Patent ID: 7871222
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A method for attaching offshore equipment together, comprising the steps: a. floating a floating offshore structure capable of being used as a stand alone floating structure for offshore drilling or production into position such that a main portion of the floating offshore structure is above a water line; b. floating a truss frame into position near the floating offshore structure such that a portion of the truss frame is above the water line, said truss frame having at least one horizontal heave plate below the water line that extends across the entire width and length of the truss frame; c. moving the truss frame into vertical alignment with the floating offshore structure while maintaining the same draft for both; d. adjusting the ballast of at least the truss frame or the offshore structure to cause the truss frame to contact the floating offshore structure at predetermined connection points above the water line; and e. rigidly attaching the floating offshore structure and truss frame together.