Patent ID: 6595293
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: B63B,E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for connecting a riser between a floating vessel and a subsea structure, said apparatus comprising:a subsea structure anchored to the sea floor, said subsea structure including a subsea wellhead housing with a hydraulically actuated connector sealingly attached; said subsea structure including a second hydraulically actuated connector; said second hydraulically actuated connector sealingly attached to said hydraulically actuated connector sealingly attached to said subsea wellhead housing; a riser string extending from said subsea structure to a floating vessel, said riser string including an end connection member at its lower end for sealing engagement with said second hydraulically actuated connector; said floating vessel having a lower framework, said lower framework having a plurality of well slots therein, said well slots including a plurality of guide sleeves vertically positioned within said lower framework and extending to the lower end of said floating vessel; and, at least one of said well slots having a plurality of buoyancy air tanks positioned therein, said buoyancy air tanks vertically arranged to fit within said plurality of guide sleeves positioned within said lower framework, said buoyancy air tanks having a through bore that allows passage of said riser string with said end connection member attached.