Patent ID: 7367750
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. Vessel for exploration of hydrocarbons, comprising: at least one riser extending from the vessel to the sea bed, a hydrocarbon processing unit on the vessel connected via a connector on the vessel to a connector at an upper end of the at least one riser and connected to a storage or transport structure for storing or transporting of the processed hydrocarbons, the vessel being anchored to the seabed, the vessel comprising a lifting means for lowering a further riser vertically towards the sea bed and for connecting a first end of the further riser with a sub sea hydrocarbon structure, a second end of the further riser having a connector attachable to a connector on the vessel for placing the further riser in fluid connection with the processing unit, the lifting means and the connectors of the at least one riser being adapted such that the at least one riser remains attached to the connector of the processing unit during the lowering and the connection of the further riser.