Patent ID: 8899881

Claim:
An offshore structure, comprising: a hull having a longitudinal axis and including a first column and a second column moveably coupled to the first column, wherein the second column is configured to move axially relative to the first column, wherein each column has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; an anchor disposed at the second end of the second column; wherein the second column is configured to move axially down relative to the first column to urge the anchor into the sea floor and secure the hull to the sea floor; wherein the first column includes a variable ballast chamber positioned axially between the first end and the second end of the first column and a first buoyant chamber positioned between the variable ballast chamber and the first end of the first column, wherein the first buoyant chamber is filled with a gas and sealed from the surrounding environment; wherein the second column includes a variable ballast chamber positioned axially between the first end and the second end of the second column; and a topside mounted to the hull.