Patent Description:
Offshore structures, such as floating structures or platforms, may be moored by mooring lines, such as mooring chains. This may include attaching at least one mooring line to the structure to be moored and directly, or indirectly, coupling each mooring line to another structure, such as an anchor or pile located on the seabed.

A tension may be applied to each of the mooring lines, for example, by the use of a tensioning apparatus. The application of tension may serve to moor the floating structure or platform in desired position.

The mooring lines, and in particular the ends of the mooring lines, may comprise chains. A connection between a vessel, anchor, or the like, to a chain which may, in use, be under tension, may be prone to stress and wear.

In an offshore environment, because of relative movement between a vessel, a mooring line and an anchoring point, there may be a degree of movement at a connection between the mooring line and the vessel and/or anchoring point. Such movement may further stress and wear the mooring line and connection components. The relative movement may cause Out of Plane Bending (OPB) fatigue, which may exacerbate the wear of the mooring components.

The use of structures such as lever arms and fairleads, to minimise the effects of OPB, is known. However, such structures may be large, heavy, expensive and difficult to install, operate and/or maintain.

Further, the installation and maintenance of such structures in an offshore or underwater environment may require high levels of skill, the use of divers, operators, and/or underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and may incur significant expense and risk.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a technically simple and/or commercially more cost effective apparatus and method for mooring than in the prior art.

<CIT> describes a connector, such as a subsea connecter, for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines, to a subsea structure, such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector comprises a first portion and a second portion and means for connecting the first and second portions, wherein the means for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage in the second portion. At least part of the first portion may be receivable within the at least part of the through-passage. In some examples, the subsea connector may further comprises means for aligning, self-aligning the first portion and the second portion with respect to one another. A bearing system for use with such a subsea connector is also disclosed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mooring apparatus according to the appended claims. The mooring apparatus comprises: a socket having a pair of seats, and a connection member comprising: a pair of trunnions which are receivable/retainable on the pair of seats; and a pair of shoulders, wings or hooks. The connection member is removably receivable in the socket and rotatable on the pair of seats. In a retained position, at least a portion of one of the seats of the pair of seats is located between one of the trunnions of the pair of trunnions and one of shoulders, wings or hooks of the pair of shoulders, wings or hooks. In a non-retained position, said one of the seats is not located between said one of the trunnions and the one of the at least one shoulder, wing or hook. The connection member is rotatable around a first axis between the non-retained position and the retained position when received in the socket. The pair of shoulders, wings or hooks are adapted to move around and/or rotate around or about outer surfaces of the pair of seats.

The Applicant calls this apparatus a "Drop-In Uni-Joint".

The connection member may be for connecting, e.g. disconnectably connecting, to a mooring line.

The connection member may be receivable in or removable from the socket when the connection member is disposed in a first orientation or non-retained position.

The connection member may be retained in the socket when the connection member is disposed in a second orientation or retained position.

The connection member may be adapted to rotate on the seat around the first axis defined by the at least one projection.

The connection member may comprise a joint defining a second axis about which at least a portion of the connection member may be adapted to rotate.

At least a portion of the connection member may be adapted to rotate around the first axis and the second axis.

The connection member may be provided with an arrangement for connecting the apparatus to a mooring line.

At least one seat may extend or protrude from at least one face of the socket and/or a plate.

By "rotatable", it is meant that the connection member is at least partially rotatable on the seat, such that the connection member may be rotated though a range of angles about an axis. The range of angles may be less than <NUM> degrees. The axis may be an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the socket or plate.

The at least one seat may be substantially hook-shaped.

The socket may comprise at least one guide portion.

The connection member may comprise at least one retaining member.

The connection member may be adapted for connecting the apparatus to a mooring line, or the like.

The connection member may comprises at least one projection, such as a trunnion, and optionally the connection member may comprise a pair of projections or trunnions which are receivable/retainable on the seat.

The at least one projection may be adapted to fit and/or sit in the at least one seat. The at least one projection may be adapted to fit and/or sit on an inner surface of the at least one seat.

The connection member and/or the retaining member may comprise at least one shoulder, wing or hook. The connection member or the retaining member may comprise a pair of shoulders, wings or hooks.

The at least one shoulder, wing or hook may be adapted to move around and/or rotate around or about an outer surface of the seat.

The connection member may be adapted to be located in a retained position within and/or by the socket.

In the retained position, the seat may be located between the at least one projection and the at least one shoulder, wing or hook.

The connection member may be adapted to be located in a non-retained position, i.e. a released position, within the socket. In the non-retained position the seat may be located such that the seat is not retained between the at least one projection and the at least one shoulder, wing or hook.

The apparatus may be adapted for connection to, or mounting on or in a structure. The structure may be a floating structure, a floating/buoyant structure, a vessel or the like. The structure may be an anchor, a pile (such as a suction pile), a gravity anchor, or the like.

In use, such as during installation and/or stowage and/or removal, replacement or maintenance of the apparatus, the at least a portion of the connection member may be at least partially submerged.

In use, such as during installation and/or stowage and/or removal, replacement or maintenance of the apparatus, the apparatus, or at least a portion of the apparatus, may be completely above a water line, completely below the water line, or at least partially submerged.

Advantageously, the present invention may require minimal/reduced diver or ROV interaction during installation. The use of divers and/or ROVs may add significant cost to installation operations. Further, in unfavourable weather/sea conditions, the use of divers and/or ROVs may incur risk.

Advantageously, the apparatus described above does not require implementation of a load bearing pin. Instead, in the present invention, a load may be carried by the at least one seat. Having a connection that does not require a load bearing pin may be advantageous for high load mooring lines as the Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) directly relates to the load pin size. Very large and heavy load pins may add more risk and potentially more cost to the installation.

Advantageously, the apparatus described above may be suitable for use on or at a vessel or floating structure and/or on at a top-loaded structure. That is, the apparatus may be mounted on a side of a vessel of floating structure in a substantially vertical orientation, or on a top of a structure, such as a pile, in a substantially horizontal orientation.

The connection member may be received in the socket with the connection member at a first angular disposition. The first angular disposition may, for example, be in a substantially vertical disposition relative to the socket. The first angular disposition may comprise a range of angles. In an exemplary embodiment, the first angular disposition may comprise a range of angles substantially between -<NUM> degrees and +<NUM> degrees from a vertical axis, or substantially between -<NUM> degrees and +<NUM> degrees from a vertical axis. In a further exemplary embodiment, the first angular disposition may comprise a range of angles substantially between <NUM> degrees and +<NUM> degrees from a vertical axis, or between <NUM> degrees and +<NUM> degrees from a vertical axis.

The connection member may be rotatable in the socket, about the axis, to a second angular disposition. When the connection member is in the second angular disposition, the connection member may be retained by the socket. The second angular disposition may comprise a range of angles. In an exemplary embodiment, the second angular disposition may comprise a range of angles substantially between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees from a vertical axis, or substantially between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees from a vertical axis.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of configuring a mooring apparatus according to the appended claims. The method comprises:
providing a mooring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method further comprising:.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of configuring a mooring apparatus according to the appended claims. The method comprises:
providing a mooring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method further comprising:.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for attaching a mooring line to a structure according to the appended claims. The system comprises the mooring apparatus according to the first aspect.

The system may comprise a mooring line. At least a portion of the mooring line may comprise a chain.

The system may comprise a structure. The structure may be a subsea structure, such as an anchor, a suction pile, a gravity anchor, or the like. The structure may be located on or near to a seabed or floor of a body of water.

The structure may comprise at least one socket.

The mooring line may be connected to the connection member. The mooring line may be connected to a distal end of the connection member.

In use, the connection member may be lowered onto and or/into the socket by the mooring line. In use, the connection member may be lowered into the socket until the connection member engages with the seat.

In use, the connection member may be rotated within the socket until the connection member is in a retained position.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of a plurality of mooring apparatuses 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, each mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d comprises a socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d having seats 15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d' and a connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d. The connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d is receivable within the socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d and retained and rotatable when on the seat 15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'.

One will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d may be a holder, a housing, a pocket, a receptacle, or the like.

The plurality of mooring apparatuses of <FIG> comprises a plurality of sockets 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d. Each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d of the plurality of sockets is adapted to be adjacent to another socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d of the plurality of sockets. One will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d of the plurality of sockets may be adapted to be affixed and/or connected to another socket of the plurality of sockets, either directly or indirectly. The plurality of sockets 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d are arranged in a row. Also, in the exemplary embodiment shown, there are four complete mooring apparatuses. One will appreciate that there may be fewer mooring apparatuses, such as one, two or three mooring apparatuses, or a greater number of mooring apparatuses, such as five or more.

Each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d comprises at least one plate 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d'. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d comprises a pair of plates 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d'.

Each pair of plates 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d' can be arranged symmetrically about an axis. Each pair of plates 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d' is arranged to be complementary about the axis. Each plate 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d' is a cheek plate. Each plate 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d' comprises at least one hole 30a; 30b; 30c; 30d. In use, the at least one hole 30a; 30b; 30c; 30d is adapted to be in alignment with a corresponding hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d. As such, a pin <NUM> (see <FIG>), axle, or other elongate element, can connect the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d to the plates 25a, 25a'; 25b, 25b'; 25c, 25c'; 25d, 25d'. Alternatively, the holes 30a; 30b; 30c; <NUM> can be adapted for use with tension monitoring equipment. As shown in <FIG>, the connection members 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d comprise a fastening device <NUM>. The fastening device <NUM> is located at a distal end of the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d. One will appreciate that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, a different type of fastening can be implemented. For example, the fastening device <NUM> can be a sea fastening. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fastening <NUM> is adapted to connect, or to be connected to or affixed, to a padeye <NUM>. The fastening device <NUM> is adapted to fasten a distal end of the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d to a structure.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a side view of a plate 25a', according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The plate 25a' comprises the seat 15a'. The seat 15a' protrudes from one face <NUM> of the plate 25a'.

The seat 15a' is substantially hook-shaped. One will appreciate that in variations of a design that encompass the inventive concept of the present invention, the seat 15a' can be substantially J-shaped, or "reverse-J" shaped, or cup-shaped. The seat 15a' is a boss or protuberance.

Each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d comprise at least one guide portion <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> extends from face <NUM> of the plate 25a' and/or each socket 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The guide portion <NUM> comprises a substantially linear portion 50a and a substantially curved portion 50b. The guide portion <NUM> extends to and connects with the at least one seat 15a'. The at least one guide portion <NUM> is a boss or protuberance.

An inner surface <NUM> of the at least one guide portion <NUM> is substantially smooth. An inner surface <NUM> of the seat 15a' is substantially smooth.

An outer surface <NUM> of the seat 15a' is substantially smooth. One will appreciate that an outer surface <NUM> of the at least one guide portion <NUM> is substantially smooth.

A portion 50a of the guide portion <NUM> extends substantially vertically away from the at least one seat 15a'. A portion 50a of the guide portion <NUM> inclines substantially vertically away from the seat 15a'.

Each connection member 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d comprises a retaining member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The retaining member <NUM> can be removably attached to the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d, as will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>. Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a diagram of a step in the installation process of the mooring apparatus 5a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The connection member 20a is adapted for connecting the apparatus 5a to a mooring line <NUM>. At least a portion of the mooring line <NUM> can be a mooring chain. The distal end of the connection member 20a is also adapted for connection to a lifting wire <NUM>. One will appreciate that the lifting wire <NUM> can be a lifting line, a bridle, or the like. In an initial drop-in position, the lifting wire <NUM> holds the connection member 20a in a position such that the distal end of the connection member is substantially raised above a height of the socket 10a.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a further step in the installation process of the mooring apparatus 5a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In a moored position, the lifting wire <NUM> holds the connection member 20a in a position such that the distal end of the connection member is substantially lowered below a height of the socket 10a. In this position the connection member 20a is retained in the socket 10a. The moored position is a retained position. The retained position will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

Once the connection member 20a is in the retained position, the lifting wire <NUM> can be removed. The lifting wire, a lifting line, a bridle, or the like, can be releasably attached to the connection member by means of a remote hook release <NUM>, <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>. One will appreciate that, alternatively, the lifting wire <NUM> can be detached from the connection member 10a by means of a ROV or by a diver.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a series of perspective views of a portion of the mooring apparatus according to <FIG>. The connection member 20a comprise a plurality of components. Each component of the plurality of components can be fixedly and/or releasably attached to the connection member 20a.

The connection member 20a comprises a universal joint <NUM>. The universal joint <NUM> is located substantially at a proximal end of the connection member 20a. The connection member 20a comprises an elongate member, which in this embodiment is a lever arm <NUM>. The connection member 20a is adapted to sit in the retaining member <NUM>.

The connection member 20a comprises at least one projection. In the embodiment of <FIG>, and as more clearly shown in <FIG>, the projection is a trunnion <NUM>. The connection member 20a comprises a pair of trunnions <NUM>. The trunnions <NUM> are adapted to sit in the seats 15a, 15a'. The trunnions <NUM> are adapted to sit on an inner surface <NUM> of the seats 15a, 15a'. One will appreciate that a diameter of the trunnions <NUM> may be selected to be at least slightly smaller than an inner diameter of a curved portion of the seats 15a, 15a'. The trunnions <NUM> are substantially at a proximal end of the connection member 20a. The trunnions <NUM> are disposed substantially closer to the universal joint <NUM> than to the distal end of the connection member.

The connection member 20a is adapted to be rotated and/or pivoted within or about the seats 15a, 15a'. The connection member 20a is adapted to be rotated and or pivoted about a first axis A. The first axis A is defined by a centre point of a c-shaped portion of the seat 15a, 15a'.

The retaining member <NUM> comprises a pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>'. The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' are arranged at opposite sides of the connection member 20a. The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' are arranged symmetrically at opposite sides of the connection member 20a. One will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the retaining member <NUM> comprises a pair of hooks.

The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' is adapted to fit over and/or around the outer surface <NUM> of the seats 15a, 15a'. The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' comprise curved surfaces. The curved surfaces form a second seat <NUM> or yoke. The second seat <NUM> is adapted to fit over and/or around the seat 15a'.

The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' is adapted to move around and/or rotate/pivot around the outer surface of the seat 15a'. The second seat <NUM> is adapted to move around and/or rotate around an outer surface <NUM> of the seat.

The pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' is located substantially at a proximal end of the connection member 20a. The connection member 20a is be adapted to be located in a retained position within the socket 10a. In the retained position, the trunnions <NUM> are located on, or in contact with, or immediately adjacent, the inner surface <NUM> of the seats 15a, 15a'. In the retained position, the pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>' is located on, or in contact with, or immediately adjacent, an outer surface <NUM> of the seats 15a, 15a'.

In the retained position shown in <FIG>, the seats 15a, 15a' are located between the trunnions <NUM> and the shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>'. The connection member 20a is adapted to be rotatable about the first axis A when the connection member 20a is in the retained position.

In <FIG>, the connection member 20a is adapted to be moved to a non-retained position within the socket 10a. In the non-retained position, the at least one projection <NUM>, <NUM>' can be located on a surface of the seat 15a, 15a' or the guide portion <NUM>. In the non-retained position, the pair of shoulders or wing <NUM>, <NUM>' cannot be in contact with, or immediately adjacent, an outer surface <NUM> of the seat 15a'. In the non-retained position the apparatus 5a is adapted such that the seat 15a' is not retained between the trunnions <NUM> and the pair of shoulders or wings <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of a portion of a mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d according to <FIG>.

The connection member 20a can be transitioned from a first retained position to a second retained position, when the connection member 20a remains positioned within a limited range of angles relative to the socket 10a. The connection member 20a can be transitioned from a first retained position to a second retained position, when the connection member 20a remains positioned within a limited range of angles relative to a vertical axis.

One will appreciate that the exact angle at which a connection member 20a can be removed from the socket 10a or is retained by the socket 10a can be adjusted or tuned by changing an overlap between the retaining member <NUM> and the seat 15a'. That is, the dimensions of the overlap, and hence the extent of overlap, can be selected to determine a range of angles of the connection member 20a that allow the connection member 20a to be released from the socket 10a or retained by the socket 10a.

As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the connection member 20a requires positioning at a substantially vertical position to enable insertion or removal of the connection member 20a into or from the socket 10a.

As shown in <FIG>, the connection member 20a installation process is the reverse of the connection member 20a removal process.

<FIG> shows a representation of a system, generally denoted <NUM>, for attaching a mooring line to a structure <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows the system <NUM> comprising a mooring line chain tail <NUM>. The system <NUM> comprises a structure <NUM>. The structure <NUM> is a subsea structure. In the exemplary system shown, the structure <NUM> is a pile. One will appreciate that in other of the present disclosure, the structure can be an anchor, a suction pile, a gravity anchor, or the like. The structure <NUM> is located on a seabed <NUM> or floor of a body of water.

The structure <NUM> comprises a socket <NUM>. The mooring line chain tail <NUM> is connected to the connection member <NUM>. The mooring line chain tail <NUM> is connected to a distal end <NUM> of the connection member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in use, the connection member <NUM> is lowered onto and into the socket <NUM> by the mooring line chain tail <NUM>. An additional guide wire <NUM> can be used to position the connection member <NUM> relative to the socket <NUM>. In use, the connection member <NUM> is lowered into the socket <NUM> until the connection member <NUM> engages with the seat <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in use, the connection member <NUM> is rotated within the socket <NUM> until the connection member <NUM> is in a retained position. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the distal end <NUM> of the connection member <NUM> remains connected to the chain tail <NUM>, thus providing a configuration suitable for mooring. In <FIG>, the chain tail <NUM> is connected to a mooring line <NUM>. A buoy <NUM> or other flotation device can be employed to hold an end or portion of the chain tail <NUM> in a position until a mooring line <NUM> is attached to the chain tail <NUM>.

One will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the mooring line <NUM> can be connected directly to the connection member <NUM>. As such, a chain tail <NUM> may not be implemented between the mooring line <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a portion of a further embodiment of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. In this embodiment of a system for attaching a mooring line to a structure <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> is inserted into the socket <NUM> before the structure <NUM> is located on or near to the seabed <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus is adapted for connection to, or mounting on a structure. The structure can be an anchor, a pile, such as a suction pile, gravity anchor, or the like, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, one will appreciate that the structure can be a floating structure, a vessel or the like. Similarly, the structure can be buoy. The buoy can be a submersible buoy, a semisubmersible buoy, a submerged turret production buoy, a submerged turret loading buoy, or the like. In use, the apparatus can be at least partially submerged. In use, such as during installation and/or stowage and/or removal or replacement of the apparatus, the at least a portion of the connection member can above a water line <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure in <FIG>, the apparatus comprises a universal joint <NUM>. That is, the apparatus shown is a "Dual Axis" device. Specifically, the connection member 20a is rotatable on a pair of trunnions <NUM>, about the first axis A defined by the trunnions <NUM>. The connection member 20a is also rotatable about a second axis B the second axis B being substantially perpendicular to the first axis A, the second axis B, being centred on joint 22a. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection member can be a "Single Axis" device, and may not comprise joint 22a. Such an arrangement would, for example, be adapted for use on a structure, wherein the structure has a rotatable portion, such as a turret mooring.

Advantageously, the system and apparatus shown in <FIG> permits installation, removal, replacement or maintenance of the apparatus, with minimal diver or ROV interaction. In particular, in embodiments wherein several instances of the apparatus are clustered together, as shown in <FIG>, the apparatus disclosed herein reduces a risk of diver or ROV entanglement or damage when accessing the apparatus, by reducing a need to directly accessing the sockets 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d.

A method of configuring a mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d, and in particular of installing a mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d, can comprise locating the connection member 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, <NUM> on a guide portion <NUM>. The method can comprise moving or sliding the connection member 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, <NUM> on the guide portion <NUM>. The method can comprise moving or sliding the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM> on the guide portion <NUM> in a direction towards the seat 15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'; <NUM>. The method can comprise moving or sliding the connection member on the guide portion <NUM> until the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM> is on the seat 15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'; <NUM>.

The method can comprise lowering the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM> into the or each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d.

The method can comprise lowering the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM> into the or each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d by means of a winch, a pulley, or the like.

A guide wire <NUM>; <NUM> can be attached to the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM>. In use, a pulling force can be applied to the guide wire <NUM>; <NUM> to steer the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM> towards the or each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d.

The method can comprise inserting a locking pin <NUM> into the or each socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d and/or the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM>. The method can comprise inserting a locking pin <NUM> into the or each socket and/or the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a yet further embodiment of a mooring apparatus, generally denoted <NUM>. The mooring apparatus <NUM> comprises the same socket 10a as the socket 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d of the embodiment shown in <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, there is a single mooring apparatus <NUM>. One will appreciate that, in use, there can be more mooring apparatuses, such as two, three, four or even more mooring apparatuses, as shown, for example, in <FIG>.

The mooring apparatus <NUM> comprises a connection member 320a. The connection member 320a is receivable within socket 10a.

The connection member 320a comprises a tensioner apparatus <NUM>. The tensioner apparatus <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> and a guide portion <NUM> for guiding a portion of a chain <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> is a chain wheel. The tensioner apparatus <NUM> comprises a locking means <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> is a chain stopper. The guide portion <NUM> is moveably connected to the frame <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> is pivotably connected to the frame <NUM>.

In an engaged position, as shown in <FIG>, the locking means <NUM> restrains the guide portion <NUM> and/or the chain <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> can be adapted to be locked in a disengaged position wherein the locking means <NUM> does not restrain the guide portion <NUM> and/or the chain <NUM>. The tensioner apparatus <NUM> comprises a hole <NUM>. A further locking pin <NUM> can be inserted in the hole <NUM>, such that the further locking pin <NUM> engages with the locking means <NUM>, thus retaining the locking means <NUM> in the disengaged position.

A method of configuring a mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d, and in particular of removing or releasing a mooring apparatus 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d, can comprise moving or sliding the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d on the guide portion <NUM>. The method can comprise moving or sliding the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d on the guide portion <NUM> in a direction away from the seat 15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'.

Claim 1:
A mooring apparatus (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), comprising:
a socket (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) having a pair of seats (15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'), and
a connection member (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) comprising:
a pair of trunnions (<NUM>) which are receivable/retainable on the pair of seats; and
a pair of shoulders, wings or hooks (<NUM>, <NUM>'),
wherein the connection member is removably receivable in the socket and rotatable on the pair of seats, characterized in that
in a retained position, at least a portion of one of the seats of the pair of seats is located between one of the trunnions (<NUM>) of the pair of trunnions and one of the shoulders, wings or hooks of the pair of shoulders, wings or hooks;
in a non-retained position, said one of the seats is not located between said one of the trunnions (<NUM>) and said one of the shoulders, wings or hooks (<NUM>, <NUM>');
the connection member is rotatable around a first axis between the non-retained position and the retained position when received in the socket; and
the pair of shoulders, wings or hooks are adapted to move around and/or rotate around or about outer surfaces of the pair of seats.