Abstract: A swivel device for a ship (10) equipped so as to serve as i.a. a production and/or a drilling ship by exploitation of submarine wells or reservoirs, respectively, containing oil and/or gas, where the ship (10) is formed with a vertically through-going shaft (12). Within the shaft (12), a turret (16) having a substantially vertical axis is rotatably mounted in relation to the hull and is included in said swivel device. Thus, when the turret (16) is moored to the seabed, the ship (10) may turn about said vertical axis, dependent on wind and/or sea currents. The swivel device comprises a first pipe (32) substantially concentrical with the turret (16) and with a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of the turret (16), so that, between the outside of said first pipe (32) and the inner side of the turret (16), a vertically through-going annulus is formed for accommodating of several production risers (34).

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for projecting a line across an intermediate span includes a launching tube having one end connected to a source of propellant gas energy for launching a projectile, the other end forming an open muzzle adapted to receive and fire a line deploying projectile. The projectile is releasably attached to one end of the line attached to a source of line connected to the launch tube and containing a supply of line to be payed out during the flight of the projectile. An axially-mounted laser sighting device connected to the launch tube for sighting the tube in on a remote target for the projectile is also provided.

Abstract: A ship type floating oil production system for access to subsea wells through installation of surface wellheads on a ship type surface vessel on the sea comprises a cylindrical turret moored to a seabed is located within a moon pool formed in the ship type surface vessel such that the ship type surface vessel is freely rotatable about the cylindrical turret. A plurality of riser pipes have a rigid structure and extend downward to subsea wells through the cylindrical turret, and each riser pipe is provided at its top portion with a surface wellhead including valves of the riser pipe. Accordingly, workover operations can be facilitated as needed by running workover tools through the surface wellhead of the corresponding riser pipe through use of a work-over-rig installed on the ship type surface vessel.

Abstract: To permit use of a ship as production ship, among other things in conjunction with a so-called STL-buoy (30) and in test production without a buoy (30), and in which the ship (10) is formed with a bottom recess (12) for the reception of the buoy (30) in a mutually pivotal manner, there has been formed, immediately above said bottom recess (12), a vertically oriented cavity (14) in the ship's hull. In this cavity (14) is pivotally supported a sleeve-shaped turret (16) which is configured with at least one through bore, channel or other passage for passing pipelines (24, 24′), pipeline portions (38, 38′), or the like, which may be connected at the one end via a swivel device (22) to one or more pipes or the like (26) fixed in the vessel. The sleeve-shaped turret (16) works alone during test production, but is connected to the buoy (30) so that together they form a turret (16, 30) in regular production.

Abstract: A mooring system for a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) employs a vessel mounted rotatable turret and a single point mooring arrangement. The mooring arrangement includes a single anchor chain that is removably attached at a top end to the vessel, and is attached at a submerged bottom end to three sealed anchored leg chains. The anchor chain is secured to the vessel by means of a chain stopper that is centrally located in the rotatable turret, and allows the vessel to rotate freely about the anchor chain's vertical axis. One or more submerged fluid carrying risers are detachably connected to a swivel stack positioned above the mooring table in line with the rotational axis of the anchor chain so that the risers and the anchor chain will not become entangled with one another during vessel rotation.

Abstract: A vessel for use in the production and/or storage of hydrocarbons, including a receiving device having a downwardly open space for receiving and releasably securing a submerged buoy connected to at least one riser, a rotatable connector for connection with the buoy and transfer of fluids, and a dynamic positioning system for keeping the vessel at a desired position. The vessel includes a moonpool extending through the hull, and the receiving device is a unit which is arranged in the moonpool for raising and lowering, the rotatable connector being arranged at deck level, for connection to the buoy when the receiving unit with the buoy has been raised to an upper position in the moonpool.

Abstract: A mooring system employs a vessel mounted turret in combination with a submerged chain table that also acts as a clump weight. The chain table is submerged fairly close to the sea surface at approximately the keel depth of the vessel, or a few meters below that depth. Three or more chains connect the vessel mounted turret and chain table to one another, preferably though corresponding U-joints. Several mooring lines are attached at first ends to the bottom of the chain table, and are secured at second ends to anchors or piles in the seabed. The weight of the chain table is chosen so that it helps reduce the stresses imparted by the vessel to the mooring lines, thereby reducing the maximum load requirement, and thus cost, of the mooring lines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for loading or unloading a ship at sea, in particular for operations in connection with oil and gas activity, whereby the ship concerned is equipped with a mooring device at its bow. There is included an anchor device located at the seabed, and at least one anchoring line adapted to connect the anchor device to the mooring device on the ship. A permanent anchor device is provided with a swivel device for the anchoring line, and a buoyant body is attached to a middle portion of the anchoring line. Moreover, there is provided a hose connected to the swivel device and to the ship, for loading or unloading operations.

Abstract: An improved product transfer system is disclosed for a turret moored FPSO. A swivel stack torque tube is provided such that the swivel stack can be recessed below the manifold decks, but still allow swivel torque reactions to be transferred to the ship structure. Recessing of the swivel stack downwardly with respect to the manifold decks reduces the height of the access structure and locates the swivel stack center of gravity closer to the center of gravity of the vessel. This arrangement results in reduced loads to the turret structure, which supports the swivel stack and reduced height and size of the access structure for the swivel stack.

Abstract: A rotating coupling device or connector for interconnection between a number of risers (12) suspended from a submerged buoy and a pipe system on a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, comprising a swivel unit consisting of a pair of concentric swivel members (20, 21) in the form of a male member (20) and a female member (21) defining mutually sealed annuluses (22) communicating with associated fluid paths (16) between the topical risers (12) and the pipe system on the vessel. The female member (21) is adapted for non-rotatable attachment to the vessel. The male member comprises a number of axially extending pipes (24) which, at their upper ends are connected to respective annuluses (22) and at their lower ends comprise a releasable connection (25) with fluid paths (16) leading to the respective risers (12).

Abstract: A rotating connector or coupling device for interconnection between at least one fluid passage (9) through a submerged buoy (1, 2) and a pipe system on a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, comprising a pair of cooperating, fluid-transferring swivel members in the form of a female member (3) and a male member (4) which may be introduced axially into or withdrawn from each other, the female member (4) being permanently fixed to the buoy (1, 2), and an electrohydraulic swivel (30) which is arranged on the top of the male swivel member (4) and comprises partly a slip-ring arrangement (37, 45) for the transfer of high electric power and electrical/optical control signals, and partly a number of hydraulic courses for the transfer of hydraulic signals.

Abstract: A rotating connector comprising a swivel device (5, 6) having a number of fluid courses (16) for interconnecting a buoy (1) and a pipe system on a floating vessel for production of hydrocarbons, wherein the swivel device comprises a female member (5) and a male member (6) which may be introduced axially into or withdrawn from each other, the female member (5) being permanently fixed to a bottom-anchored centre member of the buoy. One of the fluid courses is arranged for transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG) between the vessel and the transfer line (13) through the buoy, and for this purpose is thermally and physically separated from the other courses.

Abstract: A disconnectable vessel mooring system including a storage vessel (10) with a turret (32) mounted therein so that the vessel is free to weathervane about an anchored turret. A spider buoy (44) in a docked position is received within the turret (32) with the upper part of the buoy at a position above the sea water level to permit dry servicing of the buoy (44). Anchor legs (68) in the docked position are secured to the turret (32) by securing means (71). Guide tubes (72) on the outer surface of the buoy (44) receive the anchor legs (68) therein for limited longitudinal travel. Selected anchor legs (68) may be disconnected from the buoy (44) when detached from the turret (32) for lowering onto the sea floor to reduce the weight of anchor legs supported by the buoy (44).

Abstract: The connection between a surface terminus for subsea production risers and a surface collection vessel is facilitated by a connection which utilizes slack loop flexible jumper hoses between the surface terminus of the subsea risers and a swivel coupling located on the surface vessel.

Abstract: A storage vessel (10) in a mooring system has a moon pool (14) and a turret (12) rotatively mounted thereon, with the turret anchored to the sea floor. A swivel stack (16) has an inner male core (18) mounted on bearings (80) which are supported on turret (12). Vertically spaced swivels (110) each has an outer female housing (112) mounted on inner male core which define a stacked inner male core (18). The stacked inner male core (18) weathervanes with vessel (10) about turret (12) and outer female housings (112). Inlet product lines (26, 120) in fluid communication with risers (24) are coupled to outer female housings (112); outlet product lines (28) are coupled to the stacked inner male core (18). Outlet products lines (28) extend via the upper end of central bore (79) in inner male core (18) to storage areas of vessel (10). A plurality of manifold platforms (66, 68, 70, 72) are positioned alongside the swivel stack (16) and are secured to the turret (12).

Abstract: An arrangement in a loading/unloading buoy for use in shallow waters, wherein the buoy (1) is arranged for introduction and releasable securement in a downwardly open receiving space in a floating vessel, the buoy comprising a bottom-anchored center member (2) for the passage of medium from or to a transfer line (25) which is coupled to the underside of the center member (2), and an outer member (4) which is rotatably mounted on the center member to allow turning of the vessel about the center member when the outer member is secured in the receiving space. The buoy is provided with a bottom support structure (15) which is connected to the center member (2) of the buoy and arranged for support of the buoy at the sea bed (16) when it is not in use, and to the center member of the buoy there are connected a number of mooring lines (21) extending outwards from the buoy (1) a substantial distance along the sea bed (16) and having an inherent elasticity allowing raising of the buoy from the sea bed.

Abstract: A single point mooring method, wherein a fixed structure is anchored to sea bed. A first member is connected to the fixed structure rotatably around a first axis and a second member is connected to the first member rotatably around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The tanker mooring line is connected to the second member rotatably, and a flexible pipeline for transferring fluid to or from the tanker is rotatably connected to the second member so as to compensate stress in the tanker mooring line caused by translational and rotational movements of the tanker.

Abstract: An improved mooring system for a vessel (10) having a mooring turret (19) which is rotatably coupled to a well (14) of the vessel (10) such that the vessel (10) is free to weathervane about the mooring turret is disclosed. An anchor leg support base (18) is fixed with the mooring turret (19) with anchor lines (20) secured thereto and anchored to the sea floor (24). A riser turret (25) is rotatably coupled to the mooring turret (19) and is fixed to the well (14) of the vessel. A riser support base (100) is pivotally coupled to a riser support device (30) for mounting the upper ends of a plurality of flexible risers (48) extending from the sea floor. The riser mounting device (30) is arranged and designed to pivot about two axes (34, 40) at right angles to each other relative to the riser support base (100).

Abstract: A vessel for use in offshore production or transport of hydrocarbons, and/or for loading/unloading of hydrocarbons, and/or for carrying out well operations. The vessel at its forward end is equipped with a submerged receiving space for receiving a bottom-anchored underwater buoy. A service shaft extends between the receiving space and the deck of the vessel. At the stern of the vessel, a coupling head is provided along with equipment for the connection of a hose for loading and unloading of oil.

Abstract: An offshore terminal mooring buoy of the cantenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) type includes a buoy which is designed to dive at an angle downwardly through large swells during bad weather. The buoy has a wedge shaped side cross-section including an inwardly angled upper sidewall that not only causes the buoy to dive through large swells, but also reduces its drag coefficient so that undue stresses will not be placed on the buoy's anchor chains as it dives through the water. The bottom submerged portion of the buoy can also incorporate a wedged shape to decrease its drag coefficient further. Preferably, the buoy also has a hexagonal shaped top cross-section which further reduces the buoy's drag coefficient, and makes the buoy easy to fabricate.

Abstract: An arrangement for buoy loading of hydrocarbons at sea includes a buoy element (5) which is connected to mooring lines (13) and riser lines (11) and is arranged to be received in a recess (8) in the bottom of the vessel (1) in such a way that the vessel can rotate with respect to the mooring lines (13) and the riser lines (11). An upper turning body (18) is turnably arranged in the vessel (1) spaced above the buoy element (5), and flexible conduits (17,23) extend from the buoy element (5) to resiliently supported connectors in the turning body (18). A swivel (29) is arranged on the turning body (18), one side of which is connected to the connectors and the other side of which is connected to a pipe system of the turning vessel.

Abstract: A buoy for use in loading or unloading of a flowable medium, especially oil, comprising an outer buoyancy member (2) arranged to be introduced and secured in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in a floating vessel, and a central member (3) which is rotatably mounted in the outer member and is intended for anchoring to the sea bed and arranged for passage of medium between a transfer line (57) which, in operation, is coupled to the lower end of the central member (3) and a tube system on the vessel. The central member (3) is provided with a lower extension body (8) having an outer peripheral portion (9) abutting on and essentially corresponding to the outer periphery of the adjacent end (10) of the outer buoyancy member (2), and having a lower portion (11) which is downwardly tapering from the outer peripheral portion (9).

Abstract: A system for transferring a flowable medium, especially oil, to or from a floating vessel, comprising a buoyancy unit in the form of a submerged buoy which is anchored to the sea bed by catenary mooring lines keeping the buoy submerged at a desired depth when it is not in use, at least one transfer line which is connected to the buoy, for the transfer of medium, a downwardly open receiving device arranged on the vessel below the water surface and arranged for receipt and connection of the buoy, a hoisting device provided on the vessel for raising of the buoy for introduction thereof into the receiving space, and a device enabling the vessel to turn about a vertical axis through the buoy when this is connected in the receiving space.

Abstract: An arrangement in a vessel for loading or unloading at sea a flowable medium, especially oil. The vessel is provided with a receiving space for a submarine buoy in the form of a module built on the bow portion of the vessel. The submerged downwardly opening receiving space is connected by a service shaft with the deck of the vessel. The receiving space has a downwardly opening conical shape for mating with a buoy of corresponding outer shape.

Abstract: A device for guiding a loading/unloading buoy during pulling-up into a receiving space in the bottom of a vessel. The device includes a guide cylinder which is vertically moveable in a shaft in the vessel. The guide cylinder is extend into the receiving space such that guide elements on the guide cylinder provide side stabilization of the buoy as it is brought into the receiving space.

Abstract: A locking and release mechanism for securing a loading/unloading buoy to a vessel. The buoy is of a type to be introduced into a submerged downwardly open receiving space in the vessel and to be fastened in a releasable manner in the receiving space. The locking and release mechanism includes hydraulically actuated locking elements mounted about horizontal axes at the sides of the receiving space to pivot between the locking and releasing positions. The buoy has a peripheral collar with downwardly facing abutment edge for engagement with the locking elements in the locking position thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for mounting a turret (18, FIG. 3) on the outer ends of beams, or mounts, whose inner ends are supported by a vessel hull (14) that can weathervane about the turret. An upper bearing (42) is supported on a largely rigid upper mount (30), by a resiliently deflectable support structure (50) that includes a plurality of elastomeric shear pads (52). Each shear pad subtends an angle (B, FIG. 5) of no more than 20.degree. about a common point (26) along the rotatable axis of the turret. This allows a shear pad to use flat rubber sheets instead of spherically curved sheets, as well as avoiding excess stiffness. The support structure includes six posts (54) extending radially from the common point along the turret axis, each post having a gap where a shear pad is mounted, with the area around each shear pad being open to facilitate replacement of a shear pad.

Abstract: A buoy for use in loading or unloading a flowable medium, especially oil from a vessel at sea. The buoy includes an outer buoyancy member having a conical shape, and a central member, rotatably mounted in the outer member which forms a passage for the flowable medium from the lower end of the buoy which is connected to a transfer line to a delivery system within the vessel. The outer member is received and locked in a conical shaped opening in the bottom of the vessel which is connected to a receiving space which extends up to the deck of the vessel. The outer member forms a seal with the lower end of the opening to seal the sea off from the receiving space. The central member, has a relatively small mass and a small inertia, such that the outer buoyancy member together with the vessel may readily turn thereabout.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacement of a swivel atop a first, operating foundation on a turret of a production ship or offshore platform comprises a swivel lifting and moving apparatus for taking a swivel off or replacing a swivel on the first operating foundation on the turret and a second storing foundation spaced from the turret. The apparatus also comprises storage for supporting and moving at least one used and one spare swivel in connection with the second storing foundation, and a guiding system on the first and second foundations and on the swivel for accurately positioning the swivel onto a desired foundation.

Abstract: A buoy for use in loading or unloading a flowable medium, especially oil from a vessel at sea. The buoy includes an outer member and a central member rotatably mounted in the outer member. The central member forms a passage for the flowable medium from the lower end of the buoy which is connected to a transfer line to a tube system within the vessel. The outer member is received and latched in an opening in the bottom of the vessel. The central member is connected to the tube system by a swivel means coupled to the upper end of the central member by a flexible joint which allows angular displacement about the axis of connection.

Abstract: A method and a system for connecting a submerged loading/unloading buoy to a submerged receiving space in a floating vessel for transfer of oil to or from the vessel. The buoy is anchored to the sea bed and is connected to a transfer line for carrying the oil. A sink line, having an auxiliary buoy attached to its end, is lowered from the vessel through the receiving space, with the auxiliary buoy coming to the water surface. A suitably marked pick-up line connected to the loading/unloading buoy, is taken up and connected to the sink line. The vessel is then positioned above the submerged loading/unloading buoy and the sink and pick-up lines are pulled up through the receiving space, so that the loading/unloading buoy is hoisted up and moved to a locking position in the receiving space. The vessel is provided with a hoist to lift the lines and the loading/unloading buoy, and also with a service shaft connecting the receiving space to the deck of the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel with a rotatable turret thereon is moored in a manner that minimizes turret tilt while avoiding the need to maintain precisely concentric upper and lower turret bearings. A mooring structure (152, FIG. 7) is formed by a group of mooring lines (162, 164) such as chains, with the upper ends of the lines coupled to the vessel through a connecting apparatus (154) that comprises a group of arms (166) each connected to a corresponding one of the lines. Each arm is pivotally mounted (at 170) on the turret to hang therefrom, so the arm transmits primarily vertical forces to the turret and the turret bearing (185) has to support primarily vertical forces. Each arm carries a bearing pad (174) that presses horizontally against a vessel lower bearing ring (182) mounted directly on the vessel hull independently of the turret.

Abstract: A mooring system for a seagoing vessel, such as an oil tanker, employs a submerged buoy and a fluid swivel joint mounted in the vessel. The buoy is submerged to a depth sufficient enough to allow the moored vessel to drift over the buoy and other mooring elements without colliding with the same. A motor drive assembly is provided for a rotating shaft in the fluid swivel joint which maintains the shaft in the same position relative to the buoy, regardless of environmental induced changes in the heading of the moored vessel. This insures that one or more flexible hoses connected between the shaft and the mooring will not be twisted if the vessel begins to rotate about the vertical axis of the mooring. Positioning the fluid swivel joint within the vessel provides easy access to the joint for maintenance or repair and shields the joint from the seawater's detrimental effects.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a floating oil/gas production terminal comprising a multi-hull vessel having a plurality of vertically spaced barge form hulls interconnected together to form a unitary structure including an upper hull which floats the vessel and a lower hull which provides gas/oil/other liquid storage space. A vertical throughway extends through the hulls towards one end thereof and a manifold system is disposed in the free space between the hulls and is mounted for rotation on the upper and/or lower hulls about a vertical axis extending through the throughway to receive a plurality of pipelines connected directly or indirectly to seabed wellheads. A rotary fluid coupling is provided having two elements relatively rotatable about the vertical axis.

Abstract: Ship with mooring structure, comprising a rotatable tube (15) which is connected to the ship (1) for rotation about a vertical axis which is concentric to the rotatable tube, by an axial/radial bearing structure (17) which can absorb axial and radial forces. The rotatable tube (15) has at its lower end structure (19) for fastening anchor chains or cables (21). The rotatable tube (15) is disposed inside the hull of the ship (1) within a fixed tube (3) through the lower end of which the rotatable tube (15) protrudes downwardly. An outer ring of the axial/radial bearing (17) is in integral assembly with a rigid ring (13) which is in turn fastened only to the lower end of the fixed tube (3). The fixed tube (3) encloses the rotatable tube (15) with clearance and is fastened to the hull of the ship only some distance away from and above the rigid ring (13) and is free from fixed securement to the ship below the rigid ring ( 13).

Abstract: A multiple fluid swivel arrangement is described, for connecting stationary undersea pipes to rotatable pipes on a weathervaning ship, which provides ready access to each of the fluid swivels and which minimizes the diameters of the fluid swivels and their seals and other parts. Each of the multiple fluid swivels, except for the uppermost one, includes a largely horizontal arm (40A, FIG. 2) with an inner end (38) that can pivot about a largely vertical axis (32) on a fluid swivel body (33) that is connected to a stationary pipe (12A) extending to a deep underwater location. The outer end (42) of the arm is detachably connected to one of a plurality of couplings (44A, 46A) mounted on the ship. As the ship weathervanes and the arm approaches one of the vertical stationary pipes (12B), the outer end of the arm is disconnected from a coupling (44A), the arm is pivoted until its outer end lies adjacent to a second coupling (46A), and the outer end of the arm is attached to the second coupling.

Abstract: A system for transferring fluids from a piping system in a ship'hull (2) to a turning device (5) which is rotatably connected thereto, during offshore produciton of oil or gas. The turning device is arranged for being anchored to the sea floor and for connection with at least one flexible riser (12, 13) and with hoses (56, 57, 76, 77), which are connected with the piping system via a manifold (14, 15) for each flow of fluid.In order to permit unlimited mutual rotation of the turning device and the hull, sets of first coupling halves (54, 55, etc.) are provided along the periphery of the turning device (5), and are connected with manifolds (14, 15).

Abstract: A turret device (12) which is anchored to the ocean floor, and a floating structure (1) which is supporting the turret device and can swing freely around it. The turret comprises a lower radial sliding bearing (4,5), with relatively small width and large diameter and an upper spherical axial bearing (2,3) with relatively small diameter. The rest of the turret can be disconnected from the upper spherical bearing (2,3) by a multiple thread, non-selflocking screw connection between a sleeve (35) and a hub (37), which in connected position are locked by a dog clutch (36). When disconnected, the turret will sink to a stable equilibrium a distance below the ocean surface. The turret device can be fitted forward of the bow of a ship (1), or between the bow and midship.

Abstract: A loading arrangement for loading fluids onto a ship at sea comprises a coupling manifold on board the ship. A pulling line, which is connected with a winch on board the ship and comprises a loading fork with two diverging parts which at a respective end are connected to a coupling head, may be guided on board and towards the winch, via a guide pulley which is mounted on board the ship to be movable in a controlled manner in the direction of pulling line towards and away from the winch. The coupling manifold is mounted to be slewable about a horizontal axis, so that it may be slewed towards and away from the loading fork. The coupling manifold has a guiding member in the shape of a curved screen, which in a vertical plane has a trapezoid shape and passes through a triangular area of the loading fork between the two parts.

Abstract: Mooring means of a ship, comprising a tube rotatably supported at its top-end inside the ship (1) by means of an axial- or axial/radial bearing (8,9).The outer ring (8) of said bearing being fixed to a rigid ring (7), which does not follow deformations of the hull of the ship.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement is described for mounting a turret on the outer ends of beams whose inner ends are supported by a vessel that can weathervane about the turret. A lower bearing arrangement that mounts a lower portion of the turret in rotation about a vertical axis to a lower beam, permits the lower turret portion to pivot about a pair of lower horizontal axes. An upper bearing arrangement that mounts an upper portion of the turret to an upper beam in rotation about the vertical axis, permits the upper turret portion to pivot about a pair of upper horizontal axes.

Abstract: A subsurface buoy loading system for offshore oil gas production from production wells in the sea bottom. One or more flexible risers lead from the respective production wells to a submersible buoy adapted to be fitted to a complementary loading vessel in order to transfer petroleum products from the production wells via the loading buoy to the cargo space in the vessel. When not carrying out loading operations the loading buoy is descended down into an equilibrium position in the body of water. In the loading vessel the buoy is fitted into a rotatble turret seat located in a downwardly open tunnel in the ship hull. The rotatable turret seat is positioned at such a level that the top side of the buoy, when in the loading position, is situated above sea level. The riser or risers extend through a vertical shaft in the buoy and are attached to the top of the buoy. The rotatable turret seat supports pipes communicating between the risers and a receiving pipeline system in the vessel.

Abstract: A device is provided for avoiding twisting of a flexible line having two ends one of which is connected to a revolving joint having two parts, one of these two parts being integral with said end and the outer part of said revolving joint being integral with floating installation movable with respect to the other end of said flexible line. The device of the invention further includes means for setting one of the parts of said revolving joint in rotation with respect to the other.

Abstract: An underwater fuel transfer system for the transfer of liquid fuels such as crude oil from an off-shore underwater mooring to a submerged submarine oil tanker. There is provided a berthing guidance and control system including permanently moored acostic transponders interrogated by the tanker sonar equipment to provide input commands for azmith control along the on-tack position in conjunction with speed controls. The system also includes an arrestor mooring apparatus for decelerating the tanker as the tanker approaches the underwater station. This underwater station has the dual function use of providing mooring for the tanker and also reception of the tanker oil transfer device.

Abstract: The equipment for the transfer of fluids such as oil or gas from a drilling rig or platform mounted on the seabed to a ship pitching, heaving and yawing in relation thereto includes an interconnection through which fluid flow can take place. The interconnection has two parts, namely a probe 5 and a probe-receiver 4. The two parts are capable of engagement or disengagement on relative fore-and-aft movement. The equipment also includes a hose 6 to pass fluid to and from the interconnection, one part of the interconnection being mounted upon the platform 1 and the other part being carried by an at least partially spaced stabilized gantry 9 mounted upon the receiver vessel 8. One part of the interconnection 4 is mounted by a releasable anchor and has its hose 6 extendable when the anchor is released. The arrangement is such that the receiver vessel can be temporarily placed in an engagement position adjacent to the platform 1 and the parts 4 and 5 of the interconnection so aligned that engagement can be effected.

Abstract: A valve station for interconnecting boreholes in a seabed has a buoy anchored to the seabed and secured to a tanker whereby the buoy serves to anchor the tanker. Valves are provided on the buoy for connecting a plurality of separate pipelines extending from the boreholes to a common pipeline on the tanker. The buoy has an upstanding pipe extending through a shaft space in the stern of the tanker to a swivel connecting the pipe to the common pipeline on the tanker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel mounted mooring system and a method for its installation. The method involves the construction of a vertical well in the vessel extending from the deck through the bottom plates of the vessel. A lower bearing ring which circumscribes the well is connected to the underside of the bottom plates. A lower turret unit is laterally guided by the lower bearing ring and is restrained against uplift forces by the lower bearing ring. A middle turret unit is placed into the well and connected to the lower turret unit. An upper bearing ring which circumscribes the well is mounted to the deck. The upper turret unit is connected to the middle turret unit whereupon the weight of the assembly of the upper, middle and lower turret units is supported by the upper turret unit and is guided by the upper bearing ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel mounted mooring system and a method for its installation. The method involves the construction of a vertical well in the vessel extending from the deck to the bottom plates. A lower bearing ring which circumscribes the well is connected to the underside of the bottom plates and extends beyond the keel. A lower turret unit is supported substantially within the bearing ring. A middle turret unit is placed into the well and connected to the lower turret unit. An upper bearing ring which circumscribes the well is mounted to the deck. An upper turret unit is connected to the middle turret unit whereupon the assembly of the upper, middle and lower turret units is supported and guided by the upper bearing ring and further guided by the lower bearing ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring system, comprising a tanker (1,9,15,22,72,86,104,131) and a device (5,11,20,61,74,95,111,135) having some type of anchor (3,10,23,66,71,68,77,113,140), the tanker being rotatably connected with that device for rotation about a vertical axis (4,117). A conduit (6,24,25,45,46,122-125) extends upwardly towards that device (5,11,20,61,74,95,111,135) and towards a swivel (38,58,79,102,121) concentric with that axis (4,117) and from the swivel towards the tanker, the system having a quick connect coupling (83,84,85,91,92,97,116,117,118). The device (5, etc.) preferably has controllable buoyancy and can be of any type including a normal mooring buoy.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.