Abstract:
The invention relates to a mooring system with a first vessel for containing hydrocarbons having at its bow and/or stern a transverse arm and a fluid transfer mechanism of a duct connected to a tank on the first vessel and a coupling end for connecting to a second vessel. The second vessel is moored alongside the first vessel and is attached via at least one cable, extending from its bow in the length direction of the vessel, to a mooring end of the arm. The mooring end of the arm is situated at or near a longitudinal centerline of the second vessel. The arm, during use, is in a fixed position and a pulling force element is attached to the cable for applying a pulling force on the cable upon relative movement of the second vessel with respect to the arm. The force element allows a predetermined maximum displacement of the second vessel.
Abstract:
A system is provided for more efficiently using offshore produced hydrocarbons, where the produced hydrocarbons contain considerable amounts of liquid hydrocarbons and both heavy gaseous hydrocarbons (at least two carbon atoms per molecule) and light hydrocarbons (with two or less carbon atoms per molecule). The produced hydrocarbons are separated into liquid hydrocarbons which are stored in a tank structure (183) for later offloading to a tanker (56), and into heavy gaseous hydrocarbons and light hydrocarbons. The heavy gaseous hydrocarbons are liquefied and stored in a tank (212) for fueling an electricity generator unit (192) when needed, and the light hydrocarbons are immediately used to fuel the electricity generator unit (192).
Abstract:
A very large hydrocarbon production vessel (10) of at least 40,000 tons steel weight, is constructed without requiring a very long reserve time period in a very large dry dock. The hull of the vessel is constructed in at least three different hull sections, including a midship hull section (24) and bow and stern hull sections (20, 22), with each preferably constructed at a different construction site. The hull sections are then brought together in a very large dry dock and welded together, so a minimum amount of time must be reserved in the very large dry dock. The midship hull section is preferably constructed in a specialized shipyard, and the same shipyard installs drilling equipment (50) and equipment that connects to risers that bring up hydrocarbons, so the expertise of the shipyard is used for both the midsection hull construction and specialized drilling and riser handling equipment.
Abstract:
Hydrocarbon mooring and transfer system includes a tower resting on the seabed, a vessel containing hydrocarbons, anchoring elements having at least four spaced-apart anchoring members connected via a respective anchor line to the vessel. A hydrocarbon transfer duct extends between a coupling position, located between the bow and stern of the vessel and the tower. The system includes at least six anchoring members, at least four of which are connected to the vessel, the vessel being attachable to at least two different groups consisting of four anchoring members in at least two orientations.
Abstract:
Device for positioning a buoy body, comprising a ballast weight which in use is positioned under the buoy body and is provided with anchors, and a coupling connecting the ballast weight to the buoy body. The greatest horizontal cross sectional dimension of the buoy body is substantially less than the height of the buoy body. The buoy is spaced a substantial distance from the ballast weight. An elongated tubular member is secured to and extends upwardly from the ballast weight, the buoy body surrounding only the upper end of this tubular member. Swivel bearings interconnect the tubular member and the buoy body for relative rotation about an upright axis.
Abstract:
Offshore loading system comprising a dynamically positioned vessel and at least two flexible elements, such as hoses extending in different directions from two spaced apart locations according to a preferably double catenary configuration towards a disconnectable coupling provided on an outboard extending arm of the vessel, the arm being swingable inboard and outboard while in the disconnected mode of the coupling. The central position of the coupling is obtained by the catenary configuration of the flexible elements, preferably by giving these elements the form of a double catenary line, obtained by means of a buoyancy device attached to each element and anchored to the sea bottom by a cable or the like.
Abstract:
Mooring system comprising a vessel, a chain anchored buoy and a rigid arm between buoy and vessel, which arm is pivotable about a horizontal axis at the vessel and has a weight loaded extension which hold the arm against a stop but allows rotation of the arm if a certain value of the forces on the anchor chains is reached.
Abstract:
Mooring device comprising a body at a distance above the bottom of a body of water such as a tower positioned upon the bottom of the water. The tower carries a downwardly extending construction loaded by a weight which construction can pivot about a vertical axis at the top of the tower and about a horizontal axis and at its lower end has been connected with a floating device such as a vessel by one or more rigid arms. The point of connection of the rigid arms with the weight loaded construction is located beyond the vertical axis of the tower seen in a direction away from the floating device.
Abstract:
A fender surrounding a mooring body and comprising a weight-loaded structure suspended by flexible connecting members from a higher location of the mooring body, which connecting members according to the invention extend upwardly and towards each other towards a point at or adjacent to the vertical axis of the mooring body, such that upon impact by a vessel the fender is tilted and quickly generates a return force.
Abstract:
A mooring system comprising a buoy, which is anchored by anchor chains. The buoy has a horizontal pivot shaft for connection with the device to be moored and this shaft is positioned at a part of the buoy, which is rotatable about a vertical shaft relative to the part to which the chains are secured. The buoy comprises at least two spaced buoyant members which are interconnected by a bridge member in which a turntable is journalled. The bridge member furthermore comprises the horizontal pivot shaft.