Apparatus for Connecting Two Offshore Units

Abstract

A connecting apparatus for two offshore units includes a coupling element with two sets of couplings and resetting facilities that compensate movements between the two offshore units. The coupling element includes a frame connected with the offshore units by two sets of couplings in a manner allowing pivotal movement and rotation. At least one set of couplings includes a first and a second elongated element that are each connected with both the frame and an offshore unit via constructions allowing pivotal movement and rotation. The resetting facilities include a first and a second resilient element that are each stationary connected with the offshore unit and force either the first or the second elongated element to a position extending substantially vertically downwards.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is the National Phase of International Application PCT / NL2005 / 000156, filed Mar. 3, 2005, which claimed priority to Netherlands Application 1025708, filed Mar. 12, 2004, the entire contents of both applications being incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting two offshore units and is provided with a coupling element which is, via a first set of coupling means, connectable with the one offshore unit and, via a second set of coupling means, with the other offshore unit, where, further, resetting facilities are present for compensating movements between the two offshore units. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Such a connecting apparatus is, for instance, used for connecting a tender drilling unit and a wellhead platform or a production platform. Such connecting apparatuses generally have a relativ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] If, further, the connecting means for coupling the steel cable with the frame are at a distance from those with the resilient element, while the part of the steel cable located between the two connecting means runs over a wire guide preferably hingedly connected with the offshore unit, the vertical extension of the steel cable in the neutral position can simply be brought about, while, also, the pivotal movement of the steel cable during the relative movement of the offshore units is accurately controlled and guided.

[0018] If, for instance, the frame is connected with the one offshore unit at the start of the installation of the connecting apparatus, the coupling thereof can quickly and efficiently be brought about with a steel cable if the steel cable is interrupted at the location of the connecting means with the frame.

Problems solved by technology

Such connecting apparatuses generally have a relatively stiff and rigid design, so that they can only be used in relatively mild environmental conditions.

This often results in additional anchor lines needing to be provided, which requires extra investments and installation time.

In addition, the magnitude of the ballast weight is such that the installation thereof cannot take place at sea, but already needs to take place in the harbor in advance.

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