Patent ID: 6637979
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A method of installation of a floating, semi-submersible platform at a production location, the platform having a truss telescopingly mounted therein and having riser buoyancy members telescopingly received in the truss therein, the riser buoyancy members being laterally restrained by guides attached to the truss, the method comprising:towing the platform to the production location at a relatively shallow, towing depth with the truss and riser buoyancy members in a raised position within the platform; lowering the truss telescopingly to a lowered position extending below the platform, at least some of the guides laterally restraining the riser buoyancy members throughout the lowering process; lowering the riser buoyancy members telescopingly into the lowered truss, at least some of the guides laterally restraining the riser buoyancy members throughout the lowering process; ballasting down the platform to a relatively deeper operating depth; and installing risers through the riser buoyancy members for connection to wells on the sea floor.