Patent ID: 8069804
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A disconnectable turret mooring system for a vessel, comprising a turret positioned in a moonpool of the vessel and having an upper part that engages a first upper bearing assembly positioned between the turret and the vessel, and a lower disconnectable buoy part that engages a second lower bearing assembly positioned between the turret and the vessel, wherein the lower bearing assembly comprises a plurality of discrete circumferentially spaced apart bearing members, wherein each bearing member comprises a shaft having an inner end and an outer end and a longitudinal axis that extends from the inner end to the outer end, wherein each bearing member moves along the longitudinal axis through an aperture in a stationary guide wherein each bearing member is movable toward the turret and into an operative position where the inner end causes a frictional engagement with the turret, and wherein each bearing member is movable away from the turret through the aperture in the stationary guide and along the longitudinal axis to an inoperative position such that the inner end is displaced from the turret, and a drive device coupled to each bearing member, wherein the drive device displaces the bearing member to each of the operative position and the inoperative position.