Abstract: The main goal of the proposed by present invention compliant guyed tower is to increase the depth in which offshore wind turbines can be installed from present limit of 50 meters to 200+ meters. The specifics of compliant guyed towers, which are widely used by offshore oil industry for installation platforms in water depth starting from 300 meters and up to 1,000 meters, is in their long mooring lines, which have springiness that allows to mitigate dynamics of wind and waves forces acting on platforms. The length of mooring lines for wind turbines installed in the relatively shallow waters is not sufficient to have required springiness. By present invention the mooring line are attached to anchors on seabed through a pneumatic hydraulic spring, which provides to the mooring line the needed additional springiness.

Abstract: A submerged buoyant floating platform with blocked vertical thrust. Above the platform an electrolyser may be placed inside a hollow container. Under the platform may be a hollow container filled with ballast, connected by pipes or chains to the outer ring of the platform which provide rigidity to the entire structure. A storage tank for the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser may be attached to the hollow container. The entire structure may be anchored with chains attached to bottom weights sitting on the ocean floor. The structure may be used as a support for a tower including a wind turbine. Additional chains attached to the structure bottom weights on the sea floor may link the structure to an aquaculture facility and to floats which hold the cages used in aquaculture. The floats may be linked to additional bottom weights placed on the sea floor.

Abstract: An Offshore Windpower Plant (OWP) includes wind turbine and foundation with the means that allow installing them by a new method that exclude the use of Jack up Crane Vessel. By this method, named OWP Technology, the completely assembled wind turbines would be lifted from the shore stand, using buoyancy force of Catamaran Wind Installer (CWTI), transported to the preinstalled foundation, engaged with it in a manner that would exclude CWTI from rolling and pitching and by this allow to use installed foundation as the base for stability for safe placing wind turbine on it. Thus would allow placing wind turbines on foundations regardless the depth of their installation. The CWTI does not need heavy lift revolving heavy lift crane it also does not need legs, thus makes it simpler, smaller and drastically less expensive that Jack up Crane Vessels.

Abstract: A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.

Abstract: A spar platform comprises one or more continuous-fiber composite tubes fabricated at or near the intended site use of the platform. In some embodiments, the spar platform includes a relatively longer central tube and relatively shorter peripheral tubes. In some other embodiments, the spar platform is a single long tube. In some embodiments, the spar platform supports a wind turbine assembly. The continuous-fiber composite tubes are formed, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, using a modified vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process.

Abstract: An offshore platform includes a buoyant hull comprising three or more interconnected pontoons and a plurality of support columns. The support columns support a deck or structure that supports equipment and/or payloads above a water surface. The support columns extend upwardly from respective ends of the pontoons to the deck or structure supported above the water surface. Anchoring members anchor the platform to the seabed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a riser comprising a plurality of pipelines. In one example there are three such pipelines, extending from the seabed toward the surface and having an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface, wherein, in one embodiment a first of said pipelines acts as a central structural core, the other pipelines being arranged around said first pipeline. In another embodiment three pipelines are arranged around a structural core. In each case, the first of said pipelines may be a fluid injection line, said other pipelines being production lines. Also disclosed is a riser having buoyancy along at least a part of its length, said buoyancy resulting in said riser having a generally circular cross-section, the circumference of which being non-contiguous. Methods of installing such risers are also are also described.

Abstract: A pipe comprising a flexible membrane that is disposed over a plurality of spaced-apart tendons is disclosed.

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: An offshore wind turbine has a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) mounted on a platform. The VAWT has a vertical rotor and curved blades coupled to a gearbox and an electric generator. The VAWT can fixedly extend from the platform or may be capable of reclining on the platform either manually or automatically. The platform can be composed of modular elements coupled together. Offshore, the platform can be semi-submersible with the VAWT extending out of the water and with a counterbalance extending below the platform. Alternatively, the platform can float on the water's surface and can have several arms that extend outwardly from the VAWT to increase the platform's footprint. To anchor the turbine offshore, anchoring systems can anchor the platform to the seabed while allowing the floating wind turbine to adjust passively or actively to changes in sea level due to tidal variations or storm swells.

Abstract: An offshore structure comprises a hull having a longitudinal axis and including a first column and a second column moveably coupled to the first column. Each column has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the offshore structure comprises an anchor coupled to the second end of the second column and configured to secure the hull to the sea floor. The first column includes a variable ballast chamber and a first buoyant chamber positioned between the variable ballast chamber and the first end of the first column. The first buoyant chamber is filled with a gas and sealed from the surrounding environment. The second column includes a variable ballast chamber. Further, the offshore structure comprises a topside mounted to the hull.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting an offshore wind energy convertor is provided and includes a foundation base resting on the seabed and a column supporting the wind energy convertor which is linked to the foundation base. The column and the base are linked by an articulated joint connection, allowing tilt motions of the column in all directions from a vertical axis. A wind power generator facility including such a support, and a method of erecting such a foundation system, are also provided.

Abstract: Guide arrangement for marine risers, in particular for offshore oil and gas operations. The guide arrangement has at least one guide structure (21, 22) for a length of riser, a frame assembly (10, 10A-D) for supporting said guide structure, anchor means (11, 12) at the seabed, tether means (13, 14) connecting said frame assembly to said anchor means, and a buoyancy element (1) for keeping said guide structure (21, 22) at a desired level in the sea during operation. The guide structure (21, 22) is pivotably supported by said frame assembly (10, 10A-D) with a pivot axis (21P, 22P) being substantially horizontal.

Abstract: Concrete silo for offshore drilling and production operations includes a reinforced concrete foundation secured at the seabed by steel piles and steel anchors embedded into the seabed. An exterior vertical reinforced concrete wall is supported by the foundation. An interior vertical reinforced concrete wall is supported by the foundation and houses a central cell. A series of radial shear walls extend between the exterior concrete wall and the interior concrete wall to form a series of perimeter cells. A roof and series of horizontally extending service platforms are supported off of the outer concrete wall and the interior concrete wall. A series of vertical well casings extend through the concrete foundation and down into the seabed for drilling operations.

Abstract: A tension-legged offshore submerged platform, in hybrid concrete-steel solution, having a pre-stressed concrete central body, a steel peripheral structure, which is connected to the central body through steel stiffeners, and further to a basement for such a platform.

Abstract: A device is described for a foundation to be placed in a sea bed, comprising a housing-formed, downwardly open, coat-forming construction set up for placing in the sea bed, said construction comprises a top part, and the top part comprises an extended hollow body (140) that stretches a distance into the inside of the construction. The invention is characterised in that the length of the inner pipe is shorter or longer than the length of the coat. When the inner pipe is shorter, its length is of the order of 10-90% of the length of the skirt 10, preferably 25 to 60%, and most preferred 50%. When the inner pipe is longer, its length is more than 100% and up to 300% of the length of the outer coat (10), preferably 150 to 200% and most preferred 300%. A method and different applications are also described.

Abstract: A tension leg platform includes a deck supported on the upper ends of three or more columns interconnected at the lower ends thereof by horizontally disposed connecting members. The columns are battered inwardly and upwardly from the platform base to the deck. Tendons connected at the columns anchor the platform to the seabed. The footprints of the base of the battered columns and the tendons are larger than the footprint of the deck supported on the upper ends of the columns.

Abstract: A method of installing a support structure required to be installed in a sea or river bed, involving so constructing the support structure that is capable of being temporarily self standing on the sea or river bed prior to and throughout the carrying out of operations required permanently to anchor the support structure to the sea or river bed.

Abstract: A method for erecting an off-shore wind turbine includes providing a wind turbine tower socket segment that includes a basin positioned at one end of the wind turbine tower socket segment. The basin is filled with water. A wind turbine tower plug segment, which has a closed surface at one end of the wind turbine tower plug segment, is brought in connection with the wind turbine tower socket segment. Further, a wind turbine tower socket segment for off-shore wind turbines is provided that includes a basin adapted for receiving water on one side of the segment. The socket segment is adapted for receiving a wind turbine tower plug segment. Further, a wind turbine tower plug segment adapted for being plugged into a wind turbine tower socket segment is provided. The wind turbine tower plug segment includes a closed surface at one end of the segment. Further, a wind turbine is provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly is described for containing an oil spill caused by a defective blowout preventer. The valve assembly may include a hollow cavity having a floor, a ceiling and a wall, and a valve that protrudes through the ceiling and the floor of the hollow cavity. The hollow cavity may be configured to be reinforced by filling the hollow cavity with cement. The valve assembly may have a cylindrical geometric configuration. The valve may be configured to be maintained in an open position while the valve assembly is lowered below a surface of an ocean. The valve assembly may be positioned above a blowout preventer located on a floor of the ocean.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a buoyant underwater electricity generating apparatus to a submerged location in a body of water is disclosed. The deployment device comprises a winding apparatus (14) adapted to be mounted to the electricity generating apparatus and adapted to engage an anchor chain (24) fixed to a floor of the body of water and to move along said anchor chain in a first direction to move the electricity generating apparatus to said submerged location. The deployment device also comprises a locking mechanism (38) having a locked condition in which movement of the winding apparatus along the anchor chain in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, is prevented when the locking mechanism is at a predetermined location on said anchor chain, and an unlocked condition in which said winding apparatus can move along the anchor chain in said second direction.

Abstract: Seabed scour about a seabed-mounted foundation or renewable energy device or anchor therefore, especially a wind-turbine monopile may be prevented or reduced by installing on or in the seabed area about the foundation or device an arrangement of interconnected sedimentation elements, which by virtue of the elemental structure or interconnective arrangement themselves do not cause or worsen seabed scour by substantially displacing seabed material on which the elements are placed. Elements having a specific gravity, either in situ or inherent, of substantially similar to the seabed material or mobilized seabed material in which they are placed are capable of achieving this. An ideal arrangement of elements (or mat) is one formed of used or discarded vehicle tyres.

Abstract: A pre-stressed marine foundation includes a concrete base to be placed on a sea bed, a body placed over the concrete base, and a concrete platform. The body includes closed sections, each closed section composed of a pre-stressed concrete segmented column that has an upper extreme and a lower extreme joined at the base, and opened sections joined at sides of the closed sections, each open section composed of a structured beam frame. The concrete platform is joined at the upper extremes of the concrete columns.

Abstract: An undersea anchor that includes a frame that is fixed to the seafloor by one or more pile anchors, for example grouted pile anchors. The frame is configured to permit it to function with one or more seabed drills to allow the pile anchor(s) to be installed at an angle relative to horizontal so the pile anchors can take horizontal and vertical loads.

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: The dynamo, current turbine system and its installation and maintenance method are provided. The current turbine system comprises at least one dynamo; wherein each one of dynamo contains a rotor unit, at least one stator unit and at least one space. The rotor unit has rotative axis approximately perpendicular to the flow direction; pluralities of disturbing elements are disposed outside so that drag force relative to the current flow is formed; the rotor unit is driven to rotate when the current flow passes through the disturbing elements; the space is disposed inside the rotor unit; whereby the current turbine system may be suspended underwater. The installation and maintenance method may conveniently install or maintain the dynamo or the current turbine system with economic cost.

Abstract: A method of assembling an offshore support system for use with a wind turbine. The method includes coupling a damper to a wind turbine tower. A counter-balance system is coupled to the damper for suspending at least a portion of the wind turbine above a water surface. The damper is positioned at least partially below a water surface to facilitate reducing movement of the wind turbine in at least one direction. The counter-balance system is positioned at least partially below the water surface to stabilize the wind turbine when subjected to wind and tidal forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing subsea devices to a seabed are provided. The apparatus generally includes a mud can housing that defines a internal space that can be evacuated to drive the housing into the seabed and secured it thereto. At least one receiver is connected to the housing. Each receiver is configured to receive a subsea device so that each subsea device in each receiver is secured to the seabed in a vertical orientation when the mud can housing is secured to the seabed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an undersea connector for connecting an oil installation to the sea bottom, the connector being of the type presenting a first tubular element forming a female portion for fastening to the ocean bottom and a second tubular element forming a male portion for connection to the oil installation, wherein the connector comprises at least one anti-disconnection device for the connector, the device being housed in the female portion and comprising means for positioning the device in a first position in which the connector is capable of being disconnected, or else in a second position in which the connector cannot be disconnected.

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

Abstract: A floating energy generating device includes at least two wind turbines mounted on a floating open structure, the floating open structure being moored to the seabed with a mooring system, each wind turbine featuring in operation mode a blade and rotor part mounted at the top of a tower and being connected via a cable to a central control power electronic unit on the floating open structure, the central control power unit being connected to a submerged high voltage power export cable for exporting the electricity generated by the at least two windmills, characterized in that the floating open structure being connectable to or disconnectable from the mooring system and that when disconnected from the mooring system, the center of gravity of the floating open structure is at or below its center of buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention describes an offshore foundation system (10,10a,10b) that is operable for preloading after self-weight installation on a seabed without relying on additional or external ballasts. The foundation system (10,10a,10b) is also operable for extraction by reversing the process of preload operation. In one embodiment, the foundation system (10) comprises a reaction base (20) and suction compartment (60). In another, the foundation system (10a,10b) comprises a plurality of units of reaction base (20) and suction compartments (60), with the units being connected by bridging structures (21). In yet another, the foundation system comprises a reaction base (20) and a plurality of suction compartments (60). A closed-top of the suction compartment (60) projects above the reaction base (20) so that, in use, there is a gap h between a top of a soil plug inside a suction compartment (60) and its closed-top.

Abstract: A connector (10) for releasable connection between an anchorage in the form of a female part (1) arranged on a floating means and a male part (2) formed at the end of a retrievable umbilical (3) provided with a bend stiffener (4) is disclosed. The male part (2) comprises a mandrel body (5) having a pulling head (6) for connection to a pulling means at one end and the umbilical (3) at the other end. The male part (2) comprises a sleeve formed body (7) that is fixed to the mandrel body (5) by shearable elements (8). The bend stiffener (4) is fixed directly to the sleeve formed body (7) and is designed for abutment against and parking together with the bend stiffener (4) within the female part (1) while the remaining part of the male part (2) including the umbilical (3) is designed to be pulled further up through the female part (1) for fluid communication and connection on a floating means or a vessel.

Abstract: A method for deploying a deepwater mooring spread from a floating vessel with a bow, stern, hull, deck, and aft crane secured to a port side or a starboard side of the hull having a hold, and a fore crane secured to the port side or starboard side of the hull. To lower heavy suction piles or other structures to almost unlimited water depths, the crane tackle after a depth of approximately 1000 meters is replaced using the polymer lines as a temporary lifting pennant with almost neutral buoyancy and therefore no extra weight is added to the lifting tackle of the crane.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage vessel deployment includes a plow for deployment of a flexible vessel that includes a body having an outer wall and an inner wall extending along a bore passing through the body. The body also has an intermediate wall extending between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein a vessel cavity is formed between the inner and outer walls that is configured to receive the flexible vessel in a pre-deployment configuration.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a seat portion structure for a ground-based hydraulic turbine engine. The seat portion structure includes a base plate. A first bearing element is connected to the base plate and contacts the ground. At least three arms are connected to the base plate by a pivoting link. The arms are adapted for pivoting relative to the base plate between a first position, in which the arms are placed near each other, and a second position, in which the arms radially extend from the base plate. A second bearing element is connected to one end of each arm and contacts the ground. A positioning device is adapted for changing the distance between the end of at least one arm and the associated second element. The structure includes, for each arm, a device for locking the arm in the second position.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting offshore wind turbines is provided. The support structure includes a foundation configured to at least partly contact a seabed and at least part of a tower. The foundation and the at least part of the tower are one-piece.

Abstract: A system for deploying a deepwater mooring spread from a floating vessel using at least two cranes each having a main block, a deepwater deployment system connected to at least one of the cranes, a reel drive, a structure for supporting the reel drive and a hang-off, a plurality of neutral buoyancy polymer lines deployable by the reel drive connectable to each other and the hang-off with chains and/or with remote operated vehicle connectors, at least two suction piles with anchor chains, and at least two buoys, one for each suction pile for connecting to the neutral buoyancy polymer lines.

Abstract: A mooring (10) for connecting an ocean energy capturing device (51) to a seabed (16) is disclosed. The mooring (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for connection to the ocean energy capturing device (51). A plurality of anchor bolts (18) are each connected at a first end to the base (12) and have a second end adapted to be embedded in the seabed (16) for attaching the base (12) to the seabed (16). A method of securing the ocean energy capturing device (51) to the seabed (16) is also disclosed. The method involves passing a tensile transmission line (46) through a guide opening (44) in the base (12) and drawing the tensile transmission line (46) through the guide opening (44) to drag the ocean energy capturing device (51) toward the base (51).

Abstract: The condition of a seabed 200 and the condition of tidal currents near the seabed 200 are investigated in advance to examine the number of filter units (FUs) 50 and the position where the FUs 50 are to be installed. Then, piles 12b as a base of a foundation are provided so as to be supported by a bearing layer. A plurality of FUs 50 are installed in close contact with each other between the seabed 200 and each pile 12b. Then, a formwork 12e for a base slab portion 12a is installed on the upper ends of the piles 12b. Concrete is placed in the formwork 12e to form the base slab portion 12a. Then, a tower 11 is fixed to the upper end of the base slab portion 12a.

Abstract: A method positions and installs a support for a fountain assembly permanently at a specific location and elevation relative to a water body at an amusement park, hotel, or resort. The method utilizes a crane equipped vessel to deploy a support over the desired location. The vessel has its location determined from position fixing instruments and then an installer positions the vessel precisely. The method then has an installer lift the support plumb and above the water body. The method next rotates the support to embed it into the bed of a water body. Rotation stops when the head of the support becomes coplanar with the surface of the water body. The support then receives framework for fountains while remaining concealed beneath the water.

Abstract: A floating platform system includes a hull design configuration (40, 50) for limiting maximum tendon loads and aiding in inhibiting resonant responses in the platform system leading to better motions for personnel, equipment and riser support, and to lighter and lower cost tendon systems.

Abstract: A floating underwater support structure is disclosed. The underwater support structure includes a joint capable of rotation and angular movement along two or three axes coupled to a truss. The truss is capable of sustaining loads in tension, compression, and bending, and comprises one or more elongate, rigid members. The elongate, rigid members are capable of sustaining loads in at least tension and compression. A buoyant member positioned between or around the members of the truss at a predetermined distance below the water provides a buoyant force that typically exceeds the weight of the entire structure. In deeper water, cross bracing may be provided between the members of the truss, and in particularly deep water, a single tendon may connect between the joint, typically anchored to the floor of the body of water, and the truss. The support structure may be used to support wind turbines and other structures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a support leg and a mobile offshore work platform having that leg. The disclosed support leg for a mobile offshore work platform comprises a support arm extending in a vertical direction, further comprising a support platform that has a cross section larger than that of the support arm, and that the lower end of said support arm is fixed to the upper surface of the support platform. When wind turbine installations or other offshore works are carried in sea areas of soft foundation ground, the support platform is supported on a soft foundation ground by a larger cross-sectional area, providing a greater support force and improving the stability of the mobile offshore work platform, and the mobile offshore work platform can be used to complete wind turbine installations and other predetermined works in sea areas of soft foundation ground.

Abstract: Offshore structures such as wind turbines, wave machines and tidal stream turbines are mounted in a previously located foundation including a socket. The foundation includes an upper body with a conical inner surface which acts as a guide for inserting a leading end of the structure into the socket. The conical surface also provides a reaction surface for setting the vertical alignment of the structure when inserted in the socket. Clamps are provided supported by an A frame for controlled lowering of the structure into the socket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil production floating support having a releasable mooring system of anchor lines to the sea bottom and of bottom-surface connection pipes, the support comprising: a mooring buoy for said anchor lines and first bottom-to-surface connection pipes; and a turret extending within a cavity passing through the entire height of the floating support, said mooring buoy being fastened under the hull of the floating support to said turret; and said floating support being characterized in that it includes a connection/disconnection system for connecting/disconnecting said mooring buoy relative to said bottom wall of the turret, which system comprises: a plurality of hoist cables; and pump means for pumping water out from said valve chamber.

Abstract: A floating offshore wind turbine and a floating offshore wind farm with at least one floating offshore wind turbine are provided. The floating offshore wind turbine includes a floating platform anchored to an underwater ground, a wind turbine mounted on the floating platform, and a drive. The drive is adapted to horizontally move the floating platform. Further a method for positioning a floating offshore wind turbine is provided.

Abstract: A tendon top connector for a moored, floating structure such as a tension leg platform, a tension leg buoy or the like has a bowl-shaped extension on the member which transfers the tension of the tendon to the flex connector. A dome-shaped structure at least partially surrounds the bowl-shaped extension but is spaced apart from it to permit at least some rotational movement of the connector. The dome-shaped structure may be attached by clamps or other mounting means to a flange member affixed to the tendon porch. This arrangement provides a load path when the tendon top connector is reverse loaded that extends from the tendon length adjustment joint, through slips, through the bowl-shaped extension, through the dome-shaped structure, through the segmented clamps, and finally into a flange attached to the tendon porch. In this way, detachment of the tendon top connector is prevented if a reverse load is applied such as may occur during extreme metocean conditions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a floating hotel (an on-water building), and especially a large, multi-functional, submergible star-rated hotel (or an on-water business mansion) that is capable of floating on water. It includes one or more cylindrical floating boxes connected to each other, multiple channels, a scenery tower, and an anchor moored positioning device, the anchor moored positioning device is disposed at the bottom of the floating box, the channel is disposed on one side of the floating box, the scenery tower is disposed on a deck at the top of the floating box, and the floating box has multiple storeys and hotel facilities disposed therein. The invention features good novelty, landscape, applicability, and hydrophilicity, outstanding ocean sceneries, mobility (cruising ability), submergibility, and no land occupation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a selected structure using composite materials is disclosed, which method in form includes providing a plurality of members each comprising a composite material, wherein each member is configured to be coupled to at least one other member in the plurality of members along a longitudinal side; coupling onsite the plurality of members along their longitudinal sides to form a base enclosed structure; and reinforcing onsite the base enclosed structure to form the selected structure.