Systems and methods for tethering a subsea structure

The system embeds seabed anchors with mud mats and links to facilitate tethering subsea BOPs, addressing interference issues and ensuring stable preload forces without disrupting other subsea infrastructure.

AU2020380170B2Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-16TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
AU · AU
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE INC
Filing Date
2020-06-02
Publication Date
2026-07-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing systems face difficulties in tethering subsea structures like subsea BOPs due to interference with existing mooring anchors and buried anchors, making it challenging to deploy tensioning systems and flexible tension members without disrupting other subsea infrastructure.

Method used

A system utilizing an anchor embedded in the seabed with a mud mat and link, combined with a flexible tension member and tensioning system, allows for tethering subsea structures by imparting lateral and vertical preloads, while avoiding interference with existing infrastructure.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient tethering of subsea structures using existing anchors, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding subsea installations and providing stable preload forces.

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Abstract

A system for tethering a subsea structure includes an anchor embedded in the sea bed, a mud mat disposed partially above the seafloor, a link attached to the anchor and to the mud mat, and a flexible tension member. One end of the flexible tension member is coupled to a tensioning system configured to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member. The tensioning system is mounted on one of the subsea structure or on the mud mat. The other end of the flexible tension member is coupled to the other of the subsea structure or on the mud mat. The anchor may optionally be buried below the seafloor.
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