices. This data is processed by numerical analysis in a digital processor, namely a computer, to determine optimum mooring line length and tension, and mooring station locations, in order to minimize mother ship movement and create an optimum “lee” loading area adjacent the mothership. Cargo is transferred to the mothership by a trans-shipper moored to the mothership.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for installing a hydroelectric turbine at a deployment site on the seabed which involves lowering the turbine and associated base onto the seabed from a vessel using a number of lines, and once on the seabed using these lines to tether the vessel to the base/turbine while telemetry from the base/turbine is analyzed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for forming a protected region in a body of water with a wall (2) and an internal region (4) delimited from the body of water by means of the wall (2), wherein the wall (2) is formed from a plurality of hollow bodies (3) which are connected to one another and arranged in a stacked structure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling an apparatus (1) for forming a protected region in a body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for transporting, installing, and dismantling a deck (1) of an off-shore exploitation rig, for installing, and dismantling this deck (1) on at least one supporting column, characterized in that it comprises two transport barges (20) and means (30) for supporting and raising the deck (1), temporarily connected to said deck and to said barges and configured to be supported by these barges for supporting said deck between said barges and a method for transporting, installing, and dismantling the deck (1) using the structure for transporting, installing, and dismantling the deck (1).

Abstract: A method for installation of an offshore wind turbine. The method includes prefabrication of a foundation that provides buoyant force and uprighting force to the foundation so as to keep it upright without external forces. The method further includes installation on a dock that includes assembling the offshore wind turbine into a complete set, and finishing testing in a state of the complete set. The method further includes transporting the complete set to an offshore site in a way of floating on the water, and then offshore installation that includes sinking the complete set onto a sea bed by gravity on the offshore site, and fixing the foundation to finish the installation. The present invention also provides a method for recovery of an offshore wind turbine, which is performed generally in steps reversed to the method for installation.

Abstract: A method of estimating the environmental force acting on a supported jack-up vessel is described. The vessel is positioned in a force determination position and the strain on at least one support leg of the jack-up vessel is measured while a first thrust is applied to the vessel. A second thrust is applied to the vessel while the vessel is maintained in the force determination position. The variation in the strain in the at least one support leg is monitored as the second thrust is applied and the strain is used to calculate an estimate of the environmental force acting on the vessel. The method allows a dynamic positioning (DP) system of the jack-up vessel to determine a suitable thrust to apply to the vessel as the support legs of the vessel are raised. By applying this suitable thrust the position of the vessel can be maintained when the vessel transitions from being supported by the support legs to being supported by water.

Abstract: A partially floating supported marine platform for offshore wind turbines, bridges and offshore buildings includes horizontal beams and hollow, cylindrically-shaped and vertically disposed buoyancy tubes interconnected to form the marine platform. A cone matching technique may be employed to fast fix the buoyancy tubes onto concrete beds in the seabed that are prepared in advance. Piling support to enhance the foundation of the platform may be used, to be installed within the buoyancy tube interior using small diameter piles that are driven down into the concrete beds and socketed into bedrock. The buoyancy tubes are capped at top and bottom ends, providing buoyancy to the platform at temporary and/or at permanent states. All manual operations for installing piling support are performed in dry conditions, thus expensive piling vessels are not required, thereby providing an economical and safe technology for the development of the ocean.

Abstract: A method of installing a production buoy at a subsea anchoring location is disclosed. The method includes floating a production buoy over a subsea anchoring location. Then, hanging at least a tether off the production buoy such that the or each tether extends from the production buoy towards the subsea anchoring location occurs. The method includes submerging the production buoy to a depth which allows connection of the or each tether to the subsea anchoring location. An apparatus suitable for use with this method is also provided.

Abstract: An ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: A leg mating unit for installation of offshore structures. A housing has a ram movably mounted in the housing. Elastomeric material is received in the housing immediately below the ram. An open space below the elastomeric material is filled with a disposable, granular material such as sand. A drain valve for selectively releasing the disposable material is provided on the housing. A load absorbing ring is engaged with the ram. A stop ring is rigidly mounted on the leg of the topside structure and engages the load absorbing ring during installation of the topside structure onto its lower supporting structure. The housing is removably mounted on the lower support structure such that the leg mating unit is removable and reusable.

Abstract: A jack-up rig for offshore operations comprises a hull. In addition, the rig comprises a support leg moveably coupled to the hull. The support leg has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end. Further, the support leg is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the hull. The rig also comprises a ballast tank movably coupled to the support leg. The ballast tank is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the support leg and the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jack-up rig. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with a lower portion that is an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration. Furthermore, the jack-up rig comprises at least two derricks.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in undersea environments. Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a vessel. The bladder is coupled to a support, which supports the weight of the bladder with the aid of a support driver. A sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support, allowing determination of the volume of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure-assisted Jackup system comprising a Jackup drilling unit with a main deck structure and a plurality of legs movably coupled with the main deck structure, one or more support base structures disposed on seabed, and a plurality of movable supports, wherein each of the plurality of movable supports is securely coupled with either the main deck structure or one or more support base structure. The present invention also provides a process for assembling the structure-assisted Jackup system.

Abstract: A structure-supported Jackup system comprising a Jackup drilling unit with a main deck structure and a plurality of legs movably coupled with the main deck structure, two or more support base structures disposed on seabed, and a plurality of movable supports, wherein each of the plurality of movable supports is securely coupled with either the main deck structure or one of the two or more support base structure.

Abstract: A floating salt farm in which its purpose is to produce crystallized salt and bittern at offshore locations through the evaporation process using extracted seawater. The floating salt farm components can be consisted of a seawater tank, an evaporator tank, a heating tank, a deposit tank, a storage tank, and photovoltaic panels, which these components are installed onto the buoyant foundation. The evaporator tank component can consist of an evaporator plate and an evaporator bin. The evaporator plate, which captures the produced crystallized salt during the evaporation process, has a sieve surface. The contents inside the evaporator bin can affect the properties of the produced crystallized salt and bittern, such as their mineral compositions, during the evaporation process. The seawater can be extracted from desired water depths and/or in the proximity of volcanic sites, in which the seawater can have affected mineral compositions due to volcanic activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for sealing a borehole from which oil discharges uncontrolled. Thereby, a hull is filled with cement and the cement mass is lowered around a cone-shaped pipe so that the cone-shaped pipe is simultaneously fixated and also sealed.

Abstract: A single heavy lift system is made of modular units, each of which has a pair of supporting legs carrying a transverse beam therebetween. The beam is engaged to the supporting legs through jackup units that allow the transverse beams of several modular units move in unison and thus increase lifting capacity of the system. The modular units can be formed as modular, self-propelled units, transported to the site, where the lifting task is to be performed if necessary. The system can be positioned in a dry dock or offshore.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the installation of a tidal power plant having a water turbine, which is mounted so it is rotatable on a nacelle, the nacelle being assigned to a coupling device for placement of the tidal power plant on a coupling counterpart on a tower, which carries the tidal power plant during operation.

Abstract: A mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method for mounting a tidal turbine and an associated support structure in a river or sea bed includes mounting the tidal turbine to a support structure and mounting the support structure upon a base, the base being of such weight as to involve gravitational forces of such magnitude as to be sufficient to withstand forces acting in such manner as to tend to displace the turbine and the associated support structure. A periphery of an underside of the base is provided with expandable members, the expandable members being selectively expanded to position the base more nearly horizontal when in contact with a sea or river bed. The base is formed as a hollow shell enabling the base to be floated into position, and, when the base is in a desired position, sinking the base to the sea or river bed in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and system of installing subsea well trees, comprising: creating a glory hole having a depth below a seabed at a well location of a hydrocarbon reservoir; moving a floating offshore platform coupled with a foundation, the platform having a topsides and a caisson with downwardly extending walls defining an inner volume between the walls, the foundation coupled to the caisson walls, and the caisson walls having adjustable buoyancy; lowering the offshore platform with the foundation into the glory hole; drilling from the topsides into the hydrocarbon reservoir below the foundation to create a well; installing a well tree on the well, the well tree being disposed in the glory hole below the height of the seabed; coupling the well tree to a flow line; releasing the offshore platform from the foundation; and reusing the offshore platform to install other foundations at other predetermined well locations.

Abstract: A conical piled monopod provides a fixed, ice worthy structure used in cold weather offshore environments for accessing hydrocarbon deposits under the seafloor.

Abstract: A catamaran-type boat suitable for handling, assembling, and/or transporting off-shore wind turbines, the boat having two side floats constituting a U-shaped floating structure, the open space between the two branches of the U-shape constituted by the two side floats being suitable for receiving a base, the floats being fitted with grippers suitable for gripping the base between the two side floats, and the grippers being suitable for gripping the base and at least two grip levels of different heights.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and in sockets attached to the conical piled monopod. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: A method for mounting at last one tidal turbine and its associated support structures in a river or sea bed. The turbine and associated support structures are joined to a base of such weight as to involve gravitational forces of such magnitude as to be sufficient to withstand forces acting to tend to displace the turbine and its associated support structures. The base structure can be pre-assembled and transported to a required location of installation by lowering to the sea or river bed. Conveniently, the transportation is by means of an installation vessel incorporating a facility for lowering the entire assembly including at least one turbine, a support column, and the base structure in a controlled manner to rest at a desired position on the river or sea bed.

Abstract: A device for transporting and placing a bridge (1) of an offshore oil rig onto a floating or stationary mounting structure (3). The device has two parallel floating barges (10) for mounting the bridge (1). Each barge has a set of vertical movement rams (11) that move the bridge between a position of bearing on the barges (10) and a position of bearing on the structure (3). Each barge (10) has at least one assembly (15) for controlling the roll of each barge (10) in relation to the bridge (1) during the placement of the bridge onto the mounting structure (3). The assembly includes at least two rams (16) that are carried by the barge (10) and are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the barge (10). Each ram (16) is connected to the bridge (1) by a connecting member (17) that has rigid pull and flexible compression.

Abstract: A method of performing an under water operation on a structure (10) or in the vicinity of the structure includes providing a device (18) having a movable arm (20) and at least a first support (22) constructed to be connected to the structure, the movable arm (20) directly or indirectly connected at a proximal end (34) to the support, the first movable arm having a first tool (30) connected to a distal end (36) of the first movable arm, at least one actuator (33) configured to controllably move the first tool (30) in a three dimensional working range in order to position the first tool at a target location, attaching the device to the structure via the at least one support, and-moving the tool in three dimensions and performing an operation under water.

Abstract: An offshore unit includes a hull and/or a deck frame, a mat attached to at least one connecting leg or a spud can attached to each of at least one connecting leg or lower hull attached to at least one connecting means. A wellhead deck is removably attached to the hull and/or deck frame and a sub-sea clamp in conjunction with a caisson or a sub-sea conductor frame is removably attached to the mat or to the at least one connecting leg, where a spud can is attached to each of the at least one connecting leg, or to the lower hull. The offshore unit is relocatable and is a platform or a rig capable of performing drilling, production, construction, accommodation, hook-up and commissioning or a combination of any of these functions thereof. The offshore unit is a self-elevating mobile platform or submersible platform or semi-submersible platform.

Abstract: An underwater oil well blowout spill containment system includes a folded curtain positioned in a magazine around a deep water well head and blowout preventer (BOP). The magazine is positioned around the well-head and BOP and leaves room for required construction and maintenance. In the event of a blowout, the curtain is drawn upward from the magazine and cinched to contain leaking oil. A hose is connected to a port on the magazine to draw the oil to a tanker on the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of gravity base structures are disclosed that comprise first and second elongated base sections separated by an open region and configured to support the on-bottom weight of the structure and be supported by the floor of the body of water, and an upper section positioned above the open region and configured to extend at least partially above the water surface to support topside structures. Some embodiments further comprise first and second inclined sections coupling the base sections to the upper section.

Abstract: A Floating Salt Farm is a system which uses extracted seawater to reliably and regularly produce substantial amounts of crystallized salt and bittern through the evaporation process. The seawater used for the evaporation process of the Floating Salt Farm can be 1) seawater affected by volcanic activities, 2) seawater affected by spring water from thermal springs, and 3) seawater extracted from specific water depths and from specific offshore locations. The crystallized salt and bittern to be produced are affected by placing contents, such as volcanic rocks, inside the evaporator tank with the seawater during the evaporation process.