Patent ID: 7815398
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: B66C,E02B,G01S,G05D

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: moving an elevating support vessel within proximity of an offshore structure; mapping at least a portion of a sea floor near the offshore structure; using the mapped portion of the sea floor and attitude measuring devices to determine a jack-up location, wherein the attitude measuring devices are in communication with a computer; moving the elevating support vessel to the determined jack-up location; using the attitude measuring devices to determine subsequent positions of the elevating support vessel; using the computer to measure the subsequent positions of the elevating support vessel relative to the jack-up location; using the computer to determine an amount of force and a vector direction that the must be exerted on the elevating support vessel to move the elevating support vessel back to the jack-up location; transmitting an electrical signal to the at least three azimuthing thrusters to move the elevating support vessel in the determined force and vector direction; using a crane disposed on a crane support apparatus to lower a first cable from the elevating support vessel to the sea floor, wherein a first end of the first cable is affixed to first end of the elevating support vessel's transom and the second end of the first cable is affixed to an anchor, and the crane support apparatus comprises: using the crane to lower a second cable from the elevating support vessel to the sea floor, wherein a first end of the second cable is affixed to second end of the elevating support vessel's transom and the second end of the second cable is affixed to an anchor, wherein the Elevating Support Vessel remains within at least a 3 meter radius from the jack-up location; and jacking-up the elevating support vessel.