Abstract

An offshore installation system (100) for handling a monopile comprises a monopile transportation vessel (102) configured to transport the monopile in a horizontal position. A monopile handling mechanism (132) is mounted on the transportation vessel (102) and is configured to secure the monopile during transportation and move it to an inclined position. The system also includes an offshore installation vessel with a hull (122) and a plurality of moveable legs (126), wherein the hull is positioned out of the water when the moveable legs engage the seafloor. A push down stabilising mechanism (130) is mounted on the offshore installation vessel and is configured to apply a downward force on the monopile transportation vessel to increase its buoyancy force when positioned underneath the hull, stabilising the monopile transportation vessel and the inclined monopile with respect to the offshore installation vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02B 17/04 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
• B63B 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
• B63B 35/44 - Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
• B63B 77/00 - Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms
• F03D 13/25 - Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motorsMasts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components

Abstract

A method and apparatus for manoeuvering a monopile (100) for installation at an offshore site is provided. The method includes mounting a plurality of buoyancy elements (130) to an outer surface of the monopile (100), arranging the buoyancy elements (130) such that the monopile (100) floats in a horizontal orientation, positioning the floating monopile (100) at the offshore installation site, selectively adjusting an upwards buoyancy force of the buoyancy elements (130) on the monopile (100), and pivoting the monopile (100) from the floating horizontal orientation to a vertical installation orientation. The apparatus includes a plurality of buoyancy elements (130), an attachment mechanism (210) for attaching the buoyancy elements (130) to the outer surface of the monopile (100), and at least one valve (320) for selectively adjusting the upwards buoyancy force of one or more of the buoyancy elements (130) on the monopile (100).

IPC Classes  ?

• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• B65G 67/62 - Loading or unloading ships using devices influenced by the tide or by the movements of the ship, e.g. devices on pontoons
• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures

Abstract

A method of ballasting a vessel comprises positioning a vessel having a first draft adjacent to or underneath an offshore installation. The vessel has at least one ballasting tank and at least one port in fluid communication with the at least one ballasting tank. The at least one ballasting tank is arranged to selectively adjust the flow of ballast water in and out of the at least one ballasting tank. The method comprises pushing down from the offshore installation on the vessel to increase the draft of the vessel from the first draft to a second draft. The method further comprises opening the at least one port when the vessel is at the second draft and the at least one port is below a waterline. The method also comprises filling at least part of the at least one ballasting tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
• B63B 13/00 - Conduits for emptying or ballastingSelf-bailing equipmentScuppers

Abstract

A method of ballasting a vessel comprises positioning a vessel having a first draft adjacent to or underneath an offshore installation. The vessel has at least one ballasting tank and at least one port in fluid communication with the at least one ballasting tank. The at least one ballasting tank is arranged to selectively adjust the flow of ballast water in and out of the at least one ballasting tank. The method comprises pushing down from the offshore installation on the vessel to increase the draft of the vessel from the first draft to a second draft. The method further comprises opening the at least one port when the vessel is at the second draft and the at least one port is below a waterline. The method also comprises filling at least part of the at least one ballasting tank.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
• B63B 13/00 - Conduits for emptying or ballastingSelf-bailing equipmentScuppers
• B63B 77/00 - Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms
• B63B 1/10 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/62 - Loading or unloading ships using devices influenced by the tide or by the movements of the ship, e.g. devices on pontoons
• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
• B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises securing the vessel with respect to the hull of the offshore jack-up when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A lifting mechanism mounted on the offshore jack-up engages with a cargo carrying platform positioned on the vessel. The platform is lifted with the lifting mechanism between a first position on the vessel and a second position clear of the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• B63B 25/18 - Detachable decks
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• B63B 25/28 - Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing or trimmingVessels characterised thereby for deck loads
• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes
• B63B 25/22 - Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing or trimmingVessels characterised thereby for palletised articles
• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
• B63B 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/62 - Loading or unloading ships using devices influenced by the tide or by the movements of the ship, e.g. devices on pontoons
• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes
• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises securing the vessel with respect to the hull of the offshore jack-up when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A lifting mechanism mounted on the offshore jack-up engages with a cargo carrying platform positioned on the vessel. The platform is lifted with the lifting mechanism between a first position on the vessel and a second position clear of the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• B63B 25/28 - Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing or trimmingVessels characterised thereby for deck loads
• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• B63B 25/18 - Detachable decks
• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes
• B63B 25/22 - Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing or trimmingVessels characterised thereby for palletised articles
• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
• B63B 35/00 - Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for

Abstract

The offshore jack-up has a hull and a plurality of moveable legs engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up is arranged to move the legs with respect to the hull to position the hull out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out of the hull when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism mounted on the jack-up is engaged against the vessel. The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/62 - Loading or unloading ships using devices influenced by the tide or by the movements of the ship, e.g. devices on pontoons
• B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
• B65G 67/60 - Loading or unloading ships
• F03D 13/40 - Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
• E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
• E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
• B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes