Patent Abstract:
A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a non provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/385,408, filed 22 Sep. 2010. 
         [0002]    Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/385,408, filed 22 Sep. 2010, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0004]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a method of installing a floating marine platform. More particularly, the present invention relates to a marine platform and a method of installing a marine platform using multiple buoys that support a platform and wherein tensile anchor cables connect to a deck part of the platform at the center of the deck. In one embodiment, an improved buoy construction is provided with longitudinal, transverse and diagonal members (e.g., welded) and having a lower ballast section, upper buoyant section and intermediate neutral buoyancy section. 
         [0007]    2. General Background of the Invention 
         [0008]    Many types of marine platforms have been designed, patented, and/or used commercially. Marine platforms typically take the form of either fixed platforms that include a large underwater support structure or “jacket” or a floating platform having a submersible support. Sometimes these platforms are called semi-submersible rigs. 
         [0009]    Jack-up barges are another type of platform that can be used in an offshore marine environment for drilling/production. Jack-up barges have a barge with long legs that can be powered up for travel and powered down to elevate the barge above the water. 
         [0010]    Other types of platforms for deep water (for example, 1500 feet (457.2 meters) or deeper) have been patented such as spars and others. Some of the following patents relate to offshore platforms, some of which are buoy type offshore platforms, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other patents have issued that relate in general to floating structures, and including some patents disclosing structures that would not be suitable for use in oil and gas well drilling and/or production. The following Table lists examples of marine platforms. The order of listing is numerical, and is otherwise of no significance. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PATENT 
                 ISSUE DATE 
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 DD/MM/YYYY 
                 TITLE 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 2,952,234 
                 13-09-1960 
                 Sectional Floating Marine Platform 
               
               
                 3,540,396 
                 17-11-1970 
                 Offshore Well Apparatus and System 
               
               
                 3,982,492 
                 28-09-1976 
                 Floating Structure 
               
               
                 4,286,538 
                 01-09-1981 
                 Multipurpose Floating Structure 
               
               
                 4,297,965 
                 03-11-1981 
                 Tension Leg Structure for Tension Leg 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Platform 
               
               
                 4,620,820 
                 04-11-1986 
                 Tension Leg Platform Anchoring Method and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus 
               
               
                 4,714,382 
                 22-12-1987 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Prefabricated Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages on Partially Submerged Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,197,825 
                 30-03-1993 
                 Tendon for Anchoring a Semisubmersible 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Platform 
               
               
                 5,423,632 
                 13-06-1995 
                 Compliant Platform With Slide Connection 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Docking to Auxiliary Vessel 
               
               
                 5,439,060 
                 08-08-1995 
                 Tensioned Riser Deepwater Tower 
               
               
                 5,558,467 
                 24-09-1996 
                 Deep Water offshore Apparatus 
               
               
                 5,607,260 
                 04-03-1997 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Prefabricated Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages on Partially Submerged Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,609,441 
                 11-03-1997 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Prefabricated Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages on Partially Submerged Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,662,434 
                 02-09-1997 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Prefabricated Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages on Partially Submerged Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,706,897 
                 13-01-1998 
                 Drilling, Production, Test, and Oil Storage 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Caisson 
               
               
                 5,722,797 
                 03-03-1998 
                 Floating Caisson for Offshore Production and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Drilling 
               
               
                 5,799,603 
                 01-09-1998 
                 Shock-Absorbing System for Floating Platform 
               
               
                 5,800,093 
                 01-09-1998 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages, Jackets, and Sunken Vessels 
               
               
                 5,873,416 
                 23-02-1999 
                 Drilling, Production, Test, and Oil Storage 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Caisson 
               
               
                 5,931,602 
                 03-08-1999 
                 Device for Oil Production at Great Depths at Sea 
               
               
                 5,924,822 
                 20-07-1999 
                 Method for Deck Installation on an Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Substructure 
               
               
                 5,975,807 
                 02-11-1999 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,012,873 
                 11-01-2000 
                 Buoyant Leg Platform With Retractable Gravity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Base and Method of Anchoring and Relocating 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the Same 
               
               
                 6,027,286 
                 22-02-2000 
                 Offshore Spar Production System and Method for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Creating a Controlled Tilt of the Caisson Axis 
               
               
                 6,039,506 
                 21-03-2000 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,149,350 
                 21-11-2000 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,318,931 
                 20-11-2001 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,364,574 
                 02-04-2002 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Installation of Multi-ton Packages Such as Deck 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,367,399 
                 09-04-2002 
                 Method and Apparatus for Modifying New or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Existing Marine Platforms 
               
               
                 6,435,773 
                 20-08-2002 
                 Articulated Multiple Buoy Marine Platform 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus and Method of Installation 
               
               
                 6,435,774 
                 20-08-2002 
                 Articulated Multiple Buoy Marine Platform 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus 
               
               
                 6,692,190 
                 17-02-2004 
                 Articulated Multiple Buoy Marine Platform 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus 
               
               
                 6,719,495 
                 13-04-2004 
                 Articulated Multiple Buoy Marine Platform 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Apparatus and Method of Installation 
               
               
                 7,527,006 
                 05-05-2009 
                 Marine Lifting Apparatus 
               
               
                 GB 2092664 
                 18-08-1982 
                 Ball-and-Socket Coupling for Use in Anchorage 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of Floating Bodies 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0011]    One of the problems with single floater type marine platform constructions or “spars” is that the single floater must be enormous, and thus very expensive to manufacture, transport, and install. In a marine environment, such a structure must support an oil and gas well drilling rig or production platform weighing between 500 and 40,000 tons (between 454 to 36,287 metric tons), for example (or even a package of between 5,000-100,000 tons (4,536 to 90,718 metric tons)). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention provides an improved offshore marine platform (and method of installation) that can be used for drilling for oil and/or gas or in the production of oil and gas from an offshore environment. Such drilling and/or production facilities typically can weigh between 500-100,000 tons (454-90,718 metric tons), and more commonly weigh between 3,000-50,000 tons (2,722-45,359 metric tons). 
         [0013]    The apparatus of the present invention thus provides a marine platform that is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart buoys and a deck having a periphery that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy. An articulating connection joins each buoy to the platform deck or superstructure. 
         [0014]    Each of the buoys will move due to current and/or wind and/or wave action or due to other dynamic marine environmental factors. “Articulating connection” as used herein should be understood to mean any connection or joint that connects a buoy to the platform deck or superstructure, transmits axial and shear forces, and allows the support buoy(s) to move relative to the platform deck or superstructure without separation, and wherein the bending movement transferred to the platform deck or superstructure from one of the so connected buoys or from multiple of the so connected buoys is reduced, minimized or substantially eliminated. 
         [0015]    “Articulating connection” is a joint movably connecting a buoy to a platform deck or superstructure wherein axial and tangential forces are substantially transmitted, however, transfer of bending movement is substantially reduced or minimized through the joint allowing relative movement between the buoy and the platform deck or superstructure. 
         [0016]    An articulating connection connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effects on the platform. 
         [0017]    The apparatus of the present invention provides a marine platform that further comprises a mooring extending from the center of the platform to anchor points or anchors for holding the platform and buoys to a desired location. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides a marine platform wherein each of the articulating connections includes corresponding concave and convex engaging portions. In another embodiment, a universal type joint is disclosed. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment a marine platform has buoys with convex articulating portions and the platform has correspondingly shaped concave articulating portions. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, each buoy can be provided with a concave articulating portion and the platform with a corresponding convex articulating portion that engages a buoy. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, each buoy has a height and a diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the height is much greater than the diameter for each of the buoys. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, each buoy is preferably between about 25 and 100 feet (7.6 and 30.5 meters) in diameter. 
         [0023]    The apparatus of the present invention preferably provides a plurality of buoys. The buoys can be of a truss or lattice construction. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the platform is comprised of a trussed deck. The trussed deck preferably has lower horizontal members, upper horizontal members and a plurality of inclined members spanning between the upper and lower horizontal members, and wherein the attachment positions are next to the lower horizontal member. 
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus supports an oil and gas well drilling and/or production platform weighing between 500 and 100,000 tons (between 454 and 90,718 metric tons), more particularly, weighing between 3,000 and 50,000 tons (between 2,722 and 45,359 metric tons). 
         [0026]    The apparatus of the present invention uses articulating connections between the submerged portion of the buoy and the platform deck or superstructure to minimize or reduce topside, wave induced motions during the structural life of the apparatus. 
         [0027]    The apparatus of the present invention thus enables smaller, multiple hull components to be used to support the platform deck or superstructure rather than a single column or single buoy floater. 
         [0028]    With the present invention, the topside angular motion is reduced and is less than the topside angular motion of a single column floater of comparable weight. 
         [0029]    With the present invention, there is substantially no bending movement or minimum bending movement transferred between each buoy and the structure being supported. The present invention thus minimizes or substantially eliminates movement transfer at the articulating connection that is formed between each buoy and the structure being supported. The buoys are thus substantially free to move in any direction relative to the supported structure or load, excepting motion that would separate a buoy from the supported structure. 
         [0030]    The present invention has particular utility in the supporting of oil and gas well drilling facilities and oil and gas well drilling production facilities. The apparatus of the present invention has particular utility in very deep water, for example, in excess of 1500 feet (457 meters). 
         [0031]    The present invention also has particular utility in tropical environments (for example West Africa and Brazil) wherein the environment produces long period swell action. 
         [0032]    The present invention provides a method of installing an oil and gas well facility such as a drilling facility or a production facility on a platform in an offshore deepwater marine environment. The term “deepwater” as used herein means water depths of in excess of 1500 feet (457 meters). 
         [0033]    The method of the present invention contemplates the placement of a plurality of buoys at a selected offshore location, a portion of each of the buoys being underwater. A platform deck or superstructure extends above water and includes a platform having an oil and gas well facility. Such a facility can include oil well drilling, oil well production, or a combination of oil well drilling and production. The platform and its facility can be floated to a selected location. The platform includes a peripheral portion having a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy. 
         [0034]    When the buoys and platform are located at a desired position, the platform is ballasted relative to the buoys until the buoys connect with the platform. This connection can be achieved by either ballasting the platform downwardly (such as for example, using a ballasted transport barge), or by ballasting the buoys to a higher position so that they engage the supported platform. 
         [0035]    The platform can include a trussed deck that carries at or near its periphery or corners, connectors that enable a connection to be formed with the upper end portion of each buoy. As an example, there can be provided four buoys and four connectors on the trussed deck or platform. 
         [0036]    If a trussed deck is employed, an oil well production facility (drilling or production or a combination) can be supported upon the trussed deck. The connector at the top of each buoy can be any type of an articulating connection that forms an articulation with the trussed deck or a connector on the trussed deck. In an alternate method, the multiple buoys can be used as part of an installation method to place the marine platform upon a single spar support. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a top plane view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a partial side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  is an elevation, side view illustrating the apparatus and the method of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating the method and apparatus of the present invention and a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 20  is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 21  is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 22  is a partial end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0060]      FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6  and  14 - 18  show a preferred embodiment of the floating marine platform apparatus (and method) of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  10 . 
         [0061]    In  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6  and  14 - 18 , the floating marine platform apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown, which is designed to float upon a water surface  11  of an ocean  12 , or other deep body of water. The floating marine platform apparatus  10  of the present invention employs four buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 . A platform  17  is supported upon the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 . An articulating connection  18  is provided atop each buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  that interfaces the platform  17  with each buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 . Such a connection  18  between a buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15  or  16  and a platform  17  can be seen in prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,710, 6,435,773, 6,435,774, 6,692,190 and 6,719,495, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Platform  17  provides a central load transfer portion  19  to which are attached multiple anchor lines or mooring lines  20 . Other anchor lines or mooring lines  21  can be provided which do not attach to central portion  19 . This arrangement of anchor lines  20 ,  21  is best seen in  FIG. 2 .  FIGS. 19-22  show an interface between a selected anchor line  20  or  21  and platform central portion  19 . 
         [0062]    The present invention provides buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  of improved configuration. The buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  are shown in a side view of each of the  FIGS. 3-5 . The buoy  13  will be described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 5 . Each of the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  are similarly configured. An alternate buoy arrangement  22  is shown in  FIG. 4 . It should be understood that each of the buoys  14 ,  15 ,  16  can be the same identical configuration as the buoy  13  shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 . It should also be understood that buoy  22  in  FIG. 4  could be substituted in place of any or all of the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 . 
         [0063]    Each of the buoys  13 ,  22  provides an upper buoyant floatation portion  23 , a lower ballast portion  24  and a central neutrally buoyant portion  25  which can be flooded. In  FIG. 4 , the buoy  22  provides floatation bouyant portion  26 , ballast portion  27  and neutrally buoyant portion  28 . 
         [0064]    In  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the neutrally buoyant section  25  can be comprised of longitudinally extending corner members  29 , transverse members  30  and diagonally extending members  31 . Transverse members  30  span between a pair of corner members  29 . Diagonally extending members  31  likewise extend diagonally between corner members  29 . The diagonally extending members  31  can connect to transverse members  30 . 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 4 , the buoy  22  neutrally buoyant portion  28  can be comprised of longitudinally extending corner members  32 , transverse members  33 , and diagonally extending members  34 . The diagonally extending members  34  can extend diagonally between corner members  32  and can contact transverse members  33 . 
         [0066]    The upper floatation or buoyant portion  23  of buoy  13  can be comprised of a plurality (for example, four) longitudinally extending corner members  35  which are connected with transverse members  36  at joints or welds  37  (see  FIG. 3 ). This arrangement produces gaps at  38 ,  39  between the transverse members  36  as well as between a transverse member  36  and the plurality of diagonally extending portions  41 . Tapered sections  40  (which can be frustoconically shaped) join each longitudinally extending corner member  35  of a buoy  13  upper floatation buoyant portion  23  to a corner member  29  of the neutrally buoyant portion  25  of buoy  13 . A fitting  42  can be part of the articulating connection  18 . Each of the diagonally extending portions  41  is joined at connections  59 ,  60  (e.g., welds) to fitting  42 . A central member  43  extends downwardly from the plurality of diagonally extending portions  41 . The central member  43  can be an extension of fitting  42 . Radially extending supports  44  extend between a longitudinally extending corner member  35  and central member  43  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0067]    In  FIG. 4 , the buoy  22  likewise includes a plurality of longitudinally extending corner members  45  that are a part of floatation or buoyant portion  26 . Transverse members  46  span between corner members  45  as shown. Joints or welds  47  form a connection between each transverse member  46  and a corner member  45 . Gaps or spaces  49  are provided between each pair of transverse members  46 . A space or gap  48  is provided in between an uppermost of the transverse members  46  and central member  53 . Tapered sections  50  can be frustoconically shaped. The tapered sections  50  form a joint between each longitudinally extending corner member  45  of floatation or buoyant portion  26  and a corner member  32  of neutrally buoyant portion  28  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 4 , diagonally extending portions  51  extend from each longitudinally extending corner column member  45 . Fitting  52  can be a part of central member  53 . Radially extending supports  54  extend between each longitudinally extending corner member  45  and central member  53 . 
         [0068]    Each of the ballast sections or ballast portions  24 ,  27  can be similarly configured. Each ballast section  24  or  27  can include longitudinally extending corner members  57 , transverse members  56 , and tapered sections  55  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ). The tapered sections  55  can be frustoconically shaped and join the longitudinal corner member  57  with the corner member  29 ,  32  of neutrally buoyant portion  25 ,  28 . This arrangement produces gaps  58  between tapered sections  55 . Opposite tapered portion  55  is another tapered section  61  which forms the lowermost portion of buoy  13 ,  22 . In  FIG. 6 , a cental support  65  can be provided extending downwardly from the central portion  19  of platform  17  (see also  FIGS. 7-9 ). 
         [0069]      FIGS. 7-9  show more particularly the construction of platform  17  and its central portion  19 . Platform  17  can be a truss as shown.  FIGS. 10-18  illustrate the method and apparatus of the present invention. In  FIG. 10 , a vessel  70  is shown carrying a buoy  13 ,  22  or  14 ,  15 ,  16  to a selected local. In  FIG. 10 , arrow  71  illustrates the direction of travel of the vessel  70  upon a water surface  72 .  FIG. 11  illustrates the placement of vessel  70  in between a pair of hulls  73 ,  74  which support one or more lifting frames  75 . U.S. Pat. No. 7,527,006, incorporated herein by reference shows such a marine lifting apparatus that employs a pair of hulls such as  73 ,  74  and one or more lifting frames  75 . In  FIG. 12 , lifting frame or frames  75  lift buoy  13  or  22  using lifting lines/rigging  76 . The hull  70  can be ballasted downwardly as indicated by arrows  77  to facilitate its removal from a position under buoys  13  or  22 . 
         [0070]    In  FIG. 13 , the buoy  13  or  22  is lowered to the water&#39;s surface  72  as illustrated by arrows  77 . Once each buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  is so transported using the method of the present invention, each buoy can be partially flooded at its neutrally buoyant portion  25  or  28  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ). Each ballast portion  24  or  27  can be filled with ballast material such as lead, steel or other material which is heavy in water, not neutrally buoyant. 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 14 , the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  are positioned using work boats  80  and held in position using anchor ropes and rigging  81 . Platform  17  can be transported to the selected location near the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  as shown in  FIG. 14 ,  15 . Platform  17  can be transported upon vessel  82  (see  FIG. 17 ). In  FIG. 16 , each of the buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  can be placed next to the platform  17 , each buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  being aligned with a corner of the platform  17  and a connection formed between each buoy  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and platform  17  which is an articulating connection  18  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 17 , the vessel  82  is removed as illustrated by arrow  83 . In  FIG. 18 , the platform  17  and buoys  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  are maintained at a selected local using anchor lines  20 , each anchor line  20  forming a connection with the central portion  19  of the platform  17 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 19-22  show an interface device  95  that connects each cable  20  or  21  to the platform  17  central portion  19 . As an example, there could be between about eight (8) and twelve (12) cables  20  or  21 . Platform  17  central portion  19  provides a number of beams  84 ,  85  welded together as part of a grid or structure or structural portion of platform  17 . Each beam  84 ,  85  is thus attached (e.g. welded) to another beam or beams  84 ,  85  or to other beams that are part of the platform. Each beam  84 ,  85  can be a flanged beam, I-beam or wide flanged beam, having a web  88  and spaced apart flanges  86 ,  87 . In  FIGS. 19 ,  20  and  21 , there is a gap or space  89  in between beams  84 ,  85  to accommodate cable  20  or  21  as shown. A pair of chain stoppers or chain chocks  90 ,  91  are provided. Such chain stoppers or chain chocks can be powered using hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, electric motors with linkage or any other actuator which moves the chain stoppers or chain chocks  90 ,  91  together (closed position) or apart (open position). End portions of the chocks  90 ,  91  could be shaped to grip the chain when moved to the closed position. When the chain stoppers or chain chocks  90 ,  91  are powered to move together (closed position), they grip the chain portion of cable  20  or  21  there between thus anchoring the cable  20  or  21  to the platform  17  central portion  19 . When the chain stoppers or chain chocks  90 ,  91  are powered to move apart (open position), they release a grip of the chain portion of cable  20  or  21  thus not anchoring the cable  20  or  21  to the platform  17  central portion  19  (such as when cable  20  or  21  is to be payed out or retrieved). 
         [0074]    Central portion  19  of platform  17  would be fitted with one interface device  95  as shown in  FIGS. 19-22  for each cable  20  or  21 . Central portion  19  could be an area of about 40 square feet equipped with multiple of such devices  95 , one for each cable  20  or  21 . The chain sheave  92  mounts to shaft  94  which is supported by plates  93  attached (e.g. welded) to a beam  84  (see  FIGS. 21 ,  22 ). The sheave  92 , plates  93 , shaft  94  could be located under the deck  17  close to the center of the deck  17  (e.g. on a  40  foot square pattern centered on the deck  17 ). 
         [0075]    Each cable  20  or  21  could include chain and wire or rope or polyester portions. For example, there could be chain on the end that terminates on the chain sheave  92  and chain stoppers or chocks  90 ,  91 . This chain would then connect to a wire rope or polyester rope or both (in a sequence). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST 
               
             
          
           
               
                 PART NUMBER 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 10 
                 floating marine platform apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 12 
                 ocean 
               
               
                 13 
                 buoy 
               
               
                 14 
                 buoy 
               
               
                 15 
                 buoy 
               
               
                 16 
                 buoy 
               
               
                 17 
                 platform 
               
               
                 18 
                 articulating connection 
               
               
                 19 
                 central portion 
               
               
                 20 
                 anchor line/mooring line/cable 
               
               
                 21 
                 anchor line/mooring line/cable 
               
               
                 22 
                 buoy 
               
               
                 23 
                 upper floatation buoyant portion 
               
               
                 24 
                 ballast portion 
               
               
                 25 
                 neutrally buoyant portion 
               
               
                 26 
                 floatation/buoyant portion 
               
               
                 27 
                 ballast portion 
               
               
                 28 
                 neutrally buoyant portion 
               
               
                 29 
                 longitudinal/corner member 
               
               
                 30 
                 transverse member 
               
               
                 31 
                 diagonally extending member 
               
               
                 32 
                 longitudinal/corner member 
               
               
                 33 
                 transverse member 
               
               
                 34 
                 diagonally extending member 
               
               
                 35 
                 longitudinally extending corner member 
               
               
                 36 
                 transverse member 
               
               
                 37 
                 joint/weld 
               
               
                 38 
                 space/gap 
               
               
                 39 
                 space/gap 
               
               
                 40 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 41 
                 diagonally extending portion 
               
               
                 42 
                 fitting 
               
               
                 43 
                 central member 
               
               
                 44 
                 radial support 
               
               
                 45 
                 longitudinally extending corner member/corner column 
               
               
                 46 
                 transverse member 
               
               
                 47 
                 joint/weld 
               
               
                 48 
                 space/gap 
               
               
                 49 
                 space/gap 
               
               
                 50 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 51 
                 diagonally extending portion 
               
               
                 52 
                 fitting 
               
               
                 53 
                 central member 
               
               
                 54 
                 radial support 
               
               
                 55 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 56 
                 transverse member 
               
               
                 57 
                 longitudinally extending corner member/corner column 
               
               
                 58 
                 gap/space 
               
               
                 59 
                 connection 
               
               
                 60 
                 connection 
               
               
                 61 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 65 
                 central support 
               
               
                 70 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 71 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 72 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 73 
                 hull 
               
               
                 74 
                 hull 
               
               
                 75 
                 lifting frame 
               
               
                 76 
                 rigging 
               
               
                 77 
                 rigging arrow 
               
               
                 80 
                 work boat 
               
               
                 81 
                 anchor ropes/rigging 
               
               
                 82 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 83 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 84 
                 beam 
               
               
                 85 
                 beam 
               
               
                 86 
                 flange 
               
               
                 87 
                 flange 
               
               
                 88 
                 web 
               
               
                 89 
                 gap/space 
               
               
                 90 
                 chain stopper/chock 
               
               
                 91 
                 chain stopper/chock 
               
               
                 92 
                 chain sheave 
               
               
                 93 
                 plate 
               
               
                 94 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 95 
                 interface device 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0076]    All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0077]    The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1