IMPROVED MOORING CONNECTOR

There is disclosed a mooring, marine, subsea, underwater or offshore connector (5) comprising: a first portion (10); a second portion (15); and an arrangement (20) for releasably locking the first portion (10) and the second portion (15), wherein the releasable lock arrangement (20) comprises at least one movable lock member (25) which is biased towards a first position. The/each lock member (25) is movable against the action of a biasing arrangement (20) by insertion of the first portion (10) into the second portion (15) and/or by removal of the first portion (10) from the second portion (15). The connector (5) comprises an arrangement for rotating the first portion (10) relative to the second portion (15) when the first portion (10) is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion (15). Embodiments provide at least one opposing or facing pair of movable lock members (25, 25b); and at least one pair of biasing members (60a, 60b); a first end of the/each biasing member (60a, 60b) being connected to a first movable lock member (25a), and a second end of the/each biasing member (60, 60b) being connected to a second movable lock member (25b).

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector or mooring connector, such as a marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore (mooring) connector, for example, for connecting a line or lines, such as a mooring line(s), to a structure, such as a marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore structure, for example, a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to an associated apparatus, structure and methods.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

A mooring line, for example, a wire, chain or synthetic mooring line (such as polyester line) used subsea, for example, in the oil, gas, offshore wind, or tidal energy industries, or the like, can be attached to a (subsea) structure by means of a connector. The mooring of such a structure may be permanent. However, degradation of the line, for example, corrosion of the wire or chain may require replacement of the degraded line. When such a structure is deployed beyond a depth where it is commercially acceptable to use a diver, then connection may require to be established using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)—which may be used to connect and/or disconnect such a line.

Even when not operating beyond allowed diver depth, an improved connector for use with ROVs may be desirable. Many operators choose not to use divers, even where allowed, or practical. There may be a desire or need for a new, improved, simple, robust and/or easy to use connector.

WO2014/155094 (FTL SUBSEA LIMITED) discloses a subsea connector comprising a first portion comprising a male part, a second portion comprising a female part, and a means or arrangement for connecting the first and second portions, whereinthe arrangement for connecting comprises at least part of a through-passage in the second portion,the first portion comprises means for connecting the first portion to one or more mooring line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or more line(s) being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion with respect to one or more line(s) about a transverse axis of the first portion,the second portion comprises means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure, whereinthe means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure are configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to a structure about a transverse axis of the second portion, and whereinthe transverse axis of the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are connected.

The prior art suffers from a number of problems and/or disadvantages. For example, the provision of removable parts, such as a load bearing locking pin in first and second apertures of the first and second portions, respectively.

An object of at least embodiment of at least one aspect of present invention may be to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems and/or disadvantages in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a connector, a structure, an apparatus, an equipment or vessel, and/or a method according to the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector, such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector.

The connector may comprise a first portion. The connector may comprise a second portion. The connector may comprise an arrangement for releasably locking the first portion and the second portion. The releasable lock arrangement may comprise at least one movable lock or stopper member which may be (resiliently/sprung) biased toward(s) a first position.

The first portion may comprise a male portion.

The second portion may comprise a female portion.

The first portion may be receivable within the second portion.

The second portion may comprise a through-bore. The through-bore may have first portion entry and/or exit ends.

The/each at least one movable lock member may be provided on the second portion, such as at or adjacent a/the exit end of a/the through-bore, and may be connected, for example, hingeably attached thereto.

When in the first position the at least one movable lock member may overlap (with) a/the through-bore of the second portion when viewed along an axis of the through-bore.

The at least one movable lock member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of a spring or biasing arrangement) from the first position to a second position and to a third position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion.

The or each lock or stopper member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of a/the spring or biasing arrangement) from the third position to the second position and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion from the second portion.

The first position and the third position may be one and the same.

The first position may be a radially proximal position, and/or the second position may be a radially distal position, and/or the third position may be a radially proximal position relative to an/the axis of a/the through-bore of the second portion.

The or each stopper member may be movable against the action of a biasing arrangement by insertion of the first portion into the second portion and/or by removal of the first portion from the second portion.

The releasable lock arrangement may be adapted to take or transmit tension between a line, such as a mooring line, and a structure through the connector.

The connector may comprise an (rotation) arrangement for rotating the first portion relative to the second portion when the first portion is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion. The rotation arrangement may cause the first portion and second portion to adopt a pre-selected rotational disposition when mated.

The rotation arrangement may comprise at least one or one cam follower, pin or protrusion on one of the first portion (or the second portion) and a guide or cam track on (the other of) the second portion (or the first portion).

There may be provided at least one opposing or facing pair of movable lock members.

There may be provided at least one biasing arrangement/member or spring member.

A first end of the/each biasing member may be connected to a first movable lock member. A second end of the/each biasing member may be connected to a second movable lock member.

A first end of the first movable lock member may be connected to a first end of a (first) biasing member. (A second end of the first movable lock member may be connected to the second biasing member).

A first end of the second movable lock member may be connected to a second end of the (first) biasing member. (A second end of the second movable lock member may be connected to the second biasing member).

The first portion may comprise at least one recess or notch adapted to receive the/one of the movable lock-member(s), such as in a lock position, such as a/the third position.

The first portion may comprise at least one opposing pair of recesses or notches adapted to lock or engage with a/the pair of opposing or facing movable lock members, such as when in a/the respective third positions.

The first portion may provide a mooring line connection arrangement.

The first portion may have a first end adapted for insertion into the second portion.

The first portion may have a second end adapted for connection to a mooring line.

The first portion may have an arrangement for allowing movement of the first portion relative to a mooring line, preferably the movement allowing arrangement being provided at or adjacent an end/the second end of the first portion and/or being adapt to allow relative movement in two perpendicular axes.

The connector may comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a mooring line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a sea floor, for example, to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body of water.

Connection and disconnection of the connector or the line may be done by pulling in and/or out on the first portion (which may comprise an elongate body), for example, using a work line.

The at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of a latch mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line to a/the structure to be moored.

Preferably there may be provided an arrangement for releasably connecting the first and second portions.

Preferably the at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of the releasable connection arrangement.

The releasable connection arrangement may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion.

The first portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or connection to one or more lines, such as mooring lines, preferably allowing rotational movement around or about at least one transverse axis of the first portion with respect to the line.

The second portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or connection to a (subsea) structure, preferably allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the structure.

The transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion (e.g., when the first and second portions are connected/mated).

A/the through-passage of the second portion may be capable of receiving a work-line or wire.

A/the arrangement for connecting the first portion to a line may comprise one or more first bearing means.

The one or more first bearing means may comprise a clevis arrangement.

A/the arrangement for connecting the second portion to a structure may comprise one or more second bearing means.

The one or more second bearing means may comprise one or more protrusions or trunnions.

The one or more protrusions or trunnions may provide a/the transverse axis of the second portion.

A/the transverse axis of the second portion may be substantially horizontal (for example, in use).

A/the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion, for example, in use, when the first and second portions are connected.

The connector may comprise the first portion, the second portion, and a/the arrangement for connecting the first and second portions, wherein the arrangement for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion, the through-passage optionally being capable of receiving a work-line or wire, the first portion comprising an arrangement for releasably connecting to the work-line or wire, the line connecting arrangement preferably comprising first and second line connection means, the first line connection means preferably being configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means, and the engagement between the first and second line connection means preferably being caused by tension created between the work line or wire and the first portion of the connector.

The connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a/the second portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for connecting the first and second portions, whereinthe arrangement for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion,the first portion may comprise means for connecting the first portion to one or more (mooring) line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or more line(s) preferably being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion with respect to one or more line(s) about a transverse axis B, C of the first portion,the second portion may comprise a/the arrangement or means for connecting the second portion to a structure, such as an underwater structure or submersible or semi-submersible structure, whereinthe arrangement or means for connecting the second portion to a structure may be configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to a structure about a transverse axis D of the second portion, the means for connecting the second portion to a structure preferably comprising bearing means which provide rotational movement about the transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the structure, and whereinthe transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are connected.

The connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a second portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for connecting the first and second portions, whereinthe means for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion,the first portion may comprise means for connecting the first portion to one or more (mooring) line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or more line(s) preferably being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion with respect to one or more line(s) about a transverse axis B, C of the first portion,the second portion may comprise means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure, whereinthe means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure may be configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to an underwater structure about a transverse axis D of the second portion, the means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure preferably comprising bearing means comprising a pair of protrusions or trunnions provided on the transverse axis of the second portion on opposite sides of the through-passage, and whereinthe transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are connected.

In a first implementation the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member. Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

In the first implementation embodiment the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the third position to the second position by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the first position be removal of the first portion/member from the second portion/member. Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

In a second implementation the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member. Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

In the second implementation the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the third position to the second position by a release member. The release member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the first position by a/the at least one biasing member and/or the release member, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the at least one biasing member to act on the at least one movable lock member. Such pulling and release of the release line may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

In the second implementation the first portion may be removed from the second portion by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion followed by removal of the first portion from the second portion. Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

The first implementation may be referred to as “an automatic connector”. The second implementation may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector, such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector.

The connector may comprise:at least one movable lock member;a first portion; and/ora second portion.

The at least one movable lock member may be moved from a first (closed) position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion, e.g., into a through-bore of the second portion.

The at least one movable member may be moved from the second (opened) position to a third (closed) position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member.

Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

The at least one movable lock member may be moved from a/the third (closed) position to a/the second (opened) position by a release member.

The release member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line.

The at least one lock movable member may be moved from the second (opened) position to a/the first (closed) position by at least one biasing member and/or the release member, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the at least one biasing member to act on the at least one movable lock member.

The first portion may be removed from the second portion by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion followed by removal of the first portion from the second portion. Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second portion may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

Embodiments of the invention according to the second aspect of the present invention may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.

It will be appreciated that a connector according to the first/second aspect of the present invention may optionally and/or beneficially comprise or include one or more features of a connector according to the second/first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure, or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater and/or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, when moored by one or more lines.

At least one or more lines may be connected to the structure, or the marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by a connector according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise: a buoy, for example, a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.

The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may be adapted to be semisubmersible.

The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise a floating (oil or gas) platform, for example, a production platform or SPAR, or (offshore) renewable energy generator or wind turbine.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater and/or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by one or more lines.

The method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a structure, or a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure, by using a connector according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring toFIGS.1to10e), there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated5, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The connector5comprises a first portion10. The connector5comprises a second portion15. The connector5comprises an arrangement, generally designated20, for releasably locking the first portion10and the second portion15. The releasable lock arrangement20comprises at least one movable lock or stopper member25which is (resiliently/sprung) biased toward(s) a first position—seeFIG.4(a).

The first portion10comprises a male portion30. The second portion15comprises a female portion35. The first portion10is receivable within the second portion15.

The second portion15comprises a through-bore40. The through-bore40has first portion entry and exit ends45,50.

The/each at least one movable lock member25is provided on the second portion15, such as at or adjacent a/the exit end50of the through-bore40, and is hingeably attached thereto by hinges55.

When in the first position (FIGS.5(a) and (b)), the at least one movable lock member25overlaps with a/the through-bore40of the second portion15when viewed along an axis A of the through-bore40.

The at least one movable lock member25is resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of at least one biasing arrangement, member or spring60) from the first position (FIGS.5(a) and (b), to a second position (FIGS.6(a) and (b)), and to a third (locked) position (FIGS.7(a) and (b)) by insertion of the first portion10into the second portion15.

The or each movable lock member25is resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of biasing arrangement or spring60) from the third position to the second position and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion10from the second portion15.

The first position and the third position can be one and the same.

The first position is a radially proximal position, the second position is a radially distal position, and the third position is a radially proximal position relative to the axis X of the through-bore40of the second portion15.

The or each movable lock member25is movable against the action of the biasing arrangement60by insertion of the first portion10into the second portion15and/or by removal of the first portion10from the second portion15.

Referring briefly toFIGS.11and12, beneficially the releasable lock arrangement20is adapted to take or transmit tension between a line100, such as a mooring line, and a structure105through the connector5.

The connector5comprise an arrangement, generally designated61, for rotating the first portion10relative to the second portion15when the first portion10is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion15.

The rotation arrangement61comprises at least one or one cam follower, pin or protrusion62on one of the first portion10(or the second portion15) and a guide or cam track63on (the other of) the second portion15(or the first portion10).

In this embodiment there is provided at least one opposing or facing first and second (that is, a pair) of movable lock members25a,25b.

There is also provided at least one (a first) biasing member or spring60a.

A first end65aof the biasing member60ais connected to the first movable lock member25a. A second end70aof the biasing member60ais connected to the second movable lock member25b.

A first end75aof the first movable lock member25ais connected to the first end65aof the biasing member60a. (In a modification, a second end80aof the first movable lock member25ais connected to a second biasing member60b).

A first end75bof the second movable lock member25bis connected to a second end70aof the biasing member60a. (In said modification, a second end80bof the second movable lock member25bis connected to the second biasing member60b).

The first portion10comprises at least one recess or notch82adapted to receive the/one of the movable lock member(s)25, such in a lock position, such as a/the third position.

In this embodiment, beneficially, the first portion10comprises at least one opposing pair of recesses or notches82a,82badapted to lock or engage with a/the pair of opposing or facing movable lock members25a,25b, such as when in a/the respective third positions.

The first portion10provides a (mooring) line connection arrangement, generally designated84.

The first portion10has a first end86adapted for insertion into the second portion15. The first portion10has a second end88adapted for connection to a (mooring) line100.

The first portion10has an arrangement, generally designated90, for allowing movement or articulation of the first portion10relative to a (mooring) line100, advantageously the movement allowing arrangement90being provided at or adjacent an end/the second end88of the first portion10and/or being adapt to allow relative movement in two perpendicular axes B, C.

The connector5comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a mooring line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a sea floor, for example, to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body of water.

Referring toFIGS.10(a) to (e), connection and disconnection of the connector or the line100can be done by pulling in and/or out on the first portion10comprising an elongate body, for example, using a work line92(seeFIGS.13(a), (b)and14).

The at least one movable lock member25comprises at least part of a latch mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line100to a/the structure105to be moored.

There is provided an arrangement20for releasably connecting the first and second portions10,15.

The at least one movable member25comprises at least part of the releasable connection arrangement20.

The releasable connection arrangement20comprises at least part of a/the through-bore or through-passage40in the second portion15.

The first portion10comprises means for connecting or connection to one or more lines100, such as mooring lines, advantageously allowing rotational movement around or about at least one transverse axis B, C of the first portion10with respect to the line100.

The second portion15comprises means94for connecting or connection to a (subsea) structure, advantageously allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis D of the second portion15with respect to the structure105.

The transverse axis B of the first portion10is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion15, in use.

The through-bore40of the second portion15is capable of receiving a work-line or wire92.

The arrangement90for connecting the first portion10to a line100comprise one or more first bearing means95. The one or more first bearing means95comprise a clevis arrangement.

The arrangement94for connecting the second portion15to a structure105comprises one or more second bearing means96. The one or more second bearing means96comprise one or more protrusions or trunnions. The one or more protrusions or trunnions provide a/the transverse axis D of the second portion15.

A/the transverse axis D of the second portion15is typically substantially horizontal (for example, in use).

A/the transverse axis B of the first portion10is substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion15, in use, when the first and second portions10,15are connected.

The connector5comprises the first portion10, the second portion15, and a/the arrangement20for connecting the first and second portions10,15, wherein the arrangement20for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-bore40in the second portion15, the through-bore being capable of receiving a work line or wire92, the first portion10comprising an arrangement97for releasably connecting to the work line or wire92, the work line connecting arrangement97comprising first and second line connection means98,99, the first line connection means98being configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means99, and the engagement between the first and second line connection means98,99being caused by tension created between the work line or wire100and the first portion10of the connector5, for example, by pulling on the work line100.

The connector5comprises a/the first portion10comprising a male part, a/the second portion15comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means20for connecting the first and second portions10,15, whereinthe arrangement20for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-passage40in the second portion15,the first portion10comprises an arrangement84or means for connecting the first portion10to one or more (mooring) line(s)100, the arrangement84or means for connecting the first portion10to one or more line(s)100beneficially being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion10with respect to one or more line(s)100about at least one transverse axis B and/or C of the first portion10,the second portion15comprises a/the arrangement94or means for connecting the second portion15to a structure105, such as an underwater structure or submersible or semi-submersible structure, whereinthe arrangement94or means for connecting the second portion15to a structure105is configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion15with respect to a structure105about a transverse axis D of the second portion15, the arrangement or means94for connecting the second portion15to a structure105beneficially comprising bearing means96which provide rotational movement about the transverse axis D of the second portion15with respect to the structure105, and whereina/the transverse axis B of the first portion10is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion15when the first and second portions10,15are connected.

The connector5comprises a/the first portion10comprising a male part, a second portion15comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means20for connecting the first and second portions10,15, whereinthe arrangement20for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-passage40in the second portion15,the first portion10comprises an arrangement84or means for connecting the first portion10to one or more (mooring) line(s)100, the arrangement84or means for connecting the first portion10to one or more line(s)100beneficially being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion10with respect to one or more line(s)100about a transverse axis B and/or C of the first portion10,the second portion15comprise an arrangement94or means for connecting the second portion15to a structure105, whereinthe arrangement94or means for connecting the second portion15to a structure105is configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion15with respect to a structure105about a transverse axis D of the second portion15, the arrangement94or means for connecting the second portion15to a structure105beneficially comprising bearing means96comprising a pair of protrusions or trunnions provided on the transverse axis D of the second portion15on opposite sides of the through-passage40, and whereina/the transverse axis B of the first portion10is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion15when the first and second portions10,15are connected.

Referring now toFIGS.11to15, there is shown a structure, or subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, generally designated105, moored by one or more lines100.

At least one or more lines100is/are connected to the structure105by a connector5as hereinbefore described.

The structure, or underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, can comprise, for example, a submerged turret loading, a submerged turret production buoy, floating (oil/gas) production platform or SPAR, or (offshore) renewable energy generator or wind turbine.

In use, an ROV (not shown) can run the work line or wire100through the through-bore40of the female part.

The ROV can connect the work line or wire100which comprises the first line connection means98to the second line connection means99of the male part.

In use, engagement between the first line connection means98and the second line connection means99can be facilitated by tensioning, that is pulling, the work-line100in an upward direction (seeFIGS.13(a) and (b)) thereby creating tension between the work-line or wire100and the first portion10of the connector5.

Subsequently, the ROV can pull the male part towards the female part such that the male part is inserted into the female part. A (temporary/removable) sheave member110mounted on or to the structure105facilitates the pulling of the first portion10towards the second portion15.

In use, insertion of the male part into the female part may cause the rotation arrangement61to act by causing the cam follower62to follow the cam track63thereby rotating the first portion10until the cam follower reaches a lock position in the cam track63where the notches82a,82bare rotationally aligned with the first and second lock members25a,25band the lock members25a,25bare biased or spring into the notches82a,82b, respectively, thereby locking the first portion10within the second portion15in a predetermined rotational disposition. The work-line100and/or sheave can then be removed using the ROV. (SeeFIGS.7(a) and (b)).

For disconnection, the work-line100and/or sheave can be reinstalled using an ROV, and the work-line105connected to the first portion10. To disconnect the connector5, the work line100can (again) be tensioned or pulled causing the cam follower62to follow the cam track63thereby rotating the first part10out of the predetermined rotational (lock) alignment with the second portion15. That is to say the notches82a,82bare rotated out of alignment with the lock members80a,80b. This facilitates removal of the first portion10from the second portion15, and therefore disconnection of the work-line100from the structure105. (SeeFIGS.8(a) and (b)).

Referring next toFIGS.11to14, according to the present invention there is provided a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by one or more lines.

The method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a structure, or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure by using a connector5as hereinbefore described.

Referring now toFIGS.16(a) and (b), there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated205, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The connector205is similar in many respects to the connector5ofFIGS.1to10(e), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by “200”.

Referring now toFIGS.17(a) to21(b), there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated305, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The connector305is similar in many respects to the connector5ofFIGS.1to10(e), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by “300”.

In first and second embodiments (seeFIGS.1to15andFIGS.16(a) and (b), respectively), in use, the at least one movable lock member25;225is moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion10;215into the second portion15;215. The at least one movable member25;225is moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion10;210into the second portion15;215. Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

In the first and second embodiments, in use, the at least one movable lock member25;225is moved from the third position to the second position by yet further insertion of the first portion10;210into the second portion215. The at least one movable member25;225is moved from the second position to the first position be removal of the first portion10;210from the second portion15;215. Such yet further insertion and removal is referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

In a third embodiment (seeFIGS.17(a) to21(b), in use, the at least one movable lock member325is moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315. The at least one movable member325is moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315. Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

In the third embodiment, in use, the at least one movable lock member325is moved from the third position to the second position by action of a release member356. The release member356is moved/controlled by a release line357, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line357. The at least one movable member325is moved from the second position to the first position by the at least one biasing member360and/or the release member356, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line357thereby allowing the at least one biasing member360to act on the at least one movable lock member325. Such pulling and release of the release line is referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

In the third embodiment, in use, the first portion310is removed from the second portion315by yet further insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315followed by removal of the first portion310from the second portion315. Such yet further insertion and removal is referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

The connectors5;205of the first and second embodiments may be referred to as “an automatic connector”. The connector305of the third embodiment may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.

The connector305of the third embodiment differs from the connector5of the first embodiment in a number of respects. The connector305(mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector) comprises:at least one movable lock member325;a first portion310; anda second portion315.

In use, the at least one movable lock member325is moved from a first (closed) position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315, e.g., into the through-bore of the second portion315.

In use, the at least one movable member325is moved from the second (opened) position to the third (closed) position be further insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315. Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.

In use, the at least one movable lock member325is moved from the third (closed) position to the second (opened) position by a release member356. The release member356is moved/controlled by a release line357, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line357.

In use, the at least one lock movable member325is moved from the second (opened) position to the first (closed) position by at least one biasing member325and/or the release member356, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line357thereby allowing the at least one biasing member360to act on the at least one movable lock member325.

In use, the first portion310is removed from the second portion315by yet further insertion of the first portion310into the second portion315followed by removal of the first portion310from the second portion315.

Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second portion is referred to (part of) a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.

Implementations of the invention according to the third embodiment of the present invention are referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to be limiting of the scope of the invention in any way.

It will be noted that, as shown inFIG.4(b), a surface of the/each movable lock member25a,25bthat faces the through-bore44of the second portion can be of a concave shape, for example, to facilitate abutment with the first portion10and ease of movement of the movable lock members25a,25bbetween the first position and the second position upon insertion of the first portion10into the second portion15, and/or ease of movement of the movable lock members25a,25bbetween the second position and the first position upon removal of the first portion10from the second portion15.