Submersible offshore positionable frame

Abstract

A submersible offshore jack-up frame comprises a base and at least four legs, wherein said base is positionable along said legs, so that said base may be moved from a first position wherein said base is transportable on the deck of a surface vessel such as a barge, to a second position wherein said base is above a water surface when supported by said legs. The base may be elevated above the deck of the barge when supported by said legs. The base is also positionable on said legs so as to be submerged below the water surface to allow a barge to be positioned above the base, and then elevated to support the barge above sea level.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to platforms for offshore construction of wind farms, oil and gas exploration, and other marine construction and salvage operations and the maintenance and decommissioning thereof.BACKGROUND[0002]Construction of wind farms, oil and gas fields and other offshore facilities are primarily performed with the use of semi submersible and / or conventional jack up barges or ships that come with high economic costs, and are normally high in demand. Such barges therefore require scheduling well in advance for any given project, and like any other seagoing vessel, can be subject to weather delays that the client economically or by project rescheduling will ultimately pay for.[0003]Conventional jack up barges and ships are typically used for these activities but are very expensive, high in demand and very expensive to mobilize to remote areas of the world. They are adequate for the work but are limited because they are normally built for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]When utilizing the submersible jack-up platform a variety of activities can be accomplished throughout the construction phase of any project by changing the barge performing the work. For instance a large crane barge can be utilized for driving large foundation piles, when this activity is complete the large crane barge con be de-mobilized and a smaller crane barge can be utilized to install smaller components as required or once the large crane barge has been demobilized an accommodation barge may be util...

Problems solved by technology

Construction of wind farms, oil and gas fields and other offshore facilities are primarily performed with the use of semi submersible and/or conventional jack up barges or ships that come with high economic costs, and are normally high in demand.

Such barges therefore require scheduling well in advance for any given project, and like any other seagoing vessel, can be subject ...

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