Abstract: Provided is a liner hanger, a method, and a well system. The liner hanger, in one aspect, includes a liner hanger body having an expansion section movable from a radially unexpanded state to a radially expanded state in contact with an inside diameter (ID) of a wellbore tubular. The liner hanger may further include a support assembly coupled to the liner hanger body, the support assembly including a support housing, and a mechanical support structure positioned radially inside of the support housing. In one aspect, the mechanical support structure is movable from a first position radially misaligned with the expansion section when the expansion section is in the radially unexpanded state to a second position at least partially radially aligned with the expansion section when the expansion section is in the radially expanded state. The liner hanger, in one aspect, further includes expandable metal coupled to the mechanical support structure.

Abstract: A pile upending and holding system includes a support assembly configured to be mounted on the vessel and to provide compensation for wave-induced motion of the vessel to maintain a predetermined X-Y location of the pile holder independent of said motion, and a pile holder mounted on the support assembly to be tillable about a substantially horizontal tilt axis. The pile holder includes a lower ring and an upper ring, and a pile holder frame supporting the lower ring and upper ring, the upper ring longitudinally spaced from the lower ring. Each of the rings include pile engaging devices distributed about the circumference thereof, each pile engaging device being adapted to engage an exterior of the pile extending through the lower and upper ring. Each of the lower ring and upper ring includes a ring base fixed to the pile holder frame and one or more movable jaws, movable between a closed position for holding and guiding the pile and an opened position for entry of the pile.

Abstract: A pile holding system is to be mounted on a deck of a vessel, e.g. for installation of a pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine. The pile holding system is configured to support the pile in an upright position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. A vessel is provided with such a pile holder system. A method for installation of a pile and a pile holder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pile holding system is to be mounted on a deck of a vessel, e.g. for installation of a pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine. The pile holding system is configured to support the pile in an upright position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. A vessel is provided with such a pile holder system. A method for installation of a pile and a pile holder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pile holding system configured to support the pile in an upright position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. The pile holding system includes a pile holder and a pile holder support system. The pile holder support system is configured to be mounted on the deck of the vessel, to moveably support the pile holder, and to move the pile holder in a first direction between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pile holder, when in the outboard position, is located outside the contour of the vessel, for holding the pile in the upright position at the installation location. The pile holder, when in the inboard position with the first and second jaw in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack expansion-type rotary penetration device for a circular pipe comprises: a rotating head which receives torque from the outside; one or more hollow shafts arranged in series downward along the central axis of the rotating head; shaft-connection socket which interconnect the first hollow shaft which is connected to the rotating head with the remaining adjacent hollow shafts, to thereby transmit the torque of the rotating head; and one or more clamp modules which are installed in the hollow shafts and pressed against the inner surface of the circular pipe by hydraulic pressure generated in the rotating head to thereby generate clamping force.

Abstract: A pumping unit base and methods for producing oil and gas with the pumping unit base. The pumping unit base may include a plurality of driven piles installed in the ground, and a metal platform fixedly attached to the plurality of driven piles, wherein the metal platform is positioned above the ground. The metal platform may be removed from the driven piles and reinstalled to the driven piles.

Abstract: A screw pile (10) comprises a hollow elongate shaft (12), a lower portion (14) rotatably mounted to the hollow elongate shaft (12), the lower portion (14) carrying a screw or one or more blades or plates (16, 18) for screwing of the screw pile into the ground. The screw pile may have a rotatable hub located at the lower end of the shaft, a rotatable hub carrying the screw or blades (16, 18). A drive tool can engage with the rotatable hub to rotate the hub and thereby rotate the blades to screw the pile into the ground.

Abstract: An offshore wind power foundation with improved water-tightness and a construction method thereof are provided. The offshore wind power foundation is configured such that a bonding material is injected into a space between a pile and a leg using a precast cap member to integrate the leg and the pile, and includes a precast cap member including a precasting housing, a bonding material rotation-injection port, and an elastic spring.

Abstract: A pile driver system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, includes a closed housing defining a cavity, an impact weight accommodated inside the housing, a hydraulic circuit for reciprocating the impact weight, which circuit comprises one or more valves, a cylinder, and a piston accommodated in the cylinder and connected to the impact weight, a pump for withdrawing water from the surroundings of the pile driver and providing pressurized water to the hydraulic circuit, and at least one outlet for returning water to the surroundings. The exhaust of the hydraulic circuit communicates with the cavity and the outlet is located in the wall of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for creating an underwater foundation of a building, wherein a base element is provided as a module carrier (11) at the erection site and a pile (6) forms the foundation to be created or is a component of the foundation, wherein the pile (6) is implemented as a hollow body. The aim of the invention is to allow the creation of a foundation in geologically difficult conditions, while simultaneously reducing noise emissions in sensitive areas.

Abstract: An offshore structure comprises: an original structure comprising a main platform supported via a foundation on a seabed; and an extension structure comprising a platform extension positioned laterally of the main platform and a platform extension support, depending downwardly from the platform extension, into contact with the foundation, so as to support the extension structure directly on the foundation.

Abstract: Improved embodiments, apparatus and method relating to the manufacture and installation of offshore steel support structures, known as jackets, for Wind Turbine Generators, including transition pieces thereof.

Abstract: A remotely operable drilling apparatus (6) comprises a body such as frame (10) and drive means arranged to drill annular pile (8), which is loaded in the drilling apparatus (6) into the floor of a body of water. The annular pile comprises a cutting shoe (24). The drive means comprises a power swivel (12) which attaches to the top of the annular pile (8) by means of a drive head. Delivery means is also provided which comprises at least one nozzle to enable flushing fluid and grout to be injected around annular pile (8). The power swivel (12) is raised and lowered by rack and pinion means 14 disposed on either side of the power swivel (12).

Abstract: A method of and system for installing a foundation element, in particular a (mono)pile, in a hard underwater ground formation uses a driver. The method comprises the steps of placing a foundation element on the underwater ground formation, placing a screen for reducing noise input from the driver, driving the foundation element into the ground formation by means of the driver while the screen is positioned about the foundation element, and attenuating noise transfer from the underwater ground formation to the outer wall of the screen during at least part of the driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring device that is suitable for use in water. The mooring device includes a pile configured to be embedded in a floor supporting the body of water, at least one arm configured to engage at least one entity; a joint configured to couple the pile and the at least one arm and permit rotation of the at least one arm relative to the pile, and joint locking means configured to lock the joint. The invention may further relate to a method of mounting the mooring device in water, a mooring system including multiple mooring devices and a system including the mooring devices.

Abstract: A driver 10 for a fence post is disclosed. The driver comprises an elongate hollow body 12 having an open in-use lower end 14. A guide 16 is removably locatable at the lower end.

Abstract: A template for use in installing a plurality of foundation elements, in particular anchor piles, relative to one another in an underwater ground formation, comprises at least a guide for guiding a foundation element in a guiding direction during driving the foundation element into a seabed, and a frame including a holding member for holding the guide in transverse direction of the guiding direction. The template further comprises a levelling mechanism for levelling the frame with respect to a seabed when it is placed thereon. The guide is freely displaceable with respect to the holding member in the guiding direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a quantity of piles driven into an underwater bottom in a geometric pattern. The device comprises a positioning framework of a number of mutually connected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern and adapted to receive and guide a pile to be driven into the underwater bottom, wherein the guide tubes comprise a mechanism with which at least an internal wall part of the guide tubes is displaceable in the radial direction of the guide tubes from a radially inward support position for the pile to a radially more outward position in which the internal wall part substantially releases the pile. The invention also relates to a method and an assembly of a jack-up platform and the device.

Abstract: A foundation structure of an offshore plant, such as a wind turbine, comprising at least one foundation element that can be anchored to the seabed without a gravity foundation and without a floating foundation and a support structure fastened thereto for fixing the offshore plant. The foundation element is a pile that can be inserted into the seabed by means of drilling and/or by means of vibratory driving, can be fixed in the seabed by means of an organic and/or inorganic material, and is oriented at an angle from a vertical on the seabed. A method of installing the foundation structure on a seabed includes first anchoring the coupling element by means of piles inserted into the seabed and then connecting the support structure to the coupling element.

Abstract: A method of installing a structure on a bed of a sea, estuary or river from a floating installation vessel is described. In such a method a plurality of attachment piles and corresponding installation rigs are attached to the structure prior to deployment of the structure. In addition, respective umbilical control cables are connected to the installation rigs prior to deployment of the structure. The structure is deployed from a floating vessel to a bed of a sea, estuary or river, such that, when the structure is located on the bed, the umbilical control cables do not support the structure or installation rigs. A single installation operation for each attachment pile is performed, in which operation an installation rig is activated so as to install fully the corresponding attachment pile in the bed, without removal of the umbilical control cable or the installation rig therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a drilling method for drilling inside a casing tube, wherein the drilling apparatus has a supporting frame with a fastening means for fixation with respect to the casing tube and a drilling tool, which is driven in a rotating manner via a telescopic rod by means of a drill drive arranged on the supporting frame. An emptying station for attachment to the upper end of the casing tube is provided, wherein the supporting frame of the drilling apparatus can be fastened on the emptying station. For emptying the drilling tool of drill cuttings the emptying station has an unloading means, which is adjustable for receiving the drill cuttings. The unloading means is designed for conveying the drill cuttings away from the emptying station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of installing foundation elements, in particular (mono)piles (2), in an underwater ground formation (3), by means of a driver (4), comprising the steps of placing a foundation element (2) on the underwater ground formation (3) and holding the foundation element (2) in place by means of a gripper (10) mounted on a surface vessel, placing a sleeve (6) for reducing noise input from the driver (4) about the foundation element (2), disengaging the gripper (10), lowering the sleeve (6) onto the ground formation (3), and placing the driver (4) on top of the foundation element (2). The sleeve (6) is held at least laterally with a guide (11) mounted on the surface vessel, at least when disengaging the gripper (10).

Abstract: A plurality of piles is arranged in frame elements in an axially displaceable manner. Hammers are positioned on the piles. After driving of the piles into a seabed, the hammers are connected to the frame elements, wherein the frame elements together with the hammers are lifted to the surface of the water and to the seaborne vessel by a crane.

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 pile guide (10) for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate, comprising: a base frame (12) having a planar substrate-engaging surface (14) and a pile guide member (16) configured to guide a pile in a predetermined direction therethrough as it is driven into a substrate (18), the pile guide member (16) being mounted on the base frame (12) via a plurality of support members (20) extending therebetween; characterised in that at least one of the plurality of support members (20) has an adjustable length, with length adjustment of the or each support member (20) enabling the predetermined direction to be varied relative to the planar substrate-engaging surface (14) of the base frame (12).

Abstract: A pile and method for driving a pile includes a pile having a structural outer tube, and an inner member disposed generally concentrically with the outer tube. The outer tube and inner member are fixed to a driving shoe. The pile is constructed and driven such that the pile driver impacts only the inner member. The impact loads are transmitted to the driving shoe to drive the pile into the sediment, such that the outer tube is thereby pulled into the sediment. In a particular embodiment the outer tube is formed of steel, and the inner member also comprises a steel tube. In an alternative embodiment one or both of the inner member and the outer tube are formed of an alternative material, for example, concrete. In an embodiment, the outer tube has a recess that captures a flange on the inner member. In an embodiment the outer tube is attached to the inner member with an elastic spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, comprising an impact weight, an hydraulic circuit in turn comprising an hydraulic cylinder for lifting and/or accelerating the impact weight respectively away from and towards the element, the cylinder comprising a piston connected to the impact weight, and wherein a pump for generating an underpressure in the hydraulic cylinder such as to lift and/or accelerate the impact weight by means of this underpressure.

Abstract: An offshore support tower assembly comprises a base disposed at the sea floor. In addition, the support tower assembly comprises a plurality of anchors securing the base to the sea floor. Further, the support tower assembly comprises a support frame coupled to the base. The support frame comprises plurality of modular tower sections in a stacked arrangement. The support tower assembly also comprises a deck supported by the support frame.

Abstract: A support structure for an offshore device and a method of assembling and installing the support structure, is provided including a vertical guide sleeve having, three elongated guide sleeves positioned around the vertical guide sleeve, and various braces connecting the elongated sleeves and the vertical guide sleeve. The support structure also includes a transition joint including a cylindrical portion for connection to an offshore device, such as a support tower of a wind turbine assembly, and a convex portion connected to the vertical guide sleeve. The transition joint may include a strengthening material in contact with an inner surface. The vertical sleeve, elongated sleeves, braces, and transition joint can be assembled onshore with lower piles installed in the elongated sleeves, this guide portion of the structure transported to the offshore location, and then piles driven to secure the structure to the floor of a body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing tubular foundation elements having open ends, in particular (mono)piles, in an underwater ground formation, comprising an hydraulic driver, an anvil, and an adaptor for transmitting energy from the anvil to the toe of the foundation element, which adaptor fits inside the tubular foundation element.

Abstract: Modular offshore platform systems and associated methods of transport and assembly are disclosed herein. A method of transporting a modular offshore platform to an offshore location in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes transporting towing a first platform portion of the offshore platform to an offshore location and transporting a second platform portion of the offshore platform to the offshore location separately from the first platform portion. The method further includes attaching the second platform portion to the first platform portion at the offshore location, and anchoring at least one of the first and second platform portions to a sea floor at the offshore location.

Abstract: A pile driver provided with a housing and at least one body connected with the housing so as to be moved back and forth over a predetermined path, the pile driver being further provided with a drive for moving the body back and forth over the path for the purpose of pile-driving, the pile driver comprising at least two parts movable relative to each other, respectively having at least a first type of sliding surface and at least a second type of sliding surface which during pile-driving slide along each other and between which there is a lubricant, wherein the first type of sliding surface is provided with polyether ether ketone.

Abstract: A pile and method for driving a pile includes a pile having a structural outer tube, and an inner member disposed generally concentrically with the outer tube. The outer tube and inner member are fixed to a driving shoe. The pile is constructed and driven such that the pile driver impacts only the inner member. The impact loads are transmitted to the driving shoe to drive the pile into the sediment, such that the outer tube is thereby pulled into the sediment. In a particular embodiment the outer tube is formed of steel, and the inner member also comprises a steel tube. In an alternative embodiment one or both of the inner member and the outer tube are formed of an alternative material, for example, concrete. In an embodiment, the outer tube has a recess that captures a flange on the inner member. In an embodiment the outer tube is attached to the inner member with an elastic spring.

Abstract: A pile guide (10) for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate, comprising: a base frame (12) having a planar substrate-engaging surface (14) and a pile guide member (16) configured to guide a pile in a predetermined direction therethrough as it is driven into a substrate (18), the pile guide member (16) being mounted on the base frame (12) via a plurality of support members (20) extending therebetween; characterised in that at least one of the plurality of support members (20) has an adjustable length, with length adjustment of the or each support member (20) enabling the predetermined direction to be varied relative to the planar substrate-engaging surface (14) of the base frame (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a quantity of piles driven into an underwater bottom in a geometric pattern. The device comprises a positioning framework of a number of mutually connected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern and adapted to receive and guide a pile to be driven into the underwater bottom, wherein the guide tubes comprise a mechanism with which at least an internal wall part of the guide tubes is displaceable in the radial direction of the guide tubes from a radially inward support position for the pile to a radially more outward position in which the internal wall part substantially releases the pile. The invention also relates to a method and an assembly of a jack-up platform and the device.

Abstract: A pipe pile, for use in a foundation or a retaining wall, comprises a substantially cylindrical, and preferably steel, pipe body extending longitudinally between two opposite ends, the pipe body being formed of a plurality of pipe sections, interlocked or welded together end-to-end and arranged on a common central longitudinal axis between the two ends. All of the pipe sections have substantially the same outside diameter; however, two or more pipe sections have differing inside diameters, and thus a differing wall thickness, between the two ends of the pipe pile.

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: The invention relates to a base structure for an off-shore wind power installation having a plurality of base piles wherein each base pile has a driving pile which is guided in its interior at least portion-wise for anchoring in the seabed, and at least one support structure for mounting a pylon of a wind power installation, wherein the support structure connects the upper ends of the base piles together. Furthermore the base pile and the driving pile have a region of an overlap on a predetermined lengthwise portion, wherein in the overlap region of the piles the gap between the piles and in part beneath and above the overlap region the free internal cross-section of the piles are filled with a hardening filling material. The invention also relates to a method of erecting a base structure for an off-shore wind power installation and an aligning tool.

Abstract: A method of installing a foundation system for securing the tendons of a TLP to the ocean floor. The foundation system is installed in templateless operations in which a pile is secured to the ocean floor and a tendon receptacle is secured to the pile such that the load from a tendon secured therein is transferred to the ocean floor through coaxially aligned load paths of tendon-to-tendon receptacle-to-pile-to-ocean floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for creating an underwater foundation of a building, wherein a base element is provided as a module carrier (11) at the erection site and a pile (6) forms the foundation to be created or is a component of the foundation, wherein the pile (6) is implemented as a hollow body. The aim of the invention is to allow the creation of a foundation in geologically difficult conditions, while simultaneously reducing noise emissions in sensitive areas.

Abstract: A driven pile anchor suitable for securing a tendon of a tension leg platform to the seafloor is supplemented with added weight. A load frame is added to the individual pile to accommodate ballast weights. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are placed on the frame to increase the holding power of the pile anchor system. In a second embodiment, the pile is intentionally plugged and installed with the plug intact. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are then placed inside the pile and may be held in place by gravity. In a third embodiment, the pile is a conventional driven friction pile installed with an underwater pile hammer. The pile is initially open but subsequently evacuated and intentionally plugged near its pile tip. Pre-manufactured ballast weights are placed inside the pile to increase its holding capacity. The first embodiment may be retrofitted to existing, driven-pile anchor systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of installing foundation elements, in particular (mono)piles (2), in an underwater ground formation (3), by means of a driver (4), comprising the steps of placing a foundation element (2) on the underwater ground formation (3) and holding the foundation element (2) in place by means of a gripper (10) mounted on a surface vessel, placing a sleeve (6) for reducing noise input from the driver (4) about the foundation element (2), disengaging the gripper (10), lowering the sleeve (6) onto the ground formation (3), and placing the driver (4) on top of the foundation element (2). The sleeve (6) is held at least laterally with a guide (11) mounted on the surface vessel, at least when disengaging the gripper (10).

Abstract: A pile driver is provided for use in deep water with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a working ship for setting piles, pin piles and well conductors in subsea soil and for soil sampling in deep water and can be used for shallow water and land-based applications. A ram mass or hammer is received in an open frame and hydraulically reciprocated while in contact with water. A piston rod received in a piston cylinder is secured at one end to the hammer through a coupling mechanism, and an external source of hydraulic power is used with an on-board hydraulic circuit. Gas is compressed during an up-stroke to store energy, which is released during a down-stroke to push the hammer downwardly. The coupling mechanism provides a connection between the piston rod and the hammer that can move between an essentially rigid lift connection, an essentially rigid downward-push connection and an essentially non-rigid impact connection for preventing buckling of the piston rod when the hammer strikes at its lowermost point.

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: A system for aligning a pile during pile driving, comprising: a pile (16) having a laterally protruding coupling (20) for a tether; and a pile guide (10) for supporting the pile as it is driven into a substrate, comprising a base frame (12) and a pile guide member (14) mounted on the base frame (12), the pile guide member (14) having in its periphery a slot (24) which is configured to allow the laterally protruding coupling (20) to pass therealong as the pile (16) passes through the pile guide; wherein the pile and pile guide member comprise two pairs of slidably interfitting profiles (52, 86) which are configured to resist gaping in the slot (24) of the pile guide member (14) as the pile (16) is driven therethrough into the substrate.

Abstract: A support structure for an offshore device and a method of assembling and installing the support structure, is provided including a vertical guide sleeve having, three elongated guide sleeves positioned around the vertical guide sleeve, and various braces connecting the elongated sleeves and the vertical guide sleeve. The support structure also includes a transition joint including a cylindrical portion for connection to an offshore device, such as a support tower of a wind turbine assembly, and a convex portion connected to the vertical guide sleeve. The transition joint may include a strengthening material in contact with an inner surface. The vertical sleeve, elongated sleeves, braces, and transition joint can be assembled onshore with lower piles installed in the elongated sleeves, this guide portion of the structure transported to the offshore location, and then piles driven to secure the structure to the floor of a body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, comprising an impact weight, an hydraulic circuit in turn comprising an hydraulic cylinder for lifting and/or accelerating the impact weight respectively away from and towards the element, the cylinder comprising a piston connected to the impact weight, and wherein a pump for generating an underpressure in the hydraulic cylinder such as to lift and/or accelerate the impact weight by means of this underpressure.

Abstract: A jackup rig having a built-in capability of driving and extracting piles without need for dedicated pile drivers or extractors. The jackup rig provides an ice breaking functional capability, supplied by a jacking system, for operating in icy waters.

Abstract: A subsea suction pile crane system comprises a suction pile and a crane mounted on the suction pile. The crane comprises a rotatable mounting surface, a winch, and a boom having a proximal section attached to the rotatable mounting surface such that the boom can pivot with respect to the mounting surface, and a distal section opposite the proximal section. In embodiments, a plurality of suction piles may be sed. The crane system is typically hydraulically operated. A preferred embodiment of the invention may further comprise a remotely operated vehicle comprising a hydraulic power supply operatively coupled to the crane, and a manipulator arm mounted on the distal section of the boom and operatively coupled to the hydraulic power supply.