Semi-submersible vessel and method of using a semi-submersible vessel

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of semi-submersible ships, and discloses a semi-submersible ship and a use method of the semi-submersible ship. The semi-submersible ship comprises a ship body and a floating box. The ship body has a front end and a rear end, the rear end of the ship body is provided with at least two through grooves, the at least two through grooves are arranged along the length direction of the ship body, the ship body is used for transporting upper blocks and a jacket, and the at least two through grooves are used for allowing at least part of the upper blocks and at least part of the jacket to pass through. The floating box is arranged on the surface of the ship body, the floating box is detachably connected with the ship body, and the bottom of the ship body is provided with an opening to improve the stability of the ship body. The semi-submersible ship bears the deep sea transportation of the jacket and the upper blocks, solves the problem of insufficient bearing capacity of a traditional ship, completes the jacket sea bottom hoisting in cooperation with a floating crane ship, independently realizes the connection of the upper blocks and the jacket, and solves the problem that a single device cannot simultaneously transport and install an overweight structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of semi-submersible vessel technology, specifically to semi-submersible vessels and methods of using them. Background Technology

[0002] In the construction of deep-sea offshore wind farms, flexible DC transmission technology will be an inevitable trend. Flexible DC transmission requires the construction of offshore converter stations, whose superstructures are extremely heavy, reaching tens of thousands of tons, exceeding the lifting capacity of floating cranes on the market. Therefore, semi-submersible vessels are needed to employ a floating-lift installation process. Simultaneously, the jacket foundation of the offshore converter station is also large in size and weight, requiring semi-submersible vessels to submerge to reduce the lifting weight of the jacket before using floating cranes for installation. However, existing semi-submersible vessels are mainly used for ocean shipping and ship launching, lacking specific designs for offshore converter stations. This results in poor vessel adaptability, preventing the optimal design of offshore converter stations from being achieved due to vessel matching requirements. Furthermore, the limited availability and high cost of semi-submersible vessels hinder the development of the deep-sea offshore wind power industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a semi-submersible vessel and a method for using a semi-submersible vessel to solve the problem that semi-submersible vessels cannot transport goods to offshore converter stations in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a semi-submersible vessel. The semi-submersible vessel includes a hull and pontoons. The hull has a front end and a rear end, and the rear end of the hull is provided with at least two through slots arranged along the length of the hull. The hull is used for transporting a superstructure and a jacket structure, and the at least two through slots are used for at least a portion of the superstructure and at least a portion of the jacket structure to pass through. The pontoons are located on the surface of the hull and are detachably connected to the hull.

[0005] The semi-submersible vessel consists of a hull and pontoons, with the pontoons detachably connected to the hull. The hull is used to transport the topside modules and jacket.

[0006] Specifically, when the upper module or jacket is being installed on the ship, the hull needs to be above sea level, so the buoys are removed to expose the hull to the sea surface.

[0007] Once the loading is complete, if semi-submersible operation is required, the buoys will be installed on the hull.

[0008] Two through-slots are installed at the stern of the hull, extending symmetrically along the hull's centerline. When transporting the jacket structure, the projection of the jacket's main legs onto the hull lies within the through-slot. When transporting the superstructure, the extension of the superstructure's insertion tip lies within the through-slot.

[0009] Specifically, the vessel first transports the jacket to the target location at sea, with the main legs of the jacket facing upwards. A floating crane lifts the jacket, the vessel submerges and retreats, and the floating crane then lowers the jacket to the seabed. The vessel then transports the superstructure to the target location at sea, above the jacket. This process uses a channel to allow the vessel to pass through the main legs, ensuring that the tips of the superstructure are aligned with the main legs. The vessel then submerges and retreats, allowing the superstructure to rest on the jacket. By using only the channel and a detachable pontoon, the superstructure is cleverly installed on the jacket, thus realizing the installation of the offshore converter station.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the buoy includes a bow buoy and a stern buoy, with at least two bow buoys located at the front of the hull and at least two stern buoys located at the rear of the hull, and the bow and stern buoys are detachably connected to the hull.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the hull includes: a first hull; and a second hull, wherein there are at least two second hulls, which are respectively located on both sides of the first hull in the width direction, one end of the second hull is connected to the first hull, and the other end of the second hull is disposed at a distance from the first hull, and a through groove is formed between the second hull and the first hull.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, both the first hull and the second hull include a cabin and a deck, with the deck located on the cabin. The bottom of the cabins of both the first hull and the second hull has an opening, or the interior region of the bottom of the cabin of the first hull has an opening, and the exterior region of the bottom of the cabin of the first hull is sealed.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the front width of the hull is a, and the minimum distance between at least two through slots is b, where a ≤ b.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the distance between the main legs of the jacket is adapted to the distance between the two through slots, so that the main legs can extend into the through slots, and / or, when an upper module is installed on the hull, the tip at the bottom of the upper module is correspondingly set to the through slot.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the surface of the first hull is provided with a detachable support frame. When the hull transports the superstructure, the support frame is connected to the first hull, and when the hull transports the jacket, the support frame is separated from the first hull.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method of using a semi-submersible vessel, wherein the semi-submersible vessel is the aforementioned semi-submersible vessel, and the method of use includes: the semi-submersible vessel transporting the jacket to the target location at sea; a floating crane lifting the jacket away from the semi-submersible vessel, and the semi-submersible vessel withdrawing; the floating crane lowering the jacket to the seabed mud surface; the semi-submersible vessel transporting the upper module to the target location at sea and transferring the upper module to the jacket, and the semi-submersible vessel withdrawing.

[0017] Through the above steps, the semi-submersible vessel undertakes the deep-sea transportation of the jacket and upper modules, solving the problem of insufficient load-bearing capacity of traditional vessels. It works in conjunction with a floating crane to complete the underwater hoisting of the jacket, and then independently transfers the upper modules to the jacket, solving the problem that a single piece of equipment cannot handle the transportation and installation of ultra-heavy structures. Specifically, the jacket is fixed first, then the upper modules are installed, and the semi-submersible vessel withdraws promptly after the floating crane lifts the jacket, avoiding equipment interference. During the transfer of the upper modules, the semi-submersible vessel only needs to submerge and lower itself into position, eliminating the risk of collision and reducing the probability of structural damage.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, transporting the jacket to the target location at sea by a semi-submersible vessel includes: the semi-submersible vessel equipped with a bow buoy berthing at a dock to prepare for the loading of the converter station jacket; after the jacket is loaded, the stern buoy is installed on the semi-submersible vessel; and the semi-submersible vessel equipped with both the bow and stern buoys transports the jacket to the target location at sea.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the semi-submersible vessel transports the topside module to the target location at sea and transfers the topside module to the jacket structure. The semi-submersible vessel then withdraws, including: dismantling the stern buoy on the semi-submersible vessel; the semi-submersible vessel with the bow buoy installed berthing at the dock, preparing for the loading of the topside module of the converter station; after the topside module is loaded, the semi-submersible vessel transports the topside module to the target location at sea; the semi-submersible vessel anchors and aligns the two through slots in the stern direction with the main legs of the jacket structure; the semi-submersible vessel heaves its anchor and approaches the main legs of the jacket structure, so that the main legs are located in the through slots and the tips of the topside module are aligned with the main legs; the semi-submersible vessel submerges, and the tips of the topside module contact the main legs; the semi-submersible vessel separates from the topside module, and the semi-submersible vessel withdraws. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of a semi-submersible vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2This is a frontal structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view of another semi-submersible vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a frontal structural diagram of another semi-submersible vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view of a semi-submersible vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of a semi-submersible vessel equipped with a superstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel equipped with an upper module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of a semi-submersible vessel equipped with a jacket structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel equipped with a jacket structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible transport jacket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a frontal structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel undergoing submersion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a frontal structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel withdrawal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a front view of a guide frame being lowered onto the seabed mud surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel's upper floating block entering the main leg of the jacket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel submerging and separating from the upper module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel submerging and separating from the upper module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 17This is a front structural diagram of a semi-submersible vessel being withdrawn according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the tip of the upper module resting on the main leg of the jacket.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 10. Hull; 11. Through-slot; 12. First hull; 121. Cabin; 122. Deck; 123. Opening; 124. Support frame; 13. Second hull;

[0040] 20. Floating box; 21. Bow floating box; 22. Stern floating box;

[0041] 100. Semi-submersible vessel;

[0042] 200. Upper module; 201. Spike;

[0043] 300. Jacket; 301. Main leg;

[0044] 400. Floating crane. Detailed Implementation

[0045] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0049] It should be noted that the jacket 300 is a frame structure composed of multiple steel pipes, fixed to the seabed or mud surface, bearing the weight of the superstructure (tens of thousands of tons) and the forces of marine environmental loads such as wind, waves, currents, and tides, ensuring that the entire converter station will not tilt or shift.

[0050] The upper module 200 integrates flexible DC converter equipment, which converts the AC power generated by the offshore wind farm into DC power suitable for long-distance, low-loss transmission (i.e., the core carrier of flexible DC transmission technology), providing technical support for transmitting electricity from the deep sea back to land. It includes control systems, communication systems, auxiliary power supply systems, and operation and maintenance space, and is responsible for power conversion control, equipment operation and maintenance, and information exchange with the land.

[0051] The following is combined Figures 1 to 17 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a semi-submersible vessel is provided. The semi-submersible vessel includes a hull 10 and a pontoon 20. The hull 10 has a front end and a rear end, and the rear end of the hull 10 is provided with at least two through slots 11, which are arranged along the length direction of the hull 10. The hull 10 is used to transport a top section 200 and a jacket structure 300, and the at least two through slots 11 are used for at least a portion of the top section 200 and at least a portion of the jacket structure 300 to pass through. The pontoon 20 is located on the surface of the hull 10 and is detachably connected to the hull 10.

[0053] The semi-submersible vessel includes a hull 10 and a pontoon 20, the pontoon 20 being detachably connected to the hull 10, the hull 10 being used to transport the top module 200 and the jacket 300.

[0054] Specifically, when the upper module 200 or the jacket 300 is installed on the ship, the hull 10 needs to be above sea level, so the buoy 20 is removed to expose the hull 10 to the sea surface.

[0055] Once the loading is complete, if semi-submersible operation is required, the buoy 20 will be installed on the hull 10.

[0056] A through-slot 11 is provided at the rear end of the hull 10, i.e., the stern. The through-slot 11 extends from the stern along the length of the hull 10. There are two through-slots 11, which are symmetrically arranged along the centerline of the hull 10. When the hull 10 transports the jacket structure 300, the projection of the main leg 301 of the jacket structure 300 onto the hull 10 is located within the through-slot 11. When the hull 10 transports the superstructure 200, the extension line of the tip 201 of the superstructure 200 is located within the through-slot 11.

[0057] Specifically, the hull 10 first transports the jacket 300 to the target location at sea, with the main legs 301 of the jacket 300 facing upwards. A floating crane 400 is used to lift the jacket 300, and the hull 10 submerges and retreats. The floating crane 400 then lowers the jacket to the seabed. The hull 10 then transports the superstructure 200 to the target location at sea, that is, above the jacket 300. This process is achieved by using a through-slot 11, which allows the hull 10 to pass through the main legs 301, so that the tips 201 of the superstructure 200 can be aligned with the main legs 301 of the jacket 300. Subsequently, the hull 10 submerges and retreats, allowing the superstructure 200 to land on the jacket 300. By simply using the through-slot 11 and the detachable buoy 20, the superstructure 200 can be cleverly installed on the jacket 300, realizing the installation of the offshore converter station.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the pontoon 20 includes a bow pontoon 21 and a stern pontoon 22. There are at least two bow pontoons 21 located at the front of the hull 10, and at least two stern pontoons 22 located at the rear of the hull 10. The bow pontoons 21 and stern pontoons 22 are detachably connected to the hull 10.

[0059] Specifically, the bow buoy 21 and stern buoy 22 can be disassembled or installed according to the working conditions, thereby adjusting the buoyancy distribution at the front and rear of the hull 10 and controlling the degree of submersion of the hull 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the distributed layout of at least two bow buoys 21 and two stern buoys 22 can disperse buoyancy loads and further enhance the anti-sway capability of the hull 10 in the marine environment.

[0061] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the hull 10 includes a first hull 12 and a second hull 13. There are at least two second hulls 13, which are located on both sides of the first hull 12 in the width direction. One end of the second hull 13 is connected to the first hull 12, and the other end of the second hull 13 is disposed at a distance from the first hull 12. A through groove 11 is formed between the second hull 13 and the first hull 12.

[0062] Specifically, the front and rear widths of the first hull 12 are set to be the same. With the first hull 12 as the core and the second hull 13 distributed on both sides of the first hull 12's width, a through-slot 11 is naturally formed. This through-slot 11 allows the main legs 301 of the jacket structure or the tips 201 of the upper module to pass through, enabling the semi-submersible vessel to pass through the main legs 301 of the jacket structure 300, providing space for the precise placement of the upper module 200 onto the jacket structure 300. Furthermore, this split-hull design reduces unnecessary structural redundancy, lowering the hull's weight while ensuring strength; simultaneously, the distributed layout of the second hull 13 disperses buoyancy and loads, improving the hull's stability in complex sea conditions.

[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, both the first hull 12 and the second hull 13 include a cabin 121 and a deck 122, with the deck 122 located on the cabin 121. Both cabins 121 of the first hull 12 and the second hull 13 have openings 123 at their bottoms. The cabin 121 of the semi-submersible vessel features a bottom-opening design, allowing air inside the cabin to contact seawater. When the seawater moves up and down due to wave action, the seawater surface contacts the air inside the cabin, compressing it. Utilizing the compressibility of air, this acts as an air spring, slowing down the up-and-down movement of the hull 10, reducing the amplitude of the hull 10's movement, and improving stability. Because the semi-submersible vessel has a bottom-opening cabin, the vessel's draft in the water must be large enough to ensure the bottom of the cabin is watertight. When the cabin has an opening 123 at its bottom, seawater can flow directly into the cabin, allowing for rapid submersion without additional pumping equipment; conversely, when ballast water is discharged, buoyancy allows for rapid ascent. This design significantly improves the efficiency of diving and surfacing operations, and is suitable for the floating / floating-off installation requirements of offshore converter station modules (such as jackets and top modules).

[0064] In another embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the interior area of ​​the bottom of the cabin 121 of the first hull 12 has an opening 123, and the exterior area of ​​the bottom of the cabin 121 of the first hull 12 is sealed. By adopting a design where the bottom of the outer cabin is sealed and the bottom of the inner cabin is open, even when the draft of the semi-submersible vessel is low, and the bottom of the outer cabin is out of the water due to large movements, the bottom of the inner open cabin can maintain contact with the water surface for a continuous water seal.

[0065] In one embodiment, the front end width of the hull 10 is 'a', and the minimum distance between at least two through slots 11 is 'b', where a ≤ b. This configuration allows the front end of the hull 10 to be suitable for floating installations on structures with large inter-module splice spacing.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the distance between the main legs 301 of the guide frame 300 is adapted to the distance between the two through slots 11, so that the main legs 301 can extend into the through slots 11.

[0067] In another embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, when the upper module 200 is installed on the hull 10, the insertion tip 201 at the bottom of the upper module 200 is correspondingly set with the through slot 11.

[0068] Specifically, the spacing between the main legs of the jacket 300 matches the distance of the through slot 11, ensuring that the main legs 301 can extend into the through slot 11; the tips 201 of the upper module 200 correspond to the through slot 11, ensuring that the tips 201 can be precisely aligned with the docking positions of the main legs 301 of the jacket 300. This end-to-end structural adaptation avoids misalignment and collision problems from the design stage, allowing the upper module 200 to be smoothly placed onto the jacket 300, ensuring the structural assembly reliability of the offshore converter station. Furthermore, precise docking can be achieved without additional adjustments to the equipment position, reducing offshore operation time and improving operational efficiency.

[0069] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the surface of the first hull 12 is provided with a detachable support frame 124. When the hull 10 transports the upper module 200, the support frame 124 is connected to the first hull 12. When the hull 10 transports the guide frame 300, the support frame 124 is separated from the first hull 12.

[0070] Specifically, during the transport of the superstructure 200, the support frame 124 is connected to the first hull 12, providing additional support for the 10,000-ton superstructure 200, distributing the load, preventing deformation of the deck 122 of the hull 10 or the superstructure 200 structure, and ensuring structural safety during transport. During the transport of the jacket 300, the support frame 124 is removed to avoid interference with the jacket 300 structure, while also optimizing hull space and improving the adaptability of the jacket transport.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a method of using a semi-submersible vessel is also provided, wherein the semi-submersible vessel is as described above, and the method of use includes:

[0072] The semi-submersible vessel 100 transported the jacket 300 to the target location at sea.

[0073] The floating crane vessel 400 lifts the jacket structure 300 and leaves the semi-submersible vessel 100; the semi-submersible vessel 100 then withdraws.

[0074] The floating crane vessel lowered the jacket structure to the seabed mud surface;

[0075] The semi-submersible vessel 100 transports the upper module 200 to the target location at sea and transfers the upper module 200 to the jacket 300 before the semi-submersible vessel 100 withdraws.

[0076] Through the above steps, the semi-submersible vessel 100 undertakes the deep-sea transportation of the jacket foundation 300 and the upper module 200, solving the problem of insufficient load-bearing capacity of traditional vessels. It works in conjunction with the floating crane vessel 400 to complete the underwater hoisting of the jacket foundation 300, and then independently achieves the transfer of the upper module 200 to the jacket foundation 300, solving the problem that a single piece of equipment cannot handle the transportation and installation of ultra-heavy structures. Specifically, by first fixing the jacket foundation 300 and then installing the upper module 200, and by promptly withdrawing the semi-submersible vessel 100 after the floating crane vessel 400 lifts the jacket foundation 300, interference between equipment is avoided. During the transfer of the upper module 200, the semi-submersible vessel 100 only needs to submerge and lower itself into position, eliminating the risk of collision and reducing the probability of structural damage.

[0077] In one embodiment, the semi-submersible vessel 100 transporting the jacket foundation 300 to the target location at sea includes: the semi-submersible vessel 100, equipped with a bow buoy, berthing at a dock to prepare for the loading of the converter station jacket foundation 300 onto the vessel; after the jacket foundation 300 is loaded onto the vessel, the stern buoy is installed on the semi-submersible vessel 100; and the semi-submersible vessel 100, equipped with both the bow and stern buoys, transports the jacket foundation 300 to the target location at sea.

[0078] Specifically, such as Figures 10 to 13 The diagram shows the process of a semi-submersible vessel 100 transporting a jacket 300. L0 represents the sea level, and L1 represents the seabed mud surface.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, the semi-submersible vessel 100, equipped with a bow buoy 21, is moored at the dock, ready for the loading of the large jacket foundation 300 for the converter station. After the jacket foundation 300 is loaded, the semi-submersible vessel 100 installs the stern buoy 22. At this point, the semi-submersible vessel 100 has the bow buoy 21, stern buoy 22, and jacket foundation 300 installed. The semi-submersible vessel 100 then transports the jacket foundation 300 to the designated location at the offshore installation site and anchors it. The floating crane vessel 400 then enters the site to occupy the position, hooks up, and unties the jacket foundation 300.

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, the semi-submersible vessel 100 submerges to a position between the sea level L0 and the seabed mud surface L1, and the lower part of the jacket 300 is submerged in water and subjected to buoyancy.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, the floating crane 400 lifts the hook, and the lifting jacket 300 leaves the deck of the semi-submersible vessel 100. The floating crane 400 then retreats, and the semi-submersible vessel 100 retreats in the opposite direction away from the jacket 300.

[0082] like Figure 13 As shown, the floating crane 400 lowers the hook and lowers the jacket 300 onto the seabed mud surface L1, completing the installation of the jacket 300.

[0083] In one embodiment, the semi-submersible vessel 100 transports the upper module 200 to the target location at sea and transfers the upper module 200 to the jacket 300. The semi-submersible vessel 100 then withdraws, including: dismantling the stern buoy on the semi-submersible vessel 100; the semi-submersible vessel 100 with the bow buoy installed berths at the dock, preparing for the loading of the upper module 200 of the converter station; after the upper module 200 is loaded, the semi-submersible vessel 100 transports the upper module 200 to the target location at sea. The semi-submersible vessel 100 anchors and aligns the two through slots 11 at the stern with the main legs 301 of the jacket structure 300; the semi-submersible vessel 100 hooks its anchor and approaches the main legs 301 of the jacket structure 300, so that the main legs 301 are located in the through slots 11 and the tip 201 of the upper module 200 is aligned with the main legs 301; the semi-submersible vessel 100 submerges, and the tip 201 contacts the main legs 301; the semi-submersible vessel 100 separates from the upper module 200 and withdraws.

[0084] Specifically, such as Figures 14 to 17 The diagram shows the installation process of the upper module. L0 represents sea level, and L1 represents the seabed mud surface.

[0085] like Figure 14 As shown, the semi-submersible vessel 100 removes the stern buoy 22 and berths at the dock, preparing for the loading of the superstructure 200. After the superstructure is loaded, the semi-submersible vessel 100 transports the superstructure 200 to the offshore installation site. The semi-submersible vessel anchors and aligns its stern with the through-slot of the main leg of the jacket structure 300. The semi-submersible vessel begins to heave anchor and move closer to the main leg 301 of the jacket structure 300. The two through-slots at the stern of the semi-submersible vessel 100 are aligned with the main leg 301 of the jacket structure 300, and the main leg 301 enters the through-slot. During the entry process, a safe distance of more than 1 meter is ensured between the tip 201 of the superstructure 200 and the top of the main leg 301 of the jacket structure 300.

[0086] like Figure 15 As shown, after the semi-submersible vessel 100 is in place, the tip 201 of the upper module 200 is aligned with the main leg 301 of the jacket 300.

[0087] like Figure 16 As shown, the semi-submersible vessel 100 continues to submerge, and the deck of the semi-submersible vessel 100 separates from the upper module 200, with a safe distance of more than 1m.

[0088] like Figure 17 As shown, the semi-submersible vessel 100 withdraws, and the entire semi-submersible vessel is removed from the jacket 300.

[0089] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0090] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0092] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-submersible vessel, characterized in that, include: The hull (10) has a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the hull (10) is provided with at least two through slots (11). The at least two through slots (11) are arranged along the length direction of the hull (10). The hull (10) is used to transport the superstructure (200) and the guide frame (300). The at least two through slots (11) are used for at least a portion of the superstructure (200) and at least a portion of the guide frame (300) to pass through. A pontoon (20) is located on the surface of the hull (10) and is detachably connected to the hull (10); The hull (10) includes: First hull (12); The second hull (13) consists of at least two hulls, which are located on opposite sides of the first hull (12) in the width direction. One end of the second hull (13) is connected to the first hull (12), and the other end of the second hull (13) is disposed at a distance from the first hull (12). The through groove (11) is formed between the second hull (13) and the first hull (12). Both the first hull (12) and the second hull (13) include a cabin (121) and a deck (122), the deck (122) being located on the cabin (121), wherein, The bottom of the cabin (121) of both the first hull (12) and the second hull (13) has an opening (123), or, The opening (123) is located in the inner region of the bottom of the cabin (121) of the first hull (12), and the outer region of the bottom of the cabin (121) of the first hull (12) is sealed. The front width of the hull (10) is a, and the minimum distance between at least two of the through slots (11) is b, where a≤b; The distance between the main legs (301) of the guide frame (300) is adapted to the distance between the two through slots (11), such that the main legs (301) can extend into the through slots (11), and / or, When the upper block (200) is installed on the hull (10), the tip (201) at the bottom of the upper block (200) is correspondingly provided with the through slot (11); The surface of the first hull (12) is provided with a detachable support frame (124). When the hull (10) transports the upper module (200), the support frame (124) is connected to the first hull (12). When the hull (10) transports the guide frame (300), the support frame (124) is separated from the first hull (12).

2. The semi-submersible vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that The buoy (20) includes a bow buoy (21) and a stern buoy (22). There are at least two bow buoys (21) located at the front of the hull (10). There are at least two stern buoys (22) located at the rear of the hull (10). The bow buoys (21) and the stern buoys (22) are detachably connected to the hull (10).

3. A method of use of a semi-submersible vessel, characterized in that, The semi-submersible vessel is the semi-submersible vessel as described in claim 1 or 2, and the method of use includes: The semi-submersible vessel (100) transports the jacket (300) to the target location at sea; The floating crane (400) lifts the jacket structure (300) away from the semi-submersible vessel (100), and the semi-submersible vessel (100) withdraws; The floating crane (400) lowers the jacket (300) onto the seabed mud surface; The semi-submersible vessel (100) transports the upper module (200) to the target location at sea and transfers the upper module (200) to the jacket (300), and then the semi-submersible vessel (100) withdraws.

4. The method of using a semi-submersible vessel of claim 3, wherein, The semi-submersible vessel (100) transports the jacket (300) to the target location at sea, including: A semi-submersible vessel (100) equipped with a bow buoy berthed at the dock, ready for the loading of the converter station jacket (300). After the jacket (300) is installed on the ship, the stern buoy is installed on the semi-submersible vessel (100); The semi-submersible vessel (100), equipped with the bow buoy and the stern buoy, transports the jacket (300) to the target location at sea.

5. The method of using a semi-submersible vessel of claim 3, wherein, The semi-submersible vessel (100) transports the upper module (200) to the target location at sea and transfers the upper module (200) to the jacket (300). The semi-submersible vessel (100) then withdraws, including: Remove the stern buoy from the semi-submersible vessel (100); The semi-submersible vessel (100) equipped with a bow buoy berthed at the dock, ready for the loading of the converter station superstructure (200); After the upper module (200) is loaded onto the ship, the semi-submersible vessel (100) transports the upper module (200) to the target location at sea. The semi-submersible vessel (100) anchors and aligns the two through slots (11) in the stern direction with the main leg (301) of the jacket (300). The semi-submersible vessel (100) is anchored and brought close to the main leg (301) of the jacket (300), so that the main leg (301) is located in the through slot (11) and the tip (201) of the upper block (200) is aligned with the main leg (301); The semi-submersible vessel (100) submerges, and the spike (201) contacts the main leg (301); The semi-submersible vessel (100) separates from the upper module (200) and the semi-submersible vessel (100) withdraws.

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