System, method and apparatus for offshore mooring operations

Abstract

The invention provides a separable mooring system for a floating offshore structure. The system can include a buoy including a connector enabling the buoy to be connected and disconnected from the floating structure. The system has a disconnected configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports a dynamic riser conduit above the seabed. The system has a connected configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; and wherein the system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connected configuration and the dynamic riser to be pulled into a connected position. Aspects of the invention include associated pull-in sequences, independent through connections of a first dynamic riser conduit and a second dynamic riser conduit, and conductive coupling of the dynamic riser conduit to the floating structure. Further aspects of the invention include associated quick / emergency disconnect systems and methods, use of counterweights in the installation sequence, connection structure and buoy configurations, and rope connections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for offshore mooring operations, and more particularly to mooring and / or riser connection and disconnection operations associated with floating offshore assets. The invention is specifically, but not exclusively, applied to the mooring of floating offshore wind power facilities and the connection and disconnection of related risers. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power is an important renewable energy source, and using offshore locations for wind turbines offers benefits including higher wind energy output and fewer space and planning constraints compared to those located onshore. Currently used floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) access deeper water locations and reduce construction costs compared to sheathed or monopile construction systems used in offshore wind power generation.

[0003] It is anticipated that FOWTs will have to be disassembled at various points in their service life to allow for removal from their operating location for replacement, repair, and / or upgrades. The movement of FOWTs is typically greater than that of turbines attached to an anchored and secured shell to the seabed, complicating in-situ repair operations. The increased size and height of the turbines result in greater movement at the hull level than smaller turbines. Often, the water is too deep for jack-up crane vessels, necessitating the use of floating crane vessels, which, compared to jack-up cranes, have the disadvantage of increased movement at the top of the crane.

[0004] A typical FOWT is arranged on a floating hull with deployed mooring structures. These deployed mooring structures have multiple mooring lines attached to an anchor on the seabed, with each mooring line individually connected to a bend in the asset and maintained on a fixed course. Dynamic power cable risers connect to the FOWT, which has a suitable profile supported by buoyancy.

[0005] A typical arrangement for pulling in mooring lines uses a winch rope connected to the end of the ship's mooring connector, which disengages when the connector is fully engaged. A range of types of mooring connectors are available as existing technology. This arrangement can be applied to semi-submersible floating structures and a range of other mooring floating structures and vessels.

[0006] The disadvantage of these arrangements is that disconnecting and reconnecting offshore FOWTs is a lengthy and costly operation, as they typically have between three and nine mooring lines and usually two dynamic power cables. Connecting the mooring lines and power cables involves individually positioning, measuring, lifting, and connecting the end of each line to the FOWT. During this time, the FOWT must be held in place by a towing vessel. This connection can be a long and difficult process, especially in deep water or if the area is congested with platforms, vessels, or other floating structures and their moorings. The dynamic power cables are pulled in after the mooring connection is completed, and the cable connection itself can take a considerable amount of time, with the risk of damage.

[0007] Other floating vessels, such as ships, use turret mooring systems that include single-point mooring (SPM), where the mooring lines reach a center point around which the vessel can rotate via a swivel. Turret mooring systems are typically used in harsh environments where the load on the mooring system can be reduced by allowing the vessel to yaw or tilt toward the windward side.

[0008] WO2016069636 discloses a detachable buoy system for FOWT. In this system, an electric cable is supported by the buoy, while mooring lines are connected in a standard deployed mooring arrangement, detached from the buoy and individually connected to each post of a multi-post hull. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that an electric cable is needed to hold the detachable buoy in place when it detaches, but this cable must be resistant to damage from the buoy's movement. Furthermore, the weight of the cable can cause the buoy to become very large in deep water, which can be limiting in marine operations.

[0009] The applicant's WO2021 / 234148 describes a detachable mooring system for offshore floating structures that offers several benefits and advantages over previously proposed systems. In the configuration of WO2021 / 234148, mooring chains can be arranged from the mooring points around the structure in the same pattern as for deployment mooring. The advantage is that each mooring chain is also attached to a detachable buoy and therefore only needs to be pulled in from shallow water. The main advantage of the WO 2021 / 234148 system is that it provides a detachable mooring system for offshore semi-submersible structures that combines the convenience of "turret" buoys with the desired fixed-course deployment mooring configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One of the objectives and purposes of this invention is to provide a method and / or apparatus for eliminating or mitigating one or more disadvantages or disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] According to the subject matter of this disclosure, a detachable mooring system for floating offshore structures is provided. The system may include:

[0012] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0013] The system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser pipeline above the seabed.

[0014] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0015] Furthermore, the system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser to be pulled into the connection position.

[0016] These features will be referred to as the basic structure of a system according to the subject matter of this disclosure. According to one aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a system having the aforementioned basic structure can be further configured to enable the pull-in of a buoy to a connection configuration and the pull-in of a dynamic riser pipe to a connection location during continuous or sequential installation operations.

[0017] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above-described basic structure or in a system according to the above-described aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the system can be further configured to realize a through connection of at least one dynamic riser pipe and a second dynamic riser pipe independent of the floating structure.

[0018] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above-described basic structure or in a system according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, the system may be further configured to support at least one dynamic riser and a second dynamic riser in a through connection state independent of the floating structure.

[0019] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, said aspect can be used in a system having the above-described basic structure or in a system for the above-described aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the system can be further configured such that the pull-in of the buoy to the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure.

[0020] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in systems having the above-described basic structure or in systems according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the system can be further configured to enable the buoy and dynamic riser pipe to be rapidly separated from the connection configuration under the controlled descent of one or more winch ropes.

[0021] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above basic structure or in a system according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, the system may include a counterweight attached to the buoy via a counterweight rope, wherein the counterweight and the counterweight rope enable the height position of the buoy above the seabed to be set when the system is in its disassembled configuration.

[0022] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above basic structure or in a system according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the buoy is shaped such that in a connected configuration the buoy has a defined rotational position relative to the buoy compartment of the buoy structure about the main axis of the buoy.

[0023] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above basic structure or in a system according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the buoy includes a generally circular cross-section having one or more cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces formed therein, the cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces corresponding to one or more surface profiles of the buoy compartment of the floating structure.

[0024] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above basic structure or in a system according to the above aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to a compartment of the floating structure.

[0025] Furthermore, the compartment may include a compartment guide surface for aligning the buoy to a defined rotational position when the system is in its connected state.

[0026] According to another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, it can be used in a system having the above-described basic structure or in a system according to the above-described aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein the floating structure includes an I-shaped pipe installed to the exterior of the main hull, and the I-shaped pipe is configured to allow a dynamic riser pipe to be pulled into a connection position through the I-shaped pipe. Overview of the invention Buoy / riseer pull-in

[0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0028] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0029] The system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser pipeline above the seabed.

[0030] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0031] Furthermore, the system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser to the connection position during continuous or sequential installation operations.

[0032] The system may include multiple mooring lines. Each mooring line may include a lower mooring line section having a first end connected to an anchor on the seabed.

[0033] At least one of the multiple mooring lines may be a buoy mooring line, which may include an upper buoy mooring line portion and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to the buoy, and the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion.

[0034] In a separate configuration, the buoy can at least partially support its mooring ropes above the seabed.

[0035] In the connection configuration, the buoy can be connected to the floating structure, and the mooring connector is connected to the mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

[0036] The separate configuration may be referred to as the first configuration, and the connected configuration may be referred to as the second configuration.

[0037] The system may include multiple buoy mooring lines. A subset or all of the multiple mooring lines may be buoy mooring lines.

[0038] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include preferred or optional features of any other aspect of the invention as described herein, and vice versa.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for connecting a mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the mooring system including a buoy that at least partially supports a dynamic riser above the seabed, wherein the method includes:

[0040] Pull the buoy into the connection configuration, where the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0041] The dynamic riser pipe is pulled into the connection position at the floating structure, where it can be connected to the corresponding pipe fitting on the floating structure.

[0042] The installation of the buoy and the dynamic riser to the connection position are either continuous or sequential. Continuous connection

[0043] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0044] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0045] The system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe above the seabed.

[0046] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure, and the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe are connected to the corresponding pipe connectors on the floating structure.

[0047] Furthermore, in the separate configuration, the system enables the through connection of the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe, independent of the floating structure.

[0048] Preferably, in the separate configuration, the system supports a first dynamic riser and a second dynamic riser in a connected state independent of the floating structure. The connected state means that the first and second dynamic risers are functionally connected to each other.

[0049] The system may include multiple mooring lines. Each mooring line may include a lower mooring line section having a first end connected to an anchor on the seabed.

[0050] At least one of the multiple mooring lines may be a buoy mooring line, which may include an upper buoy mooring line portion and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to the buoy, and the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion.

[0051] In a separate configuration, the buoy can at least partially support its mooring ropes above the seabed.

[0052] The system can have a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure and the mooring connector is connected to a mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

[0053] The separate configuration may be referred to as the first configuration, and the connected configuration may be referred to as the second configuration.

[0054] The system may include multiple buoy mooring lines. A subset or all of the multiple mooring lines may be buoy mooring lines.

[0055] The first and second dynamic riser pipes can be power pipelines.

[0056] In the connection configuration, at least one of the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe can be connected to the electrical equipment on the floating structure.

[0057] The system may include a crossing assembly for facilitating the connection between a first dynamic riser pipe and a second dynamic riser pipe. The crossing assembly may be a watertight structure defining a sealed volume configured to accommodate the respective ends of the first and second dynamic riser pipes. The crossing assembly may be configured to be supported by a buoy in a disengaged state.

[0058] The buoy can be configured to pull the buoy into the connection configuration and pull the dynamic riser pipe into the connection position. The system can be configured to pull the buoy into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe into the connection position during continuous or sequential installation operations. The system can be configured such that pulling the buoy into the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure.

[0059] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for separating a mooring element and a dynamic riser piping system from a floating offshore structure, the system comprising: a buoy connected to the floating structure; a first dynamic riser piping; and a second dynamic riser piping;

[0060] The methods include:

[0061] A through connection is formed between the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe;

[0062] Separating the buoy from the floating structure to a separate configuration; and

[0063] The first and second dynamic riser pipes, which are connected independently of the floating structure, are at least partially supported on the buoy.

[0064] The method may include forming a through connection between a first dynamic riser and a second dynamic riser on a floating structure.

[0065] The method may include, when in a connected configuration, at least partially supporting the first and second dynamic riser pipes on the buoy.

[0066] The method may include forming a through connection between a first dynamic riser and a second dynamic riser in a cross assembly.

[0067] The cross assembly can be a watertight structure defining a sealed volume configured to accommodate the respective ends of the first and second dynamic riser pipes.

[0068] The method may include lowering a buoy and connected first and second dynamic riser pipes into water at a depth below the floating structure.

[0069] The first and second dynamic riser ducts can be power lines. The floating structure can be a floating offshore wind turbine that forms part of an array of floating offshore wind turbines. Conductive connectors

[0070] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0071] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0072] The system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser pipeline above the seabed.

[0073] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0074] The system is configured to allow the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe to be pulled into the connection position.

[0075] Furthermore, the pulling of the buoy into the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure.

[0076] The dynamic riser can be an electrical conduit, and the connector can be a conductive connector that electrically connects the dynamic riser to the corresponding electrical conduit on the floating structure.

[0077] According to an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for connecting a mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the mooring system comprising a system having buoys that at least partially support a dynamic riser above the seabed, wherein the method comprises:

[0078] Pull the buoy into the connection configuration, where the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0079] The dynamic riser pipe is pulled into the connection position at the floating structure, where it can be connected to the corresponding pipe fitting on the floating structure.

[0080] The buoy pull-in to the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure. Rapid / Emergency Separation

[0081] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0082] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0083] The system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser pipeline above the seabed.

[0084] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure and the dynamic riser pipe is connected to the corresponding pipe connector on the floating structure.

[0085] Furthermore, the system is configured to enable the buoy and dynamic riser pipe to be quickly separated from the connection configuration under the controlled descent of one or more winch ropes.

[0086] The system can have a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure and the mooring connector is connected to a mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

[0087] The separate configuration may be referred to as the first configuration, and the connected configuration may be referred to as the second configuration.

[0088] The system may include multiple buoy mooring lines. A subset or all of the multiple mooring lines may be buoy mooring lines. counterweight

[0089] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0090] Buoy, which includes connectors that enable the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure;

[0091] Multiple mooring lines, each mooring line including a lower mooring line portion having a first end connected to an anchor on the seabed;

[0092] Among them, at least one of the multiple mooring lines is a buoy mooring line, the buoy mooring line including: an upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to a buoy; and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion;

[0093] The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the buoy mooring rope above the seabed.

[0094] The system includes a counterweight attached to the buoy via a counterweight rope, wherein the counterweight and the counterweight rope enable the buoy’s height above the seabed to be set when the system is in its first configuration.

[0095] The system can have a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure and the mooring connector is connected to a mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

[0096] The separate configuration may be referred to as the first configuration, and the connected configuration may be referred to as the second configuration.

[0097] The system may include multiple buoy mooring lines. A subset or all of the multiple mooring lines may be buoy mooring lines.

[0098] The counterweight can be a variable counterweight. A variable counterweight can include a high-mass configuration and a low-mass configuration. A variable counterweight can include a removable weight in a high-mass configuration and can be configured into a low-mass configuration by removing the removable weight. Alternatively or additionally, the variable counterweight can include a variable weight ballast volume, or it can include one or more swarm chains.

[0099] According to an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for mooring a floating structure at sea using a detachable mooring system according to the foregoing aspects of the invention, wherein the buoy has a height position above the seabed set by a counterweight and counterweight ropes, the method comprising:

[0100] - Attach the buoy to the floating structure;

[0101] - Pull the mooring connector of the buoy mooring line into the mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

[0102] In cases where the system includes multiple buoy mooring lines, the method may include pulling the corresponding mooring connector of each buoy mooring line into the corresponding mooring point to tension the corresponding buoy mooring line between the corresponding anchor and the corresponding mooring point.

[0103] The method may include removing the counterweight or a portion thereof from the attachment to the buoy.

[0104] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for separating mooring components of a floating structure at sea using a separable mooring system according to a prior aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0105] - Disconnect the mooring connector of the buoy mooring line from the mooring point on the floating structure in order to reduce the tension in the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point;

[0106] - Separate the buoy from the floating structure and lower it to a height above the seabed set by the counterweight and counterweight ropes.

[0107] In cases where the system includes multiple buoy mooring lines, the method may include detaching the corresponding mooring connector of each buoy mooring line from the corresponding mooring point to reduce the tension in the corresponding buoy mooring line between the corresponding anchor and the corresponding mooring point.

[0108] The method may include attaching the counterweight or a portion thereof to the buoy before disengaging one or more mooring connectors.

[0109] The method may include connecting a buoy winch line between a winch and a buoy, and lowering the buoy from the floating structure by releasing the buoy winch line. I-shaped tube layout and buoy shape

[0110] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0111] A buoy, the buoy including a connecting device that enables the buoy to be connected to and detached from a compartment of a floating structure;

[0112] Multiple mooring lines, each mooring line including a lower mooring line portion having a first end connected to an anchor on the seabed;

[0113] Among them, at least one of the multiple mooring lines is a buoy mooring line, the buoy mooring line including: an upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to a buoy; and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion;

[0114] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0115] The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the buoy mooring rope above the seabed.

[0116] Furthermore, the buoy is shaped such that, in the connected configuration, the buoy has a defined rotational position relative to the compartment about the buoy's main axis.

[0117] Preferably, the buoy is shaped such that, in the connected configuration, the buoy has a unique rotational position relative to the compartment about the buoy's main axis. However, in alternative embodiments, there may be multiple discrete, defined rotational positions of the buoy in which the connected configuration can be formed.

[0118] The buoy may include a generally circular cross-section, with one or more cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces formed therein. The cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces may correspond to compartmental guide surfaces used to align the buoy to a defined rotational position.

[0119] The generally circular cross-section can be defined by the generally cylindrical and / or generally conical body portion of the buoy.

[0120] According to an aspect of the present invention, a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure is provided, the system comprising:

[0121] A buoy, the buoy including a connecting device that enables the buoy to be connected to and detached from a compartment of a floating structure;

[0122] Multiple mooring lines, each mooring line including a lower mooring line portion having a first end connected to an anchor on the seabed;

[0123] Among them, at least one of the multiple mooring lines is a buoy mooring line, the buoy mooring line including: an upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to a buoy; and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion;

[0124] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure;

[0125] The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the buoy mooring rope above the seabed.

[0126] Furthermore, the buoy includes a generally circular cross-section, wherein one or more cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces are formed therein, the cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces corresponding to one or more surface profiles of the compartment.

[0127] According to an aspect of the present invention, a floating offshore structure is provided, the floating offshore structure being configured with a detachable mooring system, the structure comprising:

[0128] main hull;

[0129] The compartments allow for the connection and separation of mooring buoys from the floating structure;

[0130] The mooring system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser above the seabed.

[0131] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to a compartment of the floating structure;

[0132] Furthermore, the compartment may include multiple compartment guide surfaces for aligning the buoy to a defined rotational position when the system is in its connected state.

[0133] The specified rotation position can be the only possible rotation position.

[0134] According to an aspect of the present invention, a floating offshore structure is provided, the floating offshore structure being configured with a detachable mooring system, the structure comprising:

[0135] main hull;

[0136] The compartments allow for the connection and separation of mooring buoys from the floating structure;

[0137] The mooring system has a separate configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser above the seabed.

[0138] The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to a compartment of the floating structure;

[0139] Furthermore, the floating structure includes an I-shaped pipe, which is installed on the outside of the main hull and configured to allow the dynamic riser to be pulled into the connection position through the I-shaped pipe.

[0140] I-tube pipes can be installed to columns of the main hull, which may be turbine columns, wherein the floating structure is a FOWT structure. Alternatively or additionally, I-tube pipes can be installed to the upper and / or lower beams or pontoons of the floating structure. Alternatively or additionally, in the internal area defined by a pair of adjacent beams or pontoons, I-tube pipes can be installed adjacent to columns of the main hull.

[0141] The compartment may include a compartment guide surface for aligning the buoy to a defined rotational position, which may be the only possible rotational position.

[0142] The compartment may include a generally circular cross-section, with one or more surface profiles formed therein, the surface profiles corresponding to one or more cut-off or fan-shaped surfaces of the buoy. Rope connector

[0143] A connector system for a rope mooring rope, the system comprising:

[0144] Connectors, the connectors include: A support pin having a main axis and a pair of opposing pin ends; A rope guide having a rope guiding surface configured to guide a mooring rope around a support pin; And a connector base, the connector base including a pair of spaced-apart retaining members, each retaining member including a groove for retaining a corresponding pin end of the connector, such that the guide rope mooring rope is held by the connector base under tension.

[0145] The support pin may include a partial spherical support portion and may include a pair of diametrically opposed support pin ends extending from the partial spherical portion.

[0146] The rope guide can be oriented in the guide plane and can be arranged on the support pin. The rope guide may have a partially spherical support surface that contacts the partially spherical support portion of the support pin. The rope guide and the support pin can be combined such that the guide plane can be tilted to a plane orthogonal to or perpendicular to the principal axis of the support pin, up to the maximum tilt angle.

[0147] The rope guide may be formed of one or more plates connected together around the support pin.

[0148] The corresponding retaining member may include a retaining plate, which may be mounted, for example, to the outside of the buoy, and spaced apart to accommodate the connector. The corresponding slot may include a bent slot and may include a vertical opening and a support end. The slot may extend partially through the plate from opposite inner surfaces toward the outer surface of the corresponding plate. The outer wall of the plate may laterally restrict the rope connector. The system may include one or more holes coaxial with the support pin, allowing a locking pin to pass through the connector base and the connector to be inserted. Attached Figure Description

[0149] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0150] Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are schematic diagrams of a mooring system according to the prior art, located in a first separated configuration and a second connected configuration, respectively.

[0151] Figures 2A to 2D This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the corresponding steps for the operational sequence of installing the mooring system;

[0152] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C These are, respectively, an upper isometric view, a lower isometric view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoy according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0153] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the buoy pulling arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0154] Figures 5A to 5E This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the corresponding steps of the operating sequence for installing risers into the mooring system;

[0155] Figures 6A to 6D This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the corresponding steps of the operating sequence for installing the mooring system into the hull of a floating offshore wind turbine;

[0156] Figure 7A This is a schematic side view of the buoy pull-in arrangement according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0157] Figure 7B and Figure 7C This is a schematic side view of the buoy pull-in arrangement according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, generally shown at 390, in both the separated and connected states;

[0158] Figures 8A to 8C This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the corresponding steps of the operating sequence for separating the mooring system from the hull of a floating offshore wind turbine;

[0159] Figures 9A to 9C This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which is configured for rapid and / or emergency release of the riser and buoy from a connection configuration, as well as the sequence of operations;

[0160] Figures 10A to 10C This is a schematic diagram of a rope connector system that can be used in various aspects and embodiments of the present invention;

[0161] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a schematic diagram of an alternative rope connector system that can be used in various aspects and embodiments of the present invention;

[0162] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has an external I-tube and a buoy compartment;

[0163] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the mooring system having an external I-tube and a buoy compartment;

[0164] Figure 14A and Figure 14B These are, respectively, a lower plan view and a lower isometric view of a mooring system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the mooring system having an external I-tube and a buoy compartment;

[0165] Figure 15This is a schematic side view of a buoy compartment according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the buoy compartment being configured to receive buoys from above;

[0166] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are schematic plan and side views of a buoy compartment according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the buoy compartment being configured to receive buoys from a side or lateral position;

[0167] Figure 16C It is used with Figure 16A and Figure 16B A schematic side view of buoys used together in the compartments;

[0168] Figure 17A and Figure 17B The diagram schematically illustrates a mooring buoy and a floating structure according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a separated and connected state; and

[0169] Figure 18 An alternative arrangement of detachable mooring buoys and floating structures according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0170] First see Figure 1A and Figure 1B The floating structure in the form of a semi-submersible 4 and the mooring system 11 for the floating structure are shown in accordance with WO 2021 / 234148. Figure 1A The system 11 is shown in a separate configuration and Figure 1B System 11 in a connected configuration is shown. The mooring system 11 includes multiple mooring lines (two of which are shown as 20a and 20b, respectively) and buoys 24. Each mooring line 20a, 20b has a first end connected to a seabed anchor (not shown) and a second end connected to the buoy 24. The mooring lines may include chains, ropes, cords, or one or more of any other ropes used for anchoring in the mooring system. Mooring line 20b has a mooring connector 18 for the floating structure, which runs along a portion of the mooring line between the first and second ends. The mooring connector is a tee connector that connects the two portions of the mooring line and also has a connection for pulling the mooring line into a mooring point on the floating structure 4 via a winch and winch rope (not shown). Additional mooring lines similar to 20b are provided with their own seabed anchors and mooring connection points on the floating structure. A buoy-pulling winch 34 and a winch rope 35 are provided on the floating structure 4. Buoy 24 supports riser 10, which in this case is a dynamic power cable riser 10 with a lazy wave profile having buoyancy element 12.

[0171] like Figure 1AAs shown, buoy 24 is lowered below the water surface to avoid maritime traffic. The mooring line 20b is a chain, and the arrangement is stable in the water without having to lower the mooring line or riser to the seabed.

[0172] Figure 1B The system 11 in a connected configuration is shown, wherein buoy 24 is connected to the hull of semi-submersible 4 at the base of a post after being pulled in by winch 34 and winch rope 35. Mooring line 20b is connected to the semi-submersible at mooring point 25b, and the upper portion 22b of mooring line 20b extends from buoy 24 to the connection point or mooring point 25b. The lower portion of mooring chain 20b will bear the environmental load on the semi-submersible via connector assembly 18 / 25b, and the upper portion 22b will be suspended to buoy 24 in a slack catenary configuration.

[0173] Buoy 24 can be easily attached to / detached from the semi-submersible hull and supports mooring 20 and power cable 10 at greater depths in the water. This arrangement also eliminates the need for rotation by controlling the course of the semi-submersible 4. When the buoy is pulled into the hull of this structure, the power cable can be connected to the electrical system without any handling of the dynamic power cable if the top of the buoy is above the water surface, or if the internal compartment can be waterproofed.

[0174] This invention utilizes in various aspects Figure 1A and Figure 1B The arrangement principle is described in WO 2021 / 234148, but includes many operational and / or equipment features that are novel and inventive relative to the disclosure of WO 2021 / 234148.

[0175] Reference Figures 2A to 2D The document describes the various steps of the operation sequence of a method for installing a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A A buoy 124 is shown being lowered from a heavy-duty lifting vessel 40 onto a rope 42 from a marine crane 44. The buoy 124 is configured to connect and disconnect from a floating structure (not shown) and has features such as a rope lock 140 to facilitate its connection and disconnection from the floating structure and to facilitate the pull-in of the riser into the buoy, as described below. The buoy also has multiple connectors for connection to mooring lines.

[0176] Buoy 124 is connected to a variable-mass counterweight 130 via a counterweight rope 132. The counterweight 130 is placed on the seabed in a high-mass configuration (e.g., 50 t (metric tons)) to hold the buoy in place during the installation of other system components. The counterweight rope 132 allows the water depth of buoy 124 to be set to the desired location. The buoy depth will typically be set to approximately 20 meters from the water surface to the top of the buoy, although this is adjustable to optimally accommodate riser installation operations and ROV operating depths.

[0177] With the buoy in place, the upper buoy mooring line section 122 is lowered from the marine crane 44 for connection to the buoy 124. The upper buoy mooring line section can be a chain, rope, cable, or any other rope used for anchoring in the mooring system, but is preferably a fiber rope, such as HMPE fiber-based mooring ropes, such as DYNEEMA® SK78. The connector at the end of the upper buoy mooring line section 122 is formed by a corresponding connector on the buoy. An example of a suitable connector on the upper buoy mooring line section 122 is a male connector, which is lowered into an upward-facing recess on the buoy 124 and locked in place by a connector pin, inserted and locked by the accompanying ROV. Figure 2B Buoy 124 is shown, with the upper buoy mooring rope portion 122 connected and already laid.

[0178] The upper buoy mooring line section 122 is then connected to the mooring connector 118 and the main mooring line 121 via the ROV. The mooring connector 118 is a tee connector that connects the upper buoy mooring line section 122 to the main mooring line 121 and has a connector for pulling the mooring line into the mooring point on the floating structure.

[0179] like Figure 2C As shown, the mooring connector pull-in rope 119 is attached to the mooring connector 118 via the ROV. Optionally, the pull-in rope 119 is tied to the upper mooring rope section 122 before the upper mooring rope section 122 is deployed.

[0180] Then, the mooring rope 120, including the upper buoy mooring rope section 122 and the main mooring rope 12, is laid toward the pre-installed suction anchor 50, which includes a mooring chain guide 52 and a pennant 54 (in Figure 2D(As shown in the diagram). In this example, and typically, the main mooring line 121 includes an upper section 121a spliced ​​to the lower section 121b via an intermediate rope buoyancy member (not shown). With the main mooring line 121 laid toward the suction anchor 50, the free end of the lower section 121b is attached to the lower mooring chain 123, which is laid toward the anchor 50. The ROV collects the chain pull-in stub 54 from the guide cable 52 and attaches it to the free end of the lower mooring chain 123. The free end of the pull-in stub 54 is attached to the marine crane hook 46, and the stub and chain are pulled through the guide cable until at least two links are visible.

[0181] For each mooring line in the system, this sequence is repeated until all mooring lines are anchored at their respective anchors and tensioned by the marine crane 44 according to the pre-tensioning plan. Once the mooring line tension is established, the counterweight 130 is reconfigured to a lower mass configuration, e.g., 10 t. This can be achieved, for example, by removing the fixed mass from the counterweight to reduce its mass from 50 t to 10 t. Alternatively or additionally, the variable counterweight can be deballasted by pumping or spraying water from the ballast chamber within the weight.

[0182] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C These are, respectively, an upper isometric view, a lower isometric view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoy 224 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buoy 224 can be used in methods for installing mooring systems, for example, see... Figures 2A to 2D As described, and used in subsequent mooring operations. Buoy 224 includes a body 226 having a generally cylindrical outer wall 228 and a generally cylindrical inner wall 229 defining an annular buoyancy volume 230 and a centrally axially oriented opening 240. The external shape of buoy 224 is designed to be received into a corresponding compartment in a floating structure, such as an I-tube of a semi-submersible floating offshore wind structure.

[0183] The buoyancy volume 230 is sealed by an upper end plate 232 and a lower end plate 234, and includes a system of internal support ribs 236. A pair of axially oriented buoy conduits 242a are provided within the opening 240, configured to receive corresponding dynamic riser pull-in devices. Each buoy conduit has a lower J-shaped bend section 242b connected to a flange plate 243. The conduits 242a and the J-shaped bend section 242b together form a buoy J-shaped tube 242 (for clarity, from...). Figure 3C(The J-shaped bend section 242a is omitted). The buoy also includes a pair of buoy pull-in chain locks 244, each buoy pull-in chain lock 244 receiving a chain 248. The upper end of the buoy 224 includes a pull-in beam 250 and a lifting or suspension eyelet 252 fixed to the beam. The pull-in beam can be held in place by gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the pull-in beam 250 may be equipped with a latch that can be released, for example, via an ROV, so that the pull-in beam can be separated from the buoy.

[0184] The upper end of the buoy pull-in chain 248 is supported by a pull-in beam 250, and the lower end of the chain 248 is fixed to a transverse beam on the buoy body. The lower end of the buoy includes a plurality of buoy mooring line connectors 260 for combination with corresponding connectors on the upper end of a mooring line (not shown). In this case, six buoy mooring line connectors 260 are arranged in pairs, which are distributed circumferentially around the body and extend radially outward and axially downward from the outer wall.

[0185] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of a buoy pulling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can optionally be used in a method for installing a riser into a mooring system. In this case, the riser is a dynamic power cable riser for transmitting power to or from an offshore structure. The device, generally shown at 270, includes a buoy assembly 270a and a riser assembly 270b. The buoy assembly 270a includes a female shunt-free bend-reinforcement connector (DBSC) 272, which is fitted to the buoy 224 via a flange plate 243 at the bottom of a corresponding buoy J-tube 242. A corresponding male DBSC 274 is disposed in the riser assembly 270b around a power cable 276, between a bend-reinforcement 278 and a cable terminal 280. The support portion 282 of the cable terminal includes a suspension locking stop 284, and the upper end of the terminal includes a pull head 286 with a lifting eyelet 288.

[0186] See Figures 5A to 5E The document describes the corresponding steps of the operational sequence of a method for installing a riser into a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Figure 5AA buoy 224 is shown installed at the desired location, its depth set by a variable counterweight 230 and counterweight rope 232. In this embodiment, the counterweight 230 is a chain counterweight, rather than the counterweight with a fixed high-mass configuration and a fixed low-mass configuration as previously described. The buoy depth will typically be set to approximately 20 meters from the water surface to the top of the buoy, although this is adjustable to optimally accommodate riser installation operations and ROV operating depths. For example, the buoy depth can be adjusted during the planning phase to give the riser a straighter or looser pull-in angle. Following the method described with reference to Figure 2, mooring lines have been installed and tensioned on each buoy mooring line connector of buoy 224.

[0188] Buoy 224 is pre-configured with Figure 4 The buoy assembly portion 270a of the pull-in device 270 has been pre-installed with a riser pull-in cable 290 extending through the buoy J-tube 242. Figure 5A The first end of a dynamic riser is shown, comprising a riser assembly portion 270b pre-installed with a pull-in device 270. The dynamic riser is lowered into the water from a heavy-duty lifting vessel via a marine crane 44 and a crane rope 42, and moves alongside the position of buoy 224. An accompanying ROV 292 attaches a pull-in cable 290 to the eyelet 288 of the riser pull head.

[0189] exist Figure 5B In this process, crane rope 42 has been released to transfer the load of the riser to buoy 224 via pull-in short cable 290, and crane rope 42 has been detached and retrieved to the surface. Laying of the riser begins toward its second end position. In the case where the riser is an inter-array power cable between floating structures in a daisy-chain arrangement, the same procedure can be followed to attach the opposite end of the riser to another buoy.

[0190] When the riser is ready to be pulled into buoy 224, ROV 292 pulls the riser into the upper end of the short cable attached to crane rope 42, as... Figure 5C As shown. Then, the riser is pulled upward via the short cable 290, causing the pull head and end to be pulled into the J-shaped tube, and the male DSBC 274 engages with the female DBSC 272 on the buoy 224. Figure 5D Then, the ROV releases the pull head 286 from the male DSBC, and the pull head and cable terminal 280 are pulled upwards into the J-tube, pulled to the position where the latch stop 284 engages with the J-tube, allowing the riser to be temporarily suspended on the buoy. Figure 5E At this position, the riser pull-in cable 290 is separated from the riser and the crane, and the eyelet of the pull head is connected to the buoy pull-in beam 250.

[0191] This process can be repeated to install the second dynamic riser into the second J-tube 242 of buoy 224. Throughout the installation operation, the installation vessel can be free relative to the wind vane as needed.

[0192] Variations of the above-described riser installation method are within the scope of this invention. The riser pull-in cable can be pre-installed in the buoy as described above, or it can be lowered into the buoy before the riser installation activity. The first end of the riser is attached to the buoy (e.g., Figure 5C Afterwards, the second end of the riser can be attached to the second buoy. The first end can then be pulled in before the second end is pulled in, or the second end can be fully pulled in before the first end is pulled in. The buoy and installation method are described in the context of installing a pair of dynamic electric riser ends as part of a floating offshore wind structure array. However, in other embodiments, similar steps can be used to install different riser types, including fluid production or transport pipelines, and / or to install more than two riser ends into the buoy (e.g., in pipe hub or manifold applications).

[0193] The foregoing text and accompanying drawings describe a method for installing a buoy used to support the mooring lines and riser of a floating structure. Now refer to... Figure 6A and Figure 6D This paper describes a method for connecting a system to the hull of a floating structure to provide mooring and riser functions.

[0194] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The buoy mooring and riser support system 300 and the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) structure 304 are schematically shown, with the buoy mooring and riser support system 300 and the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) structure 304 in separate and connected configurations, respectively. The buoy system 300 includes a buoy 224 (as described above), multiple mooring lines 120, and a pair of dynamic power cable risers (omitted from the figures for clarity) pulled into and supported by the buoy 224. Figure 6B As shown, the floating structure is a semi-submersible multi-pillar hull construction, comprising a turbine column 308, multiple outer columns (one of which is shown as 312), an upper hull support section 314, and a lower hull support section 316. The floating structure 304 includes an I-shaped tube 306 mounted on the exterior of the turbine column 308 of the hull, having a downward-facing compartment 310 for receiving a buoy 224 at a bottom opening of the I-shaped tube 306. Figure 6B The dashed outline 318 also shows the alternative locations of the I-shaped tubes and compartments inside the turbine column 308.

[0195] exist Figure 6AIn the process of conducting an ROV survey of the buoy system, the FOWT structure 304 has been towed to the buoy mooring position. The FOWT is moved into place and positioned directly above the buoy with a safe hull clearance 320. The hull winch 322 releases the winch rope 324 to the buoy depth via pulleys, I-tube 306, and compartment 310, with the accompanying ROV connecting the rope 324 to the buoy lifting cable 326. The buoy lifting cable 326 can be pre-installed on the buoy or directly attached to the buoy's lifting beam via an ROV hook or similar connector. The hull winch 322 then pulls the buoy into the compartment 310 located on the hull. The buoy pull-in beam 250 is lifted through the I-tube 306 and secured to the deck in the cable terminal room 330, as shown. Figure 6B As shown in the diagram, the pull-in chain 248 is tensioned to secure the buoy to the hull compartment 310, optionally with an additional mechanical latch implemented using a mechanical latch stop on the buoy and / or compartment. With the chain 248 tensioned, the hull winch rope 324 is released from the pull-in beam 250.

[0196] The buoy mooring system 300, in its separate configuration, can be set at a depth relatively close to the keel of the vessel, and therefore the pull-in distance can be relatively short, for example, 10 to 15 meters, and in any case significantly less than the depth to the seabed. This short pull-in distance means that a wider range of winch types can be used in pull-in operations, such as relatively low-profile, low-weight, and low-cost linear winches. This flexibility in winch selection makes it more feasible to use dedicated winches on the hull for pull-in operations.

[0197] With the buoy in position and tensioned by the chain, the mooring connector pull-in rope 332 is lowered from the hull, and the accompanying ROV attaches it to the mooring connector 118. The mooring connector 118 is then pulled in by the pull-in rope 332, which extends after the turning pulley 333 and is attached to the ship's winch rope 334 and the ship's winch (not shown). The mooring connector 118 is pulled in until it automatically latches into the ship's mooring connector 325. The tension in the pull-in rope 332 is released, and the rope is removed from the mooring connector and tied to the hull 304. The mooring connector pull-in rope 332 is lowered again from the hull, and the process of pulling in and connecting the mooring connectors on each mooring rope 120 is repeated. With all mooring ropes connected, the counterweight (and optionally the counterweight rope) is removed, and the mooring ropes are retightened at the seabed anchor.

[0198] Figure 6C and Figure 6DThe following operational steps are illustrated for pulling riser power cables 276a and 276b into the turbine terminal room 330. A hull winch rope 324 is lowered through an I-tube 306 and attached to the power cable pull-in line on the buoy. The power cable terminal 280 is pulled into the hull and positioned in a deck plate fitting hole, where it is bolted in place. The hull winch rope 324 is released and lowered through the I-tube 306 to the position where the hull winch rope 324 is attached to the power cable pull-in line of the second cable for repeated pulling. Figure 6C The leftmost power cable 276a is shown after being lifted through the I-tube into the terminal chamber 330, and the rightmost cable 276b is shown during the lifting process. With power cables 276a and 276b secured in the terminal chamber, the cable ends are removed to expose the cable connectors. Figure 6D The installed system was tested, and the cable connectors consisted of turbine switch jumpers. Fiber optic cables and instrument lines were also tested, connected, and debugged in the terminal room.

[0199] The foregoing description relates to a process in which a buoy is pulled in and secured to a compartment within the hull, and the power cable is subsequently pulled in to a terminal chamber above the waterline. Within the principles of this invention, variations of the method are contemplated. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the riser is pulled upward into the hull in the same step as the buoy pulling in. For example, the power cable terminal 280 may be secured to the buoy pulling beam 250 such that when the beam 250 is lifted upward through the I-tube to its secured position, the power cable is also lifted through the I-tube. Thus, the pulling in of the buoy and the power cable can be achieved in the same step or in two parts of a continuous lifting process.

[0200] In another variation, the buoy is not secured to a compartment in the hull via a lifting beam, but is instead latched into a safe suspended position using internal or external locking stoppers. The power cable terminal can then be pulled into the terminal room above the waterline in a subsequent dedicated lifting procedure.

[0201] Other variations do not require the dry configuration of cable terminations, and Figure 7AThis is a schematic side view of a buoy pull-in device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similar to device 270, device 370 includes a dynamic power cable riser for transmitting power between offshore structures. The device includes a buoy assembly 370a and a riser assembly 370b. Buoy assembly 370a is a simple guide cone at the base of a buoy I-tube 342. A corresponding I-tube plug or seal 374 is disposed in riser assembly 370b around a power cable (not shown) between a bend reinforcement 378 and a waterproof cable terminal housing 380. Instead of incorporating a J-tube bend into the buoy assembly, the J-tube bend is positioned between the bend reinforcement and the cable terminal housing 380, and the bend reinforcement lock 384 holds the assembly together until released by a ROV-actuated ball release cable. The upper end of the terminal includes a pull head 386 with a lift eyelet 388. The riser assembly 370b is designed to be pulled into the buoy I-tube, causing the I-tube plug to engage with the guide cone to seal the tube. Release of the bend reinforcement lock allows the connector housing terminal to move further into the I-tube and expose the cable for connection to the switchgear of the FOWT.

[0202] The difference between device 370 and device 270 is that, instead of using terminated cables, the power cables are pre-terminated with factory-assembled connectors. The cables of 370 do not need to be pulled into the terminal compartment in the hull used for termination and connection; instead, they can be directly connected to corresponding mating connectors within the buoy compartment, such as in a connection plate within the buoy compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the buoy may include a connection plate to which the pre-terminated cables are connected.

[0203] Figure 7B and Figure 7C This is a schematic side view of a buoy pulling device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, generally shown at 390, in both the separated and connected states. Similar to devices 270 and 370, device 390 includes a dynamic power cable riser for power transmission between offshore structures. However, in this device, the floating structure includes an upper connecting plate 391a above the buoy compartment 392. The buoy 393 includes a lower connecting plate 391b located above the upper end of the buoy. The upper connecting plate 391a and the lower connecting plate 391b together form a conductive connection that is brought together during the pulling of the buoy. The lower connecting plate supports the terminal of the dynamic power riser 394b, and the upper connecting plate is pre-installed with the power cable 394a of the floating structure.

[0204] Using winch rope 395, buoy 393 and its connecting plate 391b are pulled into the buoy compartment, optionally with damping or soft-landing mechanisms to control the forces on the connecting plate and the buoy. With the corresponding connecting plates aligned and close together, clamp 396 or other mechanical means bring the connecting pieces together to form a conductive connection between the dynamic riser and the cable of the structure, without further pulling the buoy or its power cable into the terminal position.

[0205] Figure 7B and Figure 7C An upper connecting plate 391a at the bottom of the I-tube 397 is shown, but it should be understood that the I-tube may be omitted in alternative embodiments.

[0206] Devices 370 and 390 can be equipped with any connector from a range of suitable connectors, including dry mating connectors, submarine dry connectors, wet mating connectors, and T-connectors. In the case of wet mating connectors, the cable connection can be formed below the waterline, and the cable termination does not need to be pulled to a dedicated terminal room.

[0207] A key benefit of this invention is that it enables the easy connection and disconnection of floating offshore structures (such as FOWTs) from mooring systems, and allows assets to be removed from their operating locations for replacement, repair, and / or upgrades. See also Figures 8A to 8C This describes how, in embodiments of the invention, a floating offshore structure can be removed from its location while maintaining operational continuity of other assets in a multi-asset array.

[0208] Figures 8A to 8C This is a schematic diagram of a mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the corresponding steps of the operational sequence for separating the mooring system from the hull of a floating offshore wind turbine. First, according to Figures 6A to 6D The system is configured in a manner in which a buoy is pulled into a hull compartment, tensioned mooring elements are attached to the hull, and two power cables 276 are connected to the FOWT's switching device. When the FOWT needs to be removed from its position for repair or maintenance, the cable ends of cable 276 are isolated and disconnected from the FOWT's switching device. The cables are reconfigured to provide a through connection to each other in a watertight cross assembly 402, such as... Figure 8A As shown. With the cables connected and sealed, the short cable 404, connected to the hull winch 406, is attached to the cross assembly, which is then raised to allow the cables to be released from their respective suspension devices on the deck of the terminal room. The cross assembly 402 is then lowered in the hull I-tube 306 while the winch release and tension are carefully monitored until the cross assembly is received in the upper opening of the buoy J-tube 242.

[0209] When tension is low, the upper end of the short cable 404 is attached to the buoy pull-in beam 250, and the winch 406 is attached to the pull-in beam 450 to bear the tension. Operational variations include lowering the lifting beam after the descent cable and cross assembly, or lowering the lifting beam / chain and cable together using rope 404.

[0210] The counterweight 130 is reattached to the buoy 224 via the counterweight rope 132, and the support vessel is connected to the first mooring rope 120.

[0211] The accompanying ROV releases mooring connector 118 from the hull, and the ship's winch lowers the mooring connector pull-in rope until the mooring connector slackens. The ROV and ship repeat this process for the other mooring ropes. At this point, the rope of the hull winch 406 is under tension, and the buoy is ready to be lowered with a controlled, constant tension (e.g., about 3 t). As the mooring ropes continue to descend, buoy 224 descends into the water column as tension is transferred from the mooring connector to the upper part 122 of the buoy mooring rope. When the last mooring rope has been lowered, the buoy pull-in beam 250 descends onto buoy 224 and is lowered by the ROV 292 (e.g., ...). Figure 8C (As shown in the image) or release the winch rope from the buoy via an acoustic release system. (Note that, for clarity, from...) Figure 8C The counterweight is omitted in the text.

[0212] In variations of the above method, the buoy pull-in chain can be lowered by a lifting beam before the buoy is lowered from the compartment under the weight of the mooring line. Mechanical and / or hydraulic-mechanical devices may be included to ensure the buoy is released from the compartment. In one embodiment, a cam mechanism for locking the buoy in the connected configuration is also used in reverse to forcibly release the buoy from the compartment.

[0213] When the buoy is separated from the floating structure, the buoy supports mooring lines at a selected depth below the waterline, and the buoy supports power cables in a cross configuration so that power can flow through the ground to and from adjacent facilities even in the absence of a local FOWT.

[0214] Figures 8A to 8C The method represents a carefully planned separation process, such as for removing assets from a daisy-chain array scheduler. However, there may be operational environments where a faster separation process is desired, such as in emergency situations or when economic circumstances require it. Figures 9A to 9C An embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically, which is configured for rapid and / or emergency release of risers and buoys from a connected configuration, as well as the sequence of operations.

[0215] Figure 9AThis is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the hull 410 of a floating structure, which includes an I-tube 412 having a lower compartment 414 for receiving mooring buoys 424. The hull, I-tube, and mooring buoys are similar to those described in the foregoing embodiments of the invention; and the mooring buoys 424 are secured to the hull and have been made possible by pulling a pair of power cables 476 through the top of the I-tube. Figures 9A to 9C The embodiment differs from some embodiments in that the power cable at connector plate 426 is formed by an upper cable termination in a wet-mating connector system. Connector plate 426 has a separate configuration including an upper half 426a and a lower half 426b, which are held together by a clamp connector 428, similar to... Figure 7B and Figure 7C Device 390. Buoy pull chain 430 holds the buoy in the hull under tension.

[0216] In the event of rapid or emergency separation, power is isolated from the cable, and the connector is grounded. In response to a separation signal from the distributed control system (DCS) of the floating structure, clamp connector 428 opens, and the weight of the lower half of plate 426b and the lower connector pair is supported by winch rope 432. Controlled release of winch rope 432 allows the plate to separate into upper and lower halves, and the lower half and the lower connector pair are lowered to a buoy, which remains supported by chain 430 pulled into place by the buoy. Figure 9B As shown in the diagram. The winch rope 432 is released and the chain 430 is released to the buoy ( Figure 9C The buoy uses a conventional automatic release mechanism to automatically release the mooring connector at the mooring point on the hull, with the mooring line attached to the buoy and the buoy bearing the tension of the mooring line. Optionally, the buoy has been pre-configured for rapid or emergency release by adding additional mass to the buoy, such that buoyancy is overcome during release to release the buoy from the hull compartment. In one embodiment, mass is added to a pair of diametrically opposed mooring connectors to facilitate buoy release. Optionally, such mooring connectors will release earlier in the release sequence.

[0217] Embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with a lightweight fiber rope connection system to facilitate ROV connection and disconnection operations in free water. See also Figures 10A to 10C An example of such a system is described. Figures 10A to 10CThese are, respectively, a side view, a longitudinal sectional view, and a schematic assembly view of the connection system 450. The system includes a rope connector 460 and a pair of retaining plates 470a, 470b defining slots 472 for receiving the rope connector. The retaining plates 470 can be mounted to the exterior of a buoy used in various aspects and embodiments of the invention, for example, to connect a portion of the upper buoy mooring rope to the buoy, and are spaced apart to accommodate the rope connector. The slots 472 are right-angled bends with vertical guide openings 474 and support ends 478, and extend partially through the plates from opposite inner surfaces toward the outer surfaces of the respective plates. The outer walls of the plates laterally restrict the rope connectors.

[0218] The rope connector 460 includes a support pin 462 comprising a central spherical support portion 463 and a pair of opposing cylindrical support pin ends 464. The pin ends 464 are sized to correspond to a slot 472, and the support pin ends engage between the outer walls of a plate within the slot. A hole 469 extends through the support pin and is coaxial with it, and a corresponding hole in the outer wall of the plate allows a locking pin to be inserted through the plate and held in place by the support pin. Surrounding the central spherical support portion is a rope guide 465 formed by a pair of plates 466 having partially spherical support surfaces 467 for the support portion 463. Multiple bolts secure the plates to the support pin. Surrounding the circumference of the rope guide is a recess 468 for receiving the length of a looped fiber rope 452 around the guide. This recess is partially circular (generally semi-circular) in cross-section and, in this example, is sized for a rope with a diameter of 3 inches (approximately 75.6 mm). The rope guide is rotatable on the support pin and pivots on the spherical support relative to the axis of the support pin.

[0219] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are, respectively, a side view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connection system 480 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. System 480 is similar to system 460 and will... Figures 10A to 10C As understood in the accompanying text. System 480 includes a rope connector 490 and a pair of retaining plates 491a, 491b defining slots 472 for receiving rope connectors. Rope connector 490 differs from rope connector 460 in that it also has an extended support nose 492 to accommodate the ROV handle and provide improved rope support.

[0220] A key advantage of the rope connector system shown in Figures 10 and 11 is that, compared to conventional ROV hooks (approximately 175 kg in air), this rope connector system has a simpler structure and a very light weight (on the order of 50 to 60 kg in air), making it easier for ROVs (including in free-water ROV operations) to handle. Therefore, this system is ideally suited for attaching mooring lines to mooring buoys, as described in embodiments of the invention.

[0221] In the above embodiments of the invention, the mooring buoy is pulled into the connection position on the floating structure located at the bottom of the I-tube. This facilitates the pulling in and connection of the dynamic riser assembly for termination and / or connection with equipment and switching devices on the floating structure. Figure 6B As shown, the I-tube (and thus the connecting compartment for the buoy) can be formed externally to the main hull structure (306) or internally to the main hull structure (318). The advantageous location of the I-tube is outside the turbine column of the hull, as this is possible without redesigning the main hull structure, allowing for retrofitting to existing columns and minimizing cable routing.

[0222] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the external I-tube 501 and buoy compartment 502 mounted on the turbine column 503 of the FOWT structure 500. The I-tube is restrained at its top and bottom, and optionally at an additional location in the portion between the top and bottom, to resist high forces from passing waves. Ideally, the clearance between the I-tube and the column is small to reduce the size of the restraints 505a, 505b, but the I-tube should be kept away from the lower support 507 of the FOWT to avoid complicating manufacturing and affecting the construction of the hull.

[0223] Figure 13 This is a schematic representation of an alternative to the external I-tube 511 and the buoy compartment 512, which is similar to... Figure 12 The device shown is mounted outside the outer column 513 of the FOWT structure, in the inner angle described by the upper and lower supports.

[0224] exist Figure 14A and Figure 14B The figures schematically illustrate another alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a lower plan view and a lower isometric view of the mooring buoy 524 and buoy compartment 526 for the outer I-tube on the turbine column of the FOWT structure 530. This embodiment is similar to... Figure 12 The device shown is an example of a buoy, but in this embodiment, the buoy includes fan-shaped cut-off surfaces 527a and 527b. The included fan-shaped cut-off surfaces 527a and 527b provide asymmetry relative to the buoy body; furthermore, in this example, the buoy body is cylindrical at the lower portion and conical at the upper portion. The compartment 526 has a corresponding shape for receiving and connecting the buoy.

[0225] The asymmetry in the buoy and compartment bodies results in the buoy needing to enter the compartment with a specific rotational orientation and being rotatably keyed within the compartment during connection. This provides an advantage in aligning equipment with the upper surface of the buoy, for example, for pulling a riser from the buoy. The sector surface and the corresponding compartment surface facilitate self-alignment of the buoy within the compartment during pull-in.

[0226] Furthermore, the cut-off fan-shaped surface of the buoy allows the buoy, compartment, and I-tube to be positioned closer to the hull as pillars without affecting the structure of the support structure, thereby reducing the required size of the upper and lower constraints.

[0227] Other configurations of the buoy connection compartment are in Figure 15 As shown schematically in Figure 17. Figure 15 This is a schematic side view of a buoy compartment 550 mounted on the exterior of the hull 551 of the floating structure, having a connected buoy 552. The buoy is a mooring buoy with functionality similar to the mooring buoys of the previously described embodiments. However, while the previously described embodiments used a compartment that receives the buoy from below, below the waterline, compartment 550 is configured to receive the buoy from above and is located above the waterline. Compartment 550 has an upward-facing opening 554 and a lateral retaining structure 556, the opening being sized and shaped to receive the buoy, the lateral retaining structure 556 standing upright from a support element 558. A retaining structure 560 mounts the compartment to the floating structure. In use, the buoy 552 is raised from the water by a winch rope (not shown) with a connected mooring line and riser, and is manipulated at the opening 554. The side opening in the lateral retaining structure provides side inlets for the riser and mooring line to allow them to be brought into place without detaching from the buoy. The buoy is lowered into compartment 550 by releasing a winch rope and can be latched or otherwise locked into the compartment by a mechanical and / or hydraulic mechanism (not shown).

[0228] As in other embodiments, the buoy and / or riser can be accessed from above via a buoy in the compartment for upward pull into the structure for connecting the riser end to the equipment and / or switching device. Optionally, this is via an I-tube 562 on the exterior of the hull, having a lower opening 563 spaced appropriately from the compartment to minimize interference with the connection operation. In a variation of this embodiment, after the buoy is connected, the I-tube can be moved from a laterally displaced position to its position above the compartment, or the I-tube can be omitted from the device.

[0229] When it is necessary to separate the buoy, as part of a planned separation or rapid / emergency separation operation, the support element can be moved to the release position, for example by pivoting or retracting, allowing the buoy and the attached riser and mooring lines to fall into the water column below under gravity (or under controlled release of the winch rope).

[0230] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are schematic plan and side views of the buoy compartment 570 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Figure 16C This is a schematic side view of a compatible buoy 574. The compartment is designed to be mounted externally to the hull of the floating structure (not shown) to allow the attachment of mooring buoy 574, which has similar functionality to the mooring buoys of the previously described embodiments. However, while the previously described embodiments use a compartment for receiving buoys from below, below the waterline, compartment 550 is configured for receiving buoys from a side or lateral position and can be located above or below the waterline. Compartment 570 has a through opening 576, a support surface 578, and a lateral retaining structure 580 erected from the support surface. The side opening 577 allows buoys to be attached and detached from one side of the compartment, and the retaining structure 582 mounts the compartment to the floating structure (not shown).

[0231] The buoy 574 of this embodiment has a generally conical lower body portion 584 and an upper body portion 586. The lower body portion and the upper body portion are separated in the axial direction of the buoy by an annular recess 588. The reduced diameter of the annular recess is sized and shaped to fit through a side opening 577 of the compartment. The upper body portion 586 defines a downward-facing shoulder 590, which is wider than the through opening 576 of the compartment and serves as a support surface so that the buoy can be suspended on the support surface 578 of the compartment. Therefore, the buoy 574 can be inserted into the compartment by lifting the buoy 574 by a winch rope to a height where the reduced diameter portion of the annular recess 588 is aligned with the opening 577 and by laterally pushing or pulling the buoy. The winch rope can then be released, and the gravity acting on the buoy will lower it until the shoulder 590 is supported on the support surface 578 of the compartment. The buoy may optionally be latched or otherwise locked into the compartment by a mechanical and / or hydraulic mechanism (not shown).

[0232] As in other embodiments, the riser can be accessed from above via a buoy in the compartment and pulled upward into a structure for connecting the riser end to equipment and / or switching devices, optionally via an I-shaped tube on the exterior of the hull having a lower opening spaced appropriately from the compartment to minimize interference with the connection operation.

[0233] When the buoy needs to be separated, as part of a planned separation or rapid / emergency separation operation, the latch or locking mechanism is disengaged, and the buoy is raised by a winch rope until the reduced diameter portion of the annular recess 588 aligns with the opening 577. The buoy can be pushed or pulled laterally out of the compartment, and the buoy is lowered into the water column. Optionally or additionally, the support surface 578 is formed by a support element that can, for example, pass through with... Figure 15 The device pivots or retracts in a similar manner to move to the release position, thereby allowing the buoy, along with the attached riser and mooring lines, to fall into the column of water below under gravity (or under controlled release of the winch rope).

[0234] See Figure 17A and Figure 17B Another alternative embodiment of the invention is described below. Figure 17A and Figure 17B The mooring buoy 624 and the floating structure 600 are schematically shown in their separated and connected states, respectively. As in the previous embodiment, the mooring buoy... Figure 17A In the separate configuration, the mooring lines and dynamic riser (shown as 604) are supported, and the mooring buoy is designed to be received at compartment 602 and connected to the float structure 600. However, in this case, the float structure does not have a dedicated I-tube to facilitate the pull-in of the buoy and / or riser ends. Instead, compared to the previous embodiment, the buoy extends vertically and provides an integrated conduit from the riser connection point to the riser terminal location on the float structure.

[0235] Buoy 624 is structurally similar to Figures 3A to 3C The buoy 224 includes a body 626 having a generally cylindrical outer wall and a generally cylindrical inner wall defining an annular buoyancy volume, as well as a centrally axially oriented opening. The external shape of the buoy 624 is designed to be received into a compartment 602 in a float structure 600. The buoyancy volume is sealed by an upper and lower end plate and includes a system of internal support ribs. Within the opening is a pair of axially oriented buoy channels configured to receive corresponding dynamic riser pull-in devices, each buoy channel having a lower J-shaped bend section. The upper end of the buoy is a lift or suspension eyelet 628. The lower end of the buoy includes a plurality of buoy mooring line connectors 630 for combination with corresponding connectors on the upper end of mooring lines 632.

[0236] The buoy 624 differs from the buoys of the previous embodiment in that it extends axially to provide a waterline area to the buoy from a position below the waterline 601 where the mooring and dynamic riser can be safely and securely positioned, and to an upper position above the waterline 601. During the connection operation, the buoy 624 is initially pulled into compartment 602 via a lower winch rope 605 through a side opening, which is connected at a midway point between the upper and lower ends of the buoy. An upper winch rope 606 can be connected to the upper end of the buoy above the waterline (without the ROV) and pulled within the upper end of the buoy... Figure 17B The location is shown. At this location, the upper end of the buoy extends into the lower portion of the terminal chamber 610. Therefore, the conduit defined by the buoy itself facilitates the pulling of the riser end into the terminal chamber without relying on a dedicated I-tube on the floating structure.

[0237] Optionally, the riser end is recessed into the buoy body to provide protection when in a disassembled configuration and is pulled up to a higher level within the structure / hull for termination and / or connection to equipment or switching devices on the floating structure. If the riser end has already been pulled up toward the top of the buoy as part of a riser pull-in operation, the pull-in of the riser end can be a short distance (e.g., as little as 1 m). Alternatively, the extended length of the buoy provides a guide channel for the pull-in of the riser end after the buoy has been attached.

[0238] Figure 18 An alternative arrangement for a detachable mooring buoy 724 and a floating structure 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. This embodiment is similar to the arrangement of the buoy 624 and the floating structure 600, and will be... Figure 17A and Figure 17B This is understood in the following embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the buoy 724 is configured to float below the waterline in its separate configuration and is pulled into the interior of the column of the float structure 700 and into the compartment 702 of the terminal chamber 710. As in the previous embodiment, the conduit defined by the buoy facilitates the pulling of the riser end into the terminal chamber without relying on a dedicated I-tube on the float structure.

[0239] exist Figure 17A , Figure 17B and Figure 18 In an alternative variant of the embodiment, the body of the buoy may be extended so that the bonding of the ballast material can further stabilize the buoy.

[0240] This invention provides a detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure. The system may include a buoy comprising a connector enabling the buoy to be attached to and detached from the floating structure. The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not attached to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports a dynamic riser above the seabed. The system also has a connected configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; and wherein the system is configured to allow the buoy to be pulled into the connected configuration and the dynamic riser to be pulled into the connected position. Aspects of the invention include associated pull-in sequences (independent of the through connection of a first and second dynamic riser) and conductive connections from the dynamic riser to the floating structure. Further aspects of the invention include associated rapid / emergency detachment systems and methods, the use of counterweights in the installation sequence, connection structures and buoy configurations, and rope connectors.

[0241] Various modifications can be made to the above embodiments within the scope of this invention, and the invention extends to combinations of features other than those expressly claimed herein. In particular, although embodiments have been described with reference to FOWT structures and electric dynamic risers, the principles, embodiments, and aspects of the invention can be applied to other risers, including risers for conveying fluids (including hydrocarbon and hydrogen fuel products or precursors) to and from offshore facilities.

Claims

1. A detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the system comprising: A buoy, the buoy including a connector that enables the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure; The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe above the seabed. The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure, and the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe are connected to corresponding pipe connectors on the floating structure. Furthermore, in the separated configuration, the system is capable of achieving a through connection between the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe, independent of the floating structure.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The buoy at least partially supports the first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser, which are in a through-connection state independent of the floating structure.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the system comprising a plurality of mooring lines, each mooring line comprising a lower mooring line portion having a first end connected to a seabed anchor, and each mooring line comprising a mooring connector for the floating structure.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of mooring lines includes a buoy mooring line, the buoy mooring line including an upper buoy mooring line portion and a mooring connector for the floating structure, the upper buoy mooring line portion having a second end connected to the buoy, the mooring connector being located between the second end and the lower mooring line portion.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, In the separated configuration, the buoy supports the buoy mooring rope at least partially above the seabed.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, In the connection configuration, the buoy is connected to the floating structure, and the mooring connector is connected to a mooring point on the floating structure to tension the buoy mooring line between the anchor and the mooring point.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser are power pipelines.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the connection configuration, at least one of the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe is connected to the electrical equipment on the floating structure.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cross assembly for facilitating the connection of the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe to each other.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The cross assembly is a watertight structure that defines a sealed volume configured to accommodate the respective ends of the first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The cross assembly is configured to be supported by the buoy in the separated state.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe to be pulled into the connection position.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe to the connection position during continuous or sequential installation operations.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pulling of the buoy into the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure.

15. A method for separating a mooring component and a dynamic riser piping system from a floating offshore structure, the system comprising a buoy, a first dynamic riser piping, and a second dynamic riser piping, the buoy being connected to the floating structure; in, The method includes: A through connection is formed between the first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe; Separating the buoy from the floating structure to a separate configuration; and The first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser are at least partially supported on the buoy, independent of the floating structure.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming the through connection between the first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser on the floating structure.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising, when in a connected configuration, at least partially supporting the connected first dynamic riser pipe and the second dynamic riser pipe on the buoy.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising forming the through connection between the first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser in a cross assembly.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The cross assembly is a watertight structure that defines a sealed volume configured to accommodate the respective ends of the first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising lowering the buoy and the connected first dynamic riser and second dynamic riser into the water to a depth below the floating structure.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The first dynamic riser and the second dynamic riser are power pipelines.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein, The floating structure is a floating offshore wind turbine that forms part of an array of floating offshore wind turbines.

23. A detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the system comprising: A buoy, the buoy including a connector that enables the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure; The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser above the seabed. The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; Furthermore, the system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe to the connection position during continuous or sequential installation operations.

24. A method for connecting a mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the mooring system comprising buoys that at least partially support a dynamic riser above the seabed, wherein, The method includes: The buoy is pulled into a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; The dynamic riser pipe is pulled into the connection position at the floating structure, where the dynamic riser pipe can be connected to the corresponding pipe connector on the floating structure. The pulling in of the buoy and the pulling in of the dynamic riser to the connection position are either continuous or sequential installation operations.

25. A detachable mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the system comprising: A buoy, the buoy including a connector that enables the buoy to be connected to and disconnected from the floating structure; The system has a detached configuration in which the buoy is not connected to the floating structure and the buoy at least partially supports the dynamic riser above the seabed. The system has a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; The system is configured to enable the buoy to be pulled into the connection configuration and the dynamic riser pipe to be pulled into the connection position. Furthermore, the pulling of the buoy into the connection configuration brings together the connection between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connection on the floating structure.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein, The dynamic riser pipeline includes power pipelines.

27. A method for connecting a mooring system for a floating offshore structure, the mooring system comprising a system with buoys that at least partially support a dynamic riser above the seabed, wherein, The method includes: The buoy is pulled into a connection configuration in which the buoy is connected to the floating structure; The dynamic riser pipe is pulled into the connection position at the floating structure, where the dynamic riser pipe can be connected to the corresponding pipe connector on the floating structure. The pulling of the buoy into the connection configuration brings together the connecting parts between the dynamic riser pipe and the corresponding pipe connector on the floating structure.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The dynamic riser pipeline includes power pipelines.

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