Patent ID: 8047151
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A system for mooring an offshore structure comprising: an offshore structure body having an upper portion, a lower portion and a recessed portion interposed therebetween; a chain lock mechanism mounted to the lower portion of the offshore structure body; a movable chain tensioning mechanism mounted on a deck of the upper portion of the body, the chain tensioning mechanism applying a tension to a hull chain, the hull chain connecting the chain tensioning mechanism to a mooring line by way of the chain lock mechanism; and a chain housing mounted to the lower portion of the body; wherein the chain tensioning mechanism releases a first portion of the hull chain while the chain lock mechanism maintains the tension in a second portion of the hull chain, and wherein the chain housing receives the first portion of the hull chain to render the recessed portion substantially free of the hull chain.