Patent ID: 7270071
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A deep draft partially submersible and buoyant floating vessel, comprising: at least three independent vertical columns, each of the at least three independent vertical columns comprising: a lower pontoon connected to each lower column comprising lower pontoon fixed ballast means; an upper pontoon connected to each upper column and each lower column of each of the at least three independent vertical columns; at least one deck suitable for conducting afloat operations, wherein the at least three independent vertical columns are spaced from each other to provide transparency for damping wave induced motions of the vessel and all of the ballast means accommodating eccentricities acting on the deck or an operational loads to prevent mutual load transfer between the at least three independent vertical columns using a plurality of horizontal braces; a ring frame with a plurality of vertical stiffeners secured to an inner circumference of each of the at least three independent vertical columns; a tensioner assembly secured to the vessel; wherein the spacing of the columns provides sufficient water plane inertia; and a center of gravity is maintained below a center of buoyancy of the vessel.