Patent ID: 9302747
Filing Date: 2016-04-05
CPC Classification: B63B

Claim Text:
1. A floating offshore platform, comprising: a floating hull comprising: a topsides coupled to at least one of the columns and spaced vertically above the at least one pontoon; and at least two rigid extension plates each extending substantially horizontally from the at least one pontoon, one of the extension plates being disposed above the other of the extension plates, each extension plate being at an elevation that is below a surface of water in which the offshore platform is disposed during operation, forming an underwater water trap between the extension plates, wherein each extension plate has a first side fixedly coupled to the pontoon and at least one free peripheral side, the free peripheral sides of the adjacent extension plates defining a lateral opening for passage of water from outside the underwater water trap, wherein the extension plates are configured to reduce heave motion on the platform by at least causing horizontal water separation, vertical water separation, or a combination thereof around the pontoon-coupled extension plates as the platform moves in water and wherein the at least two extension plates are non-movable relative to the pontoon.