Self-floating super shallow water structures

The Super Shallow Water Structure addresses the high costs and time constraints of traditional offshore installations by enabling self-floating, modular, and re-locatable installations in shallow water areas, reducing the need for heavy lifting vessels and streamlining the installation process.

WO2025113764A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-05MCS FREE ZONE

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EG2024/000024
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-01
Filing Date
2024-11-28
Publication Date
2025-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional offshore installations in shallow water areas are costly and time-consuming, requiring heavy lifting vessels and complex lifting operations, which are expensive and less viable due to limited availability and high daily rates.

Method used

The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) is a self-floating offshore structure designed for shallow water installations, featuring a pontoon foundation that allows the entire structure to be towed and lowered into place without heavy lifting vessels. The structure is fabricated with modular components and can be re-floated for relocation.

Benefits of technology

The SSS significantly reduces installation time and cost by eliminating the need for heavy lift vessels and complex lifting operations, allowing for completion within 24 hours and providing flexibility for relocation and reuse.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a novel offshore structure, referred to as Super Shallow Water Structures (SSS), designed and manufactured for installation in shallow water depths ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters. The said structure is a self-floating structure that can be towed from a fabrication yard or dry dock to an offshore site and lowered into position without requiring heavy lifting vessels or barge-based operations. The structure is equipped with a unique pontoon foundation (1) that facilitates self-floating transport and lowering through controlled water or grout filling. The structure (SSS) serves as an alternative to traditional offshore structures. It also provides a viable solution for replacing jacket and pile foundations for heavy topsides structures.
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Description

SELF-FLOATING SUPER SHALLOW WATER STRUCTURESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[1] This application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Number US 63 / 605,000, filed on December 1, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[2] The present invention relates to advancements in offshore structural technology, specifically focusing on a new generation of self-floating offshore structures. The Super Shallow Water Structures (SSS) of the present invention are designed and manufactured for installation in shallow water areas, typically ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters in depth.BACKGROUND[3] Traditional offshore installations involve complex and costly processes, requiring the transportation of individual components such as the jacket and deck on separate material barges, followed by offshore lifting using specialized Derrick Barges or heavy lift vessels. Jackets are temporarily stabilized on mudmats until driven or drill & grouted piles are installed. This traditional method also involves extensive use of high-cost equipment, such as Derrick Barges (DB) or Dynamic Positioning vessels (DP2), which are essential for heavy lifting and positioning at the installation site. The limited availability of such vessels, coupled with their extremely high daily rates, makes this method increasingly expensive and less viable, particularly in a busy offshore market.[4] In contrast, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention eliminates the need for heavy lifting vessels by integrating the entire structure into a single self-floating unit. The steel foundation of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) is designed and manufactured to function as a built-in material barge or a double pontoon vessel, capable of floating with the complete assembly — jacket, deck, and topsides — intact. The stability of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) during transportation is carefully engineered to meet transportation criteria, and buoyancy tanks (3) or retractable sections may be incorporated to ensure stability before towing.[5] The structure is fabricated with a modular approach. In cases where fabrication yard or dry dock capabilities allow, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention is constructed as a single integrated module. Alternatively, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) can be fabricated in three separate modules, which are assembled either in a dry dock or at a quay side, allowing for accelerated schedules. Some compartments of the structure are partially or fully filled with grout prior to sailing to minimize the time spent offshore at the target site.[6] Upon arrival at the offshore location, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention is lowered into position by filling select compartments with water, a process that is carefully controlled to ensure that the structure sinks gradually to the seabed without exceeding a load of 10 to 20 tonnes. A crane with minimal lifting capacity (< 50 tonnes), positioned on any available vessel type, is used to secure the lowering process. After the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) reaches its final, leveled position, the crane is dismantled, and hoses are connected by divers to complete the filling of the remaining compartments, thereby finalizing the installation process.[7] In certain scenarios, additional topsides modules may be lifted and installed on the deck (4) of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS), with each module weighing less than 100 tonnes. This method avoids the need for a heavy lift vessel by utilizing the Super Shallow Water Structure's inherent stability during installation.[8] One of the key advantages of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention is its significant reduction in installation time and cost. Unlike conventional offshore structures, which can require several weeks for jacket, piling, and deck installation, the entire installation process of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention can be completed within 24 hours once at the target site. Furthermore, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention provides the additional benefit of being re-float, making it possible to relocate and re-install the structure at different locations, further enhancing its versatility and cost-effectiveness.[9] Overall, the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) represents a breakthrough in offshore structure design and installation, offering a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods, particularly for shallow water applications.SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure provides a novel offshore structure, referred to as Super Shallow Water Structures (SSS), designed and manufactured for installation in shallow water depths ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters. The Super Shallow Water Structure of the present invention is a self-floating structure that can be towed from a fabrication yard or dry dock to an offshore site and lowered into position without requiring heavy lifting vessels or barge-based operations. The structure is equipped with a unique pontoon foundation (1) that facilitates selffloating transport and lowering through controlled water or grout filling. The Super Shallow Water Structure of the present invention (SSS) serves as an efficient, cost-effective, and rapid alternative to traditional offshore structures, such as wellhead towers, flare and bridge support towers, and multi-function processing facility towers with topside loads below 1000 tonnes. It also provides a viable solution for replacing jacket and pile foundations for heavy topsides structures. Additionally, the Super Shallow Water Structure of the present invention (SSS) design provides flexibility for multi-functional uses beyond the oil and gas industry, making it suitable for a range of offshore applications.

[0011] wherein the structure is suitable for shallow water installations having depths ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters in depth and is designed for applications in the oil and gas industry, including wellhead towers, flare and bridge support towers, and multi-function service or processing facility towers with topsides loads up to 1000 tonnes in case topsides loads are exceeding 1000 tonnes, SSS can still be used as superior cost effective alternative for conventional jacket and piling but connected to conventional deck with no limitations of topsides load in such an application.

[0012] The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention comprising:

[0013] Part 1: Pontoon Foundation (1):A small ship-like steel gravity-based foundation having internal compartments, wherein the compartments are partially or fully filled with grout, an alternative material, and / or water; wherein partial filling of the compartments may be carried out prior to sailing, and the balance of the filling is carried out at the installation site, prior to or post lowering to the seabed; wherein the Pontoon Foundation functions as an inherent vessel enabling the entire SSS assembly, including the jacket, deck, and topsides, to self-float to the offshore installationsite; wherein once at the installation site, the Pontoon Foundation (1) enables lowering of the entire SSS assembly through partial water filling of the Pontoon compartments, and once lowered to the seabed, the Pontoon Foundation (1) is converted into a gravity-based foundation through further grouting and / or water filling of additional Pontoon compartments; wherein the Pontoon Foundation (1) is designed and manufactured to be re-floatable, allowing the structure to be relocated by reversing the water filling and emptying operations, and attaching additional buoyancy if required.

[0014] Part 2: Braced Legs (2):A pile-free jacket structure comprising a plurality of braced legs (2), the bottom of which is embedded and connected to the gravity-based Pontoon Foundation (1), and the top of which is connected to the deck legs.

[0015] Part 3: Additional Buoyancy Attachments (3) (optional):One or more buoyancy tanks (3) and / or retractable buoyant sections connected to the Pontoon Foundation (1) prior to floating, which can be dismantled before or after lowering the structure to the seabed.

[0016] Part 4: Deck (4).A single or multi-deck structure connected to the braced jacket legs, wherein the deck (4) is similar to conventional offshore deck structures but connected to the SSS jacket legs rather than piles.

[0017] It is worth mentioning that the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention is designed and manufactured to function as a superior alternative to traditional offshore structures in shallow water areas, typically ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters in water depth, for applications in the oil and gas industry, and its functions are clarified as below:

[0018] Wellhead Towers:The structure (SSS) configured to serve as a wellhead platform for offshore drilling and production operations.

[0019] Flare and Bridge Support Towers:The structure (SSS) configured to function as a flare support tower and / or a bridge support tower for offshore facilities.

[0020] Multi-function / Service or Processing Facility Towers:The structure (SSS) configured to serve as a multi-function service platform or processing facility tower with topsides loads not exceeding 1000 tonnes.

[0021] Alternative to Jacket and Piles for Heavy Topsides Structures:The structure (SSS) configured to serve as an alternative to traditional jacket and pile foundations for supporting heavy topsides structures in shallow water, reducing installation costs and complexity.

[0022] Multi-functional Applications Outside the Oil and Gas Industry:The structure (SSS) further configured for use in multi-functional offshore applications outside of the oil and gas industry, such as renewable energy, telecommunications, or other offshore infrastructure projects.

[0023] The method of installing the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) of the present invention contains the below steps as clarified below:

[0024] 1- Fabricating the Steel Foundation:Fabricating a steel foundation of the SSS designed and manufactured to function as a built-in material barge or double pontoon vessel, capable of floating with the entire SSS assembly, including the jacket, deck, and topsides.

[0025] 2- Stability Design and Buoyancy Addition:Designing the stability of the SSS assembly to meet transportation criteria, including the addition of optional buoyancy tanks (3) or retractable buoyant sections to the floating foundation prior to towing if required for additional stability.

[0026] 3- Compartmentalizing the Steel Foundation:Fabricating the steel foundation with internal compartments formed by longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, wherein each compartment is equipped with nozzles and manual valves for filling with water and / or grout, as per the design requirements for each case.

[0027] 4- Partial Grout Filling Prior to Sailing:Optionally, partially or fully filling selected compartments with grout prior to sailing if the stability of the SSS assembly permits, thereby minimizing offshore time at the target site.

[0028] 5- Fabricating the SSS as Integrated or Modular Assembly:Fabricating the SSS as one integrated module if the fabrication yard or dry dock handlingcapabilities allow, or fabricating the SSS in three separate modules in series or parallel if an accelerated schedule is required. These modules are assembled in a dry dock or at quay side.

[0029] 6- Transporting the SSS to the Installation Site:Towing the SSS to the target offshore location as a self-floating integrated assembly.

[0030] 7- Filling Selected Compartments at Target Location:Upon arrival at the target location, connecting hoses to selected compartments of the SSS and filling them with water and / or grout according to a pre-defined sequence and procedure.

[0031] 8- Sinking the SSS to the Seabed:Ensuring the filling process enables the gradual sinking of the SSS assembly to the seabed without exceeding a load of 10 to 20 tonnes.

[0032] 9- Securing the Lowering Process:Connecting a crane with a minimal capacity of less than 50 tonnes, installed on any available vessel, to the SSS assembly prior to filling, to secure the lowering process and ensure smooth positioning into its final location.

[0033] 10-Final Positioning and Filling:Once the SSS is positioned and leveled at its final location on the seabed, dismantling the crane, and connecting hoses by divers to the remaining compartments for further filling with water and / or grout, as per the case-by-case design.

[0034] 11 - Completing the Installation :Upon completion of the filling process, pulling the hoses back to the vessel, thereby completing the installation of the SSS.

[0035] 12- Additional Topsides Installation:In some cases, lifting and installing an additional topsides module on the SSS deck (4), wherein the topsides module has a lift load of less than 100 tonnes, thereby eliminating the need for a heavy-lift vessel. This step is particularly applicable when there are limitations on the SSS stability during towing or when some topsides modules are unavailable at the time of towing.

[0036] In summary, the present invention relates to a Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) for offshore installations, comprising:

[0037] - A pontoon foundation (1) designed as a small ship-like steel gravity-based foundation, having internal compartments, wherein said compartments are partially or fully filled withgrout, an alternative material, and / or water to enable self-floating transport and lowering of the structure;

[0038] -A jacket structure with braced legs (2), wherein the bottom of the legs is embedded and connected to the gravity-based pontoon foundation (1), and the top of the legs is connected to a deck (4);

[0039] -A deck (4) connected to the jacket legs (2), wherein said deck (4) supports topside equipment and facilities, and is configured for offshore applications, including wellhead towers, flare and bridge support towers, and multi-function service or processing facility towers with topside loads under 1000 tonnes;

[0040] -Optional buoyancy attachments (3) comprising one or more buoyancy tanks or retractable buoyant sections connected to the pontoon foundation (1) to enhance stability during transport and floating operations, and dismantled before or after lowering the structure to the seabed.

[0041] Characterized in that: the said self-floating structure configured to eliminate the need for heavy-lift vessels and complex lifting operations, thereby reducing installation costs and time; wherein the self-floating system allows for installation of the structure on-site in less than 24 hours, in contrast to traditional offshore installations requiring several weeks of installation time; wherein the SSS is adapted to be re-floated, relocated, and reinstalled at a different offshore site, providing operational flexibility; wherein the SSS is designed for multi-purpose application, including use in oil and gas operations for wellhead towers, flare towers, and processing facilities, and wherein the SSS is further adaptable for use in other offshore industries requiring rapid and cost-effective installation in shallow waters.

[0042] Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for installing the said Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) at an offshore site, comprising the steps of:

[0043] 1- Fabricating a steel foundation for the SSS, designed as a floating vessel with a built- in material barge or double pontoon structure capable of supporting the entire SSS assembly, including a jacket, deck, and topsides, with stability designed to meet transportation criteria, and with the option to connect additional buoyancy tanks or retractable sections to the floating foundation prior to towing for enhanced stability;

[0044] 2- Designing the steel foundation with internal compartments formed by longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, each compartment equipped with nozzles and manual valves for filling with water and / or grout according to specific design requirements;

[0045] 3- Optionally filling selected compartments with grout prior to towing to enhance stability and minimize offshore installation time;

[0046] 4- Fabricating the SSS as one integrated module, or as three separate modules if an accelerated schedule is required, with modules assembled in a dry dock or at quay side, and with selected compartments partially or fully filled with grout prior to sailing;

[0047] 5- Towing the fabricated SSS to the target offshore location as a self-floating integrated assembly;

[0048] 6- Filling selected compartments upon arrival at the target location by connecting hoses and filling the compartments with water and / or grout according to a predefined sequence and procedure, enabling the gradual sinking of the SSS to the seabed with a load not exceeding 10 to 20 tonnes;

[0049] 7- Securing the lowering process by connecting a crane with a minimal lifting capacity of less than 50 tonnes to the SSS prior to the filling process to ensure smooth positioning at the final location on the seabed;

[0050] 8- Completing the installation by disconnecting the crane once the SSS is positioned and leveled, and using divers to connect hoses for further filling of compartments, completing the filling process, and then pulling the hoses back to the vessel to finalize the installation;

[0051] 9- Optionally lifting and installing an additional topsides module on the SSS deck, where the topsides module has a lift load of less than 100 tonnes, eliminating the need for a heavy-lift vessel, particularly in cases of limited SSS stability during towing or delayed availability of topsides modules.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG.l shows side view & plan view of the Super Shallow water Structure (SSS) components;

[0053] FIG.2 shows side view of the Super Shallow water Structure (SSS) of the present invention with different shape of pontoon foundation (1);

[0054] FIG.3 shows the typical arrangements of Ship-shaped Pontoon Foundation (1);

[0055] FIG. 4 shows the typical arrangements of the Super Shallow water Structure (SSS) of the present invention after completion of fabrication;

[0056] FIG. 5 is SSS Pontoon Foundation Internal Plating Arrangements;

[0057] FIG. 6 is SSS Typical Modular Arrangements;

[0058] FIG. 7 is an illustrating drawing showing structure (SSS) during towing to its designated location;

[0059] FIG. 8 is an illustrating drawing showing structure (SSS) Lowered onto seabed in location; and

[0060] FIG. 9 is an illustrating drawing an isometric view of Super Shallow water Structure (SSS).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention relates to Super Shallow Water Structures (SSS), a novel generation of offshore structures designed and manufactured for shallow water areas, typically between 3.5 meters and 50 meters in depth. These self-floating structures are capable of being towed from a fabrication yard or dry dock to an offshore location and lowered into place without the need for offshore lifting operations, heavy-lift vessels, or barges. The current invention provides an efficient, cost-effective, and rapid method for installing offshore structures with reduced complexity and fewer requirements for specialized equipment.

[0062] The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) consists of several key components designed and manufactured to work together to facilitate easy transportation, installation, and potential relocation. These components include four essential parts as shown below:

[0063] Part 1: Pontoon Foundation (1)The Pontoon Foundation (1) forms the base of the structure and serves a dual purpose: it functions as both the floating transport vessel and as the gravity-based foundation once submerged. The pontoon foundation (1) is a ship-like steel structure that includes internal compartments which can be filled with grout, alternative materials, or water to control buoyancy and stability to make the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) has the below distinctive features:

[0064] 1- Buoyancy and Stability Control:The internal compartments of the pontoon are partially or fully filled with grout, water, oralternative materials. This filling can be done in stages: part of the filling may occur before the structure is towed to the offshore site, while the rest is done on-site either before or after the structure is lowered to the seabed.

[0065] 2- Self-Floating Capability:The Pontoon Foundation (1) enables the entire structure (including the deck and jacket) to be towed as a self-floating unit. Upon reaching the installation site, water is added to selected compartments to gradually lower the structure into its final position on the seabed.

[0066] 3- Gravity-Based FoundationAfter the pontoon is lowered and settled on the seabed, the final filling of grout and / or water converts the pontoon into a gravity-based foundation that securely anchors the structure to the seabed.

[0067] 3- Re-float and Relocation:A key novel feature of this invention is the ability to re-float and relocate the entire structure. This is achieved by reversing the filling process: water-filled compartments can be emptied, and additional buoyancy can be attached if required, allowing the structure to be towed to another location if necessary.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows the structural arrangements for the pontoon foundation (1).

[0069] Part 2: Additional Buoyancy Attachments (Optional):In some cases, buoyancy tanks (3) or retractable buoyant sections are added to the Pontoon Foundation (1) prior to towing the structure to the installation site. These additional buoyancy elements provide extra lift during the transportation phase and can be removed or retracted before or after the structure is lowered onto the seabed. The use of additional buoyancy is optional and is employed depending on specific transportation or stability requirements.

[0070] Part 3: Braced Legs (2):The Braced Legs (2) component is a pile-free jacket structure embedded into the gravitybased pontoon foundation (1). These legs are designed and manufactured to stabilize the structure once it is set on the seabed. The legs are connected at the bottom to the pontoon foundation (1) and at the top to the deck legs, providing structural support and resistance to lateral forces such as waves and wind. The braced legs (2) allow the structure to maintain its position during the entire installation process and throughout its operational life.

[0071] Part 4: Deck (4):The deck (4) is a single or multi-deck structure that serves as the platform for topside equipment, such as wellheads, processing facilities, or accommodation modules. The deck (4) is connected to the braced legs (2) of the jacket structure, providing the necessary support for heavy equipment. Unlike traditional offshore structures, which rely on piles for stability, the deck (4) of the Structure (SSS) is connected to the jacket legs, enabling easier and faster installation.

[0072] Design Concept and Installation Process of the present invention:The design of the Structure (SSS) is optimized for rapid and economical offshore installation in shallow waters. The overall concept focuses on eliminating the need for offshore lifting operations and reducing the costs associated with traditional heavy-lift vessels and barge transportation.

[0073] Fabrication Process

[0074] The steel foundation of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) is specifically designed and fabricated to function as a built-in material barge or double pontoon vessel, allowing it to float with the entire SSS assembly, including the jacket, deck, and topsides. The design of the foundation ensures that the Structure (SSS) remains stable and buoyant throughout the transportation process.

[0075] The stability of the entire SSS assembly is carefully engineered to meet transportation requirements. In certain cases, additional buoyancy tanks (3) or retractable buoyant sections may be attached to the floating foundation before towing to further enhance stability. These additional buoyancy features ensure that the structure maintains optimal balance and safety during transit.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the floating foundation's design and the integration of these buoyant components play a crucial role in enabling the seamless transportation of the SSS to the offshore site, ensuring that the structure can be towed efficiently and without the need for sea-fastening of SSS on transportation vessels.

[0077] The steel foundation of the Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) is designed to function similarly to a vessel, albeit on a considerably smaller scale. The internal structure consists of multiple compartments formed by longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, which are essential for ensuring structure integrity during transportation and installation, moreover enablingselected filling of various compartments. As described in Figure 5, the top plate (not shown for clarity) features nozzles equipped with manual valves, which allow for controlled filling of the compartments with water and grout, based on the specific requirements of each installation.

[0078] To optimize installation time and minimize offshore operations, it is recommended to pre-fill some or all of the compartments with grout prior to sailing, provided that the stability of the structure permits. This partial or full grout filling before reaching the offshore site helps reduce the time spent on-site and enhances the efficiency of the lowering process.

[0079] Regarding fabrication, the Structure (SSS) can be constructed as a single integrated module if the capabilities of the fabrication yard or dry dock allow. In cases where accelerated schedules are required, the Structure (SSS) can also be fabricated as three separate modules. These modules are fabricated in series or parallel, depending on the project timeline, and are then assembled either in the dry dock or in the water at the quay side. During fabrication, certain compartments may be pre-filled with grout or other alternative material to further streamline the towing and installation process. As illustrated in Figure 6, this modular approach allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in the construction and installation of the Structure (SSS), ensuring that it is ready for deployment with minimal delays.

[0080] Installation Process1) Towing to Site:Upon completion of fabrication, the Structure (SSS) is towed to the installation site using tugboats or other suitable vessels. During transportation, the structure remains selffloating due to the pontoon foundation's buoyancy.In Figure 7, the inventor shows the structure of the present invention during towing its designation location.2) Lowering to Seabed:Upon arrival at the site, hoses are connected to selected compartments of the pontoon foundation (1), and water is pumped into the compartments in a defined sequence. This controlled filling causes the structure to sink gently to the seabed, with the load not exceeding 10-20 tons. A crane with a minimal lifting capacity (less than 50 tons) can beused to assist in the lowering process, ensuring smooth and controlled positioning of the structure.In Figure 8, the inventor shows the structure of the present invention when it is lowered onto seabed in location.3) Final Positioning and Securing:Once the structure has been lowered and leveled on the seabed, the crane is dismantled, and hoses are connected by divers to complete the filling of the pontoon compartments with water and / or grout. Upon completion of the filling process, the hoses are retracted, and the structure is securely anchored in place as a gravity-based foundation.4) Topside Installation (Optional)In some cases, additional topsides modules may be installed on the deck (4), maintaining the lift load of each additional module below 100 tonnes.. These modules are lifted and installed using cranes or other lifting equipment available on-site, eliminating the need for large, expensive heavy-lift vessels.According to the above description of the present invention, the Super Shallow Water Structure of the present invention provides several key advantages over conventional offshore installations:

[0081] No Need for Heavy Lift Vessels: The Structure (SSS) does not require heavy-lift vessels or complicated lifting operations, reducing both installation costs and the time required for offshore operations.

[0082] Reduced Installation Time: Once on-site, the installation of the Structure (SSS) can typically be completed in under 24 hours, compared to the several weeks required for traditional jacket and piling installations followed by deck installation.

[0083] Cost Savings: The use of a self-floating system and the avoidance of heavy-lift vessels and barges result in substantial cost savings for offshore installations.

[0084] Flexibility in Relocation: The Structure (SSS) can be re-floated, relocated, and reinstalled at a different site, offering operational flexibility and reducing the need for new structures in some cases.

[0085] Multi-Purpose Application: While the Structure (SSS) is primarily intended for oil and gas applications (such as wellhead towers, flare towers, and processing facilities), it can alsobe adapted for other offshore industries requiring cost-effective and rapid installation in shallow waters.

[0086] ConclusionThe Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) represents a significant advancement in offshore structure design and installation. By combining self-floating capabilities with a gravity-based foundation and eliminating the need for heavy-lift vessels, the Structure (SSS) provides a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible solution for shallow- water offshore projects.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1- A Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) for offshore installations, comprising:• A pontoon foundation (1) designed as a small ship-like steel gravity-based foundation, having internal compartments, wherein said compartments are partially or fully filled with grout, an alternative material, and / or water to enable self-floating transport and lowering of the structure;• A jacket structure with braced legs (2), wherein the bottom of the legs is embedded and connected to the gravity-based pontoon foundation (1), and the top of the legs is connected to a deck (4);• A deck (4) connected to the jacket legs (2), wherein said deck (4) supports topside equipment and facilities, and is configured for offshore applications, including wellhead towers, flare and bridge support towers, and multi-function service or processing facility towers with topside loads under 1000 tonnes;• Optional buoyancy attachments (3) comprising one or more buoyancy tanks or retractable buoyant sections connected to the pontoon foundation (1) to enhance stability during transport and floating operations, and dismantled before or after lowering the structure to the seabed.Characterized in that:-The said self-floating structure configured to eliminate the need for heavy-lift vessels and complex lifting operations, thereby reducing installation costs and time;-wherein the self-floating system allows for installation of the structure on-site in less than 24 hours, in contrast to traditional offshore installations requiring several weeks of installation time; wherein the structure (SSS) is adapted to be re-floated, relocated, and reinstalled at a different offshore site, providing operational flexibility; and-wherein the structure (SSS) is designed for multi-purpose application, including use in oil and gas operations for wellhead towers, flare towers, and processing facilities, and wherein the structure (SSS) is further adaptable for use in other offshore industries requiring rapid and cost- effective installation in shallow waters.2-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the pontoon foundation (1) is re-floatable by reversing the filling process of the compartments with water, and by adding additional buoyancy if required, allowing relocation of the structure to different offshore sites.3-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the pontoon foundation (1) is partially filled with grout before sailing to minimize offshore installation time at the target site, and the balance of the grout filling is carried out at the installation site.4-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the jacket legs (2) of the structure are embedded in the pontoon foundation (1) to form an integral part of the gravitybased system, enabling the structure to rest on the seabed without the need for pile foundations.5-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the pontoon foundation (1) is manufactured to function as a built-in material barge or double pontoon vessel capable of floating with the entire SSS assembly, including the jacket, deck, and topsides.6-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the structure is suitable for shallow water installations having depths ranging from 3.5 meters to 50 meters in depth and is designed for applications in the oil and gas industry, including wellhead towers, flare and bridge support towers, and multi-function service or processing facility towers with topsides loads up to 1000 tonnes in case topsides loads are exceeding 1000 tonnes, SSS can still be used as superior cost effective alternative for conventional jacket and piling but connected to conventional deck with no limitations of topsides load in such an application.7-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the structure is configured for multi-functional applications beyond the oil and gas industry, such as renewable energy, telecommunications, or other offshore infrastructure projects.8-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the jacket legs (2) are configured to replace traditional pile foundations for heavy topsides structures, thereby reducing installation costs and complexity.9-The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the jacket structure with braced legs (2) is free of piles, and the entire structure is supported by the gravity-based pontoon foundation (1) upon installation on the seabed.10- The Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) according to claim 1, wherein the pontoon foundation (1) is fabricated with a modular design that allows for efficient construction and assembly at the fabrication yard, and the modules are assembled in series or parallel for accelerated installation schedules.11- A method for installing a Super Shallow Water Structure (SSS) at an offshore site, comprising the steps of:

1. Fabricating a steel foundation for the structure (SSS), designed as a floating vessel with a built-in material barge or double pontoon structure capable of supporting the entire SSS assembly, including a jacket, deck, and topsides, with stability designed to meet transportation criteria, and with the option to connect additional buoyancy tanks (3) or retractable sections to the floating foundation prior to towing for enhanced stability;2. Designing the steel foundation with internal compartments formed by longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, selected compartments are equipped with nozzles and manual valves for filling with water and / or grout according to specific design requirements;3. Optionally filling selected compartments with grout prior to towing to enhance stability and minimize offshore installation time;4. Fabricating the Structure (SSS) as one integrated module, or as three separate modules if an accelerated schedule is required, with modules assembled in a dry dock or at quay side, and with selected compartments partially or fully filled with grout prior to sailing;5. Towing the fabricated SSS to the target offshore location as a self-floating integrated assembly;6. Filling selected compartments upon arrival at the target location by connecting hoses and filling the compartments with water according to a predefined sequence and procedure, enabling the gradual sinking of the Structure (SSS) to the seabed with a load not exceeding 10 to 20 tonnes;7. Securing the lowering process by connecting a crane with a minimal lifting capacity of less than 50 tonnes to the Structure (SSS) prior to the filling process to ensure smooth positioning at the final location on the seabed;8. Completing the installation by disconnecting the crane once the Structure (SSS) is positioned and leveled, and using divers to connect hoses for further filling of compartments, completing the filling process, and then pulling the hoses back to the vessel to finalize the installation;9. Optionally lifting and installing an additional topsides module on the SSS deck (4), where the topsides module has a lift load of less than 100 tonnes, eliminating the need for a heavy-lift vessel, particularly in cases of limited SSS stability during towing or delayed availability of topsides modules.12- The method according to claim 11, wherein the pontoon foundation (1) is re-floatable and the water filling process is reversible, allowing relocation of the structure (SSS) to a different offshore location.13-The method according to claim 11, wherein the structure (SSS) is fabricated as an integrated module or as separate modules assembled in a dry dock or quay side, depending on the fabrication yard or dry dock handling capabilities.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Offshore platform and method of constructing, erecting and dismantling same

    EP0039590A2

Cited By

  • Buoyancy tank lifting floating type jacket mounting method

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