Segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures and methods for installing a segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures, comprising a main body (100) in the form of a hollowed solid column, a plurality of solid segments (20), wherein each of the plurality of solid segments has a through-hole (5), a lower securing segment (60, 70), wherein the lower securing segment (60, 70) has a through-hole (6) and an orifice (7), a mooring line (30), wherein the mooring line (30) is inserted into the through-hole (5) of the plurality of solid segments (20) and into the orifice (7) of the lower securing segment (60, 70), and a pin (40), wherein the pin (40) is inserted into the through-hole (6) of the lower securing segment (60, 70) and wherein the pin (40) is connected to the mooring line (30). The assembly of the anchoring device (1) segmented in blocks makes it possible to adjust the length, and consequently the load capacity on board the installation vessel, by removing or adding blocks. The blocks are only subjected to compressive forces, which allows the use of lower-cost materials such as cast iron and high-density concrete for manufacturing same. The result meets the requirements necessary for anchors intended for foundations of offshore or subsea structures, from exploration or production platforms and floating wind turbines to production lines, risers and umbilicals, inter alia.

Description

"Segmented Gravity Anchoring Device for Marine Structures and Installation Methods for a Segmented Gravity Anchoring Device for Marine Structures" TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of devices for foundation and anchoring, regardless of whether it is for small or large structures, equipment and accessories, typical of the subsea oil industry and floating wind turbines. It comprises a low-cost pile, driven by its own weight in unconsolidated soil, and capable of meeting demands from a wide spectrum of loads and directions, and can be launched by means of the stern roller of an anchor handling vessel, known as AHTS (Anchoring, Handling, Towing and Supply) or any other typical open sea vessel (OCV - Offshore Construction Vessel or Marine Crane Barge). FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The offshore oil industry requires, among various specific structures and equipment, the use of platforms or Stationary Production Units (SPUs), which need to be anchored to the seabed to operate as a production unit, or for the exploration of an oil well.

[0003] These offshore oil production systems require a large network of pipelines, umbilicals, and various simpler accessories, such as buoys and other smaller equipment, which also need to be anchored to the seabed. All these components end up congesting the production area with pipelines and umbilicals, in addition to the space required by the systems themselves. Anchoring components, such as cables, lines, and mooring lines. With each new component to be anchored, less usable space will be available for anchor installation maneuvers, especially if a drag anchoring type is intended.

[0004] The composition and relief of the seabed, as well as the operating depth, must also be considered. These variables represent a constraint on the operational technique and equipment required for the installation of the new anchorage point, and consequently, also on the sizing and determination of the type of anchor appropriate to the seabed.

[0005] In addition to these variables, the total cost of installing anchoring capable of meeting the project's scenario and requirements often ends up determining its unfeasibility.

[0006] Thus, considering all these aspects, when analyzing the types of anchors applicable to a seabed made of unconsolidated material, which is the focus of the current invention proposal, and which differ from the types applicable to compacted soils, the range of anchoring options becomes quite restricted. And within each type of anchor, one is still subject to the mastery and / or existence of some installation technique suitable for the depth of the operation.

[0007] It should also be emphasized that the soil composition also interferes with the resistance to optimal load direction at the anchorage point, which can vary from vertical to horizontal loads. Thus, within the limited range of anchor options for each soil and depth scenario, the selection of the anchorage point still requires structural dimensioning of the anchor to ensure the pull-out resistance necessary for the project, according to the type of anchorage selected. This dimensioning must consider the interface area of ​​the anchor necessary to generate the resistance. depending on the starting point, the load, and the direction to be applied.

[0008] For unconsolidated soils, for example, there are currently several available anchoring systems that can be used according to local installation conditions, as well as the intensity and direction of the load they will have to withstand, namely: drag anchors, torpedo anchors, suction anchors, as well as sandblasted piles or drilled and cemented piles. Each category has its own particular characteristics regarding installation, pull-out resistance and load direction, and, not least, the total cost.

[0009] When analyzing the categories, we initially have dynamic penetration piles, which basically consist of ballistic-shaped structures equipped with directional fins. They are designed so that, when launched from a specific vessel, they acquire ideal and sufficient speed and direction in order to generate minimal impact energy with the seabed and self-driving.

[0010] One of these pile-type anchors, considered the least expensive among other currently existing categories, is the subject of Brazilian patent PI-9603599-4, called Torpedo Pile, also disclosed in document US 6,106,199. They can weigh up to 120 tons and require specific technical procedures for installation and certification. These anchors can reach a penetration depth at their top of approximately 20m into the seabed. However, this requires a low center of gravity, achieved by filling the body with a filling material of gradually increasing specific weight towards its lowest end, which represents a significant cost. Thus, for certain simpler applications, they have a higher cost and weight.

[0011] The installation technique, despite being less expensive compared to other types of anchoring, requires precise maneuvering of the launching vessel, as well as... Accessories that prevent the vessel from reacting to the anchor being dropped. These accessories also account for an increase in the total cost for each anchorage point implemented using this technique.

[0012] There is another drawback that should be highlighted in this technique, which represents an increase in cost: the impossibility of predicting whether the direction in which the lateral eye for attaching the load to the anchor will be aligned with the direction of the load after the anchor is driven into the seabed. Due to this uncertainty, this type of anchor is characterized by having the load attachment eye positioned at the upper end of its body, thus allowing the load tension to be available in any direction after the anchor is driven in.

[0013] In principle, this characteristic seems convenient, but it can represent a cost increase, since the position where the anchor will be driven into the ground cannot be predicted. Therefore, it's impossible to determine, before launching, which face of the anchor will be opposing the directional load, preventing it from being dimensioned to offer the best pull-out resistance. For this reason, its shape is cylindrical, and the total vertical shear area of ​​the anchor body is considered when dimensioning its body to withstand pull-out forces. Under this premise, the anchor body must be dimensioned to meet the pull-out resistance required for the project, in any direction. This over-dimensioning leads to material waste and consequently a considerable increase in cost.The same oversizing occurs with the load-bearing eyelet, to which the same principle applies, also influencing the cost. Thus, this type of anchoring, despite being versatile, can compromise the cost of some projects.

[0014] Belonging to the category of penetration piles In the dynamic category, we have modular piles, which also consist of ballistic-shaped structures formed by articulated solid blocks. In this category, we have the model that is the subject of Chinese Patent CN 108860472 A, dated 11 / 23 / 2018, with the blocks connected by metal-to-metal joints. The connection to the anchor line is made at the top of the pile, transmitting tensile stresses to the blocks, which must be manufactured with higher-cost materials such as cast or forged steel.

[0015] Belonging to the category of dynamic penetration piles, we have modular piles, which also consist of ballistic-shaped structures formed by two non-articulated segments. In this category, we have the model that is the subject of Chinese Patent CN 108925480 A, dated 04 / 12 / 2018, with the two blocks joined by sacrificial welding that breaks after driving, allowing the removal of the upper block which serves to increase the weight of the assembly to provide greater penetration. The driven torpedo, after the removal of the additional weight upper block, functions as a rigid pile and must be manufactured with higher-cost weldable materials such as rolled, cast, or forged carbon steel.

[0016] Belonging to the category of dynamic penetration piles, we have modular piles, which also consist of ballistic-shaped structures formed by solid, but not articulated, blocks. In this category, we have the model that is the subject of Chinese Patent CN 108945306 A, dated 07 / 12 / 2018, with the blocks assembled through threaded joints forming a rigid pile. To allow for the formation of the threads and the threading process, the blocks must be manufactured with higher-cost materials such as cast or forged steel, and large-scale special equipment is also required for the threading assembly process, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0017] Belonging to the category of pile-type anchors, Suction anchors also require a costly, slow, and complex installation procedure, as they necessitate the use of vessels with horizontal positioning control and vertical oscillation compensation; without these, suction anchoring is not possible. These anchors generally consist of steel or concrete caissons up to 25 meters high, driven into the ground until their upper end touches the seabed. They are heavy, bulky, and difficult to handle. Their operational complexity and cost also limit the application of this type of anchoring.

[0018] There are also drag anchors, which are simpler and lighter, weighing around 10 tons compared to those previously mentioned. This class of anchors is divided into two basic categories: normal drag anchors and vertical loading drag anchors, the latter designated by the technical jargon "VLA" (Vertical Loading Anchor).

[0019] The main characteristic of a standard drag anchor is that it only resists loads in a predominantly horizontal direction. To maintain this acute angle of load application, the weight of a certain length of mooring lines laid on the seabed is used to ensure the maintenance of the predominantly horizontal direction of traction. Then, an anchor line, usually made of polymeric material, is fixed to the free end of the mooring lines, which from this point will ascend to the structure to be anchored. Thus, when installing this type of anchor, care must be taken to provide a large length of mooring lines (chains) that will maintain the direction of the anchoring load at an acute angle to the seabed.

[0020] However, it is known that, in order to keep the mooring lines used with drag anchors in a predominantly horizontal position, the anchoring radius in relation to The floating structure must meet an average parameter established by the technique, which is to maintain a distance between the floating structure and the anchor corresponding to up to four times the height of the water level at the location where the floating structure is to be moored. This model, despite being considered low-cost, requires a large available free area, not only for its installation but also for its operation, and is not applicable in scenarios congested with multiple anchorages, accessories, and pipelines, or when many anchorage points are needed in close proximity.

[0021] Within the same family of towing anchors, we have the VLA type anchor, which allows for predominantly vertical load vectors without losing its pull-out efficiency. Therefore, VLA type anchors operate with an anchoring radius of one to two times the water depth at the location where the floating structure is to be anchored.

[0022] Documents US 2013 / 0160694 and US 6,5985,55 disclose anchors that can be identified within the category of VLA and gravity penetration anchors. These specific anchor examples feature pivoting elements in their construction, which represents a component susceptible to failure, in addition to requiring an independent cable for installation and another to actuate the pull-out resistant element. Depending on the installation depth, these aspects can, in practice, lead to operational difficulties and increased costs.

[0023] In the field of knowledge regarding the anchoring of large floating structures, one can also cite US patent 3,431,879 or US patent 7,752,989. Both utilize surface pumping equipment for installation. In the first document cited, the anchoring consists of filling a hollow component with seabed material through pumping, and in the second case, the anchoring consists of a conical component. that penetrates the ground as, through pumping, a revolution of the soil beneath it is carried out. Again, these are anchors that penetrate inconsistent soil without fine control of the direction of their faces most resistant to pull-out loads, being types of anchors preferably designed for predominantly vertical loads.

[0024] Many research projects are constantly seeking to reduce costs, simplify processes, and preserve the necessary resistance to pull-out loads, which are the focus of high-demand designs.

[0025] The focus of developing these techniques is to reduce not only the overall cost of underwater operations, but also the time currently spent on tasks that depend on operating vessels with high market value.

[0026] It is not uncommon for an unexpected underwater scenario to arise in which anchoring difficulties arise due to inconsistent soil conditions or unavailability of an area for dragging the anchors. In these cases, anchoring floating production units, or some other underwater accessory, becomes more complex or even unfeasible due to the space available for construction or the final cost of the anchoring method that can be applied.

[0027] Thus, despite technological advancements, there are still scenarios where lower-cost, point-to-point anchoring techniques are needed, installed with equally low-cost procedures and capable of meeting the needs of a wide variety of projects.

[0028] Given this scenario, it is easy to conclude that it is necessary to research new technologies to provide a low-cost, point-fixation anchor capable of being secured in inconsistent soils, overcoming the limitations imposed by current pile driving equipment.

[0029] The invention described below stems from ongoing research in this area, primarily aimed at providing a low-cost stake-type anchor point, implemented using an easy and inexpensive method. OBJECTIVES

[0030] The objective of the present invention is to provide a segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures capable of being applied in unconsolidated soil and congested areas, enabling low-cost anchoring projects for subsea equipment or accessories, resulting in lower total cost anchoring, faster pile driving, eliminating the need for vessels with cranes, eliminating the need for expensive and heavy equipment such as pile drivers, having its structure dimensioned to withstand stress only in the direction of the main load, being implemented for predominantly vertical loads, optionally being implemented for predominantly horizontal loads, allowing for changes in length, and consequently load capacity, on board the installation vessel by removing or adding blocks, and allowing for greater ease of logistics both onshore and offshore.how much offshore.

[0031] An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a segmented gravity mooring device using a vessel.

[0032] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for installing a segmented gravity mooring device using two vessels. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention relates to a segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures, comprising a main body in the form of a hollow solid column, a plurality of solid segments, each of which... A plurality of solid segments has a through hole, a lower crimping segment, wherein the lower crimping segment has a through hole and an orifice, a tie, wherein the tie is inserted into the through hole of the plurality of solid segments and into the orifice of the lower crimping segment, a pin, wherein the pin is inserted into the through hole of the lower crimping segment, and wherein the pin is connected to the tie.

[0034] In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for installing a segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures, comprising the steps of: choosing the best cross-section model of the anchoring device; embarking said best cross-section model of the anchoring device on an AHTS anchor handling vessel equipped with an onboard launching winch / stern roller; positioning the anchor handling vessel over the anchoring point; lowering the anchoring device by means of the launching winch; keeping the anchoring device suspended and supported by a launching cable; executing a release loop on the launching cable, the end of which is fixed to the second anchoring claw of the AHTS by means of a mooring line inserted in the launching cable; operating the AHTS anchoring claw to allow the anchoring device to fall and anchor into the seabed.

[0035] The present invention also relates to another alternative method of installing the segmented gravity mooring device for marine structures, adopting a second auxiliary vessel, comprising the steps of: choosing the best section model of the device... Anchoring; embark the aforementioned best model section of the anchoring device onto an AHTS anchor handling vessel; position the anchor handling vessel over the anchoring point; lower the anchoring device through the stern roller of the AHTS; keep the anchoring device suspended and supported by a launching cable; attach one end of a second cable or mooring line, connected to the winch of the auxiliary vessel to the mooring line; lower the anchoring device to a minimum distance from the seabed; operate the trigger hook with the aid of a cable, where the cable is connected to the winch, by means of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), allowing the anchoring device to fall for anchoring into the seabed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description and figures below that refer to it.

[0037] Figure 1a is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in perspective view.

[0038] Figure 1b is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in perspective view.

[0039] Figure 1c is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in perspective view.

[0040] Figure 2a is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in side view.

[0041] Figure 2b is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in side view.

[0042] Figure 2c is a schematic illustration of Anchoring device in side view.

[0043] Figure 2d is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in side view.

[0044] Figure 2e is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in side view.

[0045] Figure 2f is a schematic illustration of the anchoring device in side view.

[0046] Figure 3a is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body without fins.

[0047] Figure 3b is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body without fins.

[0048] Figure 3c is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body without fins.

[0049] The 3D figure is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the main square-shaped body without fins.

[0050] Figure 3e is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body without fins.

[0051] Figure 4a is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body with fins.

[0052] Figure 4b is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body with fins.

[0053] Figure 4c is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main square-shaped body with fins.

[0054] Figure 4d is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the main square-shaped body with fins.

[0055] Figure 4e is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the main square-shaped body with fins.

[0056] Figure 5a is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main circular body with fins.

[0057] Figure 5b is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main circular body with fins.

[0058] Figure 5c is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main circular body with fins.

[0059] Figure 5d is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the main circular body with fins.

[0060] Figure 5e is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the main circular body with fins.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates the installation method for the segmented gravity anchoring device for marine structures.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates an alternative method for installing a segmented gravity mooring device for marine structures, using two vessels.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of one step in the proposed installation method.

[0064] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an alternative step in the proposed installation method.

[0065] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an alternative step in the proposed installation method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The following description constitutes only a preferred embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0067] The present invention aims to fill a gap in a scenario that is not uncommon on the Brazilian coast, consisting of an inconsistent clayey marine substrate, where known technology offers anchoring solutions, but at a cost that is not always cost-effective for foundation purposes.

[0068] The soil resistance, for which the present invention was developed, usually requires different anchoring techniques depending on the direction of the load that is intended to be applied in the project. Thus, the present invention also aims to fill this gap, presenting itself as a versatile option regarding load direction, and at low cost.

[0069] The present invention consists of a free-fall or gravity-driven penetration pile, whose constructive configuration was structured and designed with the purpose of streamlining the effects of its installation in the seabed, with the least possible involvement of special equipment and guaranteeing the proper positioning to offer the pull-out resistance required for the project, using the lowest possible cost construction material.

[0070] In figure 1a, it is possible to have a perspective view of the segmented gravity anchoring device 1 for marine structures, comprising a main body 100 in the form of a hollow solid column, composed of a plurality of solid segments 20 and, at the lower end of the main body 100, there is a lower driving segment 60.

[0071] The main body 100 is in the form of a solid hollow column, whose cross-section (S) has a quadrilateral shape, preferably, such as a square or circular shape, as can be seen in figures 1b and lc.

[0072] Still referring to figures 1a, 1b and 1c, it is possible to visualize that the lower end of the main body 100 is provided with the lower riveting segment, which is provided with a pyramidal tip 60, if the main body 100 has a plurality of solid segments 20 in square shape, or a conical tip 70, if the main body 100 has a plurality of solid segments 20 in circular shape.

[0073] In figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and 2f it is possible to visualize the presence of a mooring line 30, connected to the main body 100, whose connection is made by means of the lower crimping segment 60, 70, through a pin 40 and at the final link of the mooring line 30.

[0074] In figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e it is possible to have a detailed view of the lower crimping segment 60, which has a through hole 6 through which a pin 40 will be inserted and a hole 7 through which the tie 30 will be inserted and connected to pin 40.

[0075] Additionally, it is possible to have a detailed view of a segment of the plurality of solid segments 20, in which it is possible to observe the presence of a through hole 5, where the tie 30 is inserted.

[0076] In figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e it is possible to have a detailed visualization of a segment of the plurality of solid segments 20 and of the lower driving segment 60, 70, where it is possible to observe the presence of fins 50, both in the solid segments 20 and in the lower driving segment 60.

[0077] The length (L) of the main body 100 is given by the area required to resist the pull-out forces foreseen for the project. Thus, the length (L) of the main body 100 is also a function of the width (Ll) of the fins 50 in cross-section of the main body 100.

[0078] In figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e it is possible to have a detailed visualization of a segment of the plurality of solid segments 20 in a circular-shaped construction, where it is also possible to observe the presence of the through holes 5, for insertion of the tie 30, in addition to the lower driving segment 70 with a conical tip, in which it is also possible to observe the presence of a through hole 6 for insertion of the pin 40 and a hole 7 for insertion of the tie 30, which will be connected to the pin 40.

[0079] Figure 6 shows a flowchart visualization representing the installation method for anchoring device 1, which comprises the following steps: choosing S100 the best cross-section model for anchoring device 1; loading S110 the aforementioned best cross-section model for anchoring device 100 onto a small AHTS 200 anchor handling vessel.The vessel usually employed is of the anchor handling vessel type, known as AHTS (Anchoring, Handling, Towing and Supply), equipped with a launching winch 202 on board / stern roller; position the anchor handling vessel 200 over the anchoring point on the ground; lower the anchoring device 100 by means of the launching winch 202; keep the anchoring device 100 suspended and supported by a launching cable C, wherein the cable C is connected to the launching winch 202 and the mooring line 30 is connected to said device 1; execute a throwing loop 203 on the launching cable C, with the end fixed to the second fixing claw (shark jaw) of the AHTS through a section of mooring line inserted in the cable C. This 203 shooting sight must be long enough to accommodate the drop height, a. penetration of the anchoring device 1 and an operational clearance; operate S 160 the AHTS clamping claw that secures the end of the firing handle 203 to allow the anchoring device 1 to drop and be driven into the seabed.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a flowchart representing an alternative method for installing the anchoring device, which includes the following steps: choosing S200, the best cross-section model of anchoring device 1; loading S210, the aforementioned best cross-section model of anchoring device 1 onto an anchor handling vessel AHTS 200; positioning S220, the anchor handling vessel 200, over the anchoring point; lowering S230, the anchoring device 1 via the stern roller of the AHTS; keeping S240, the anchoring device 1, suspended and supported by a launching cable C, with cable C connected to the AHTS winch and to the mooring line 30 of said device 1; attach S250 one end of a second cable Cl, as illustrated in figure 9 or mooring line, connected to the winch 202 of the auxiliary vessel 201 to the mooring line 30; lower S260 the anchoring device 1 to a minimum distance from the seabed;operate S270 trigger hook 204 with the aid of a cable C2, where cable C2 is connected to winch 202, by means of a Remotely Operated Vehicle 80, called ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), allowing the anchoring device 1 to fall for driving into the seabed, as illustrated in figure 9.

[0081] Additionally, Figure 8 schematically depicts the proposed installation method, which uses an anchor handling vessel, showing devices 1 in Perspective view with a square cross-section, with and without fins, showing the passage of these devices on the stern roller of the AHTS vessel.

[0082] Figure 9 schematically depicts a stage of a proposed alternative installation method, which uses an anchor handling vessel and a remotely operated vehicle, commonly known as an ROV, and an auxiliary vessel 201 containing a cable Cl connected to the mooring line 30, as illustrated in stages S250 and S270.

[0083] Figure 10 schematically depicts the proposed alternative installation method, in which an anchor handling vessel with a swivel handle 80 is used on the AHTS stern roller to release device 1.

[0084] The invention has been described herein with reference to its preferred embodiments. It should, however, be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art will immediately realize that alterations and substitutions can be made within this inventive concept described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures, characterized by comprising: a main body (100) in the form of a hollow solid column; a plurality of solid segments (20), wherein each of the plurality of solid segments has a through hole (5); a lower driving segment (60, 70), wherein the lower driving segment (60, 70) has a through hole (6) and an orifice (7); a mooring line (30), wherein the mooring line (30) is inserted into the through hole (5) of the plurality of solid segments (20) and into the orifice (7) of the lower driving segment (60, 70); a pin (40), wherein the pin (40) is inserted into the through hole (6) of the lower crimping segment (60, 70) and wherein the pin (40) is connected to the tie (30).

2. Segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures, according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body (100) has a cross-section in the shape of a quadrilateral, preferably such as a square or circular shape.

3. Segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (100) has fins (50).

4. Segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower crimping segment is provided with a pyramidal tip (60) or a conical tip (70).

5. Method for installing a segmented gravity mooring device (1) for marine structures as defined in claim 1, characterized by comprising the steps of: choosing (S100) the best cross-section model of the mooring device (1); embarking (S110) said best cross-section model of the mooring device (1) on an AHTS anchor handling vessel (200) provided with an onboard / stern roller launching winch (202); positioning (S120) the anchor handling vessel (200) over the anchoring point; lowering (S130) the mooring device (1) by means of the launching winch (202); holding (S140) the mooring device (1) suspended and supported by a launching cable (C); execute (S150) a firing handle (203) on the launching cable (C), the end of which is fixed to the second fixing claw of the AHTS by means of a tether section (30) inserted into the launching cable (C);operate (S160) the AHTS fastening claw to allow the anchoring device (1) to drop and drive into the seabed.; 6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that in step (S140), the launching cable (C) is connected to the launching winch (202) and then fixed to the AHTS clamping clamp by means of a tether section (30) inserted into the launching cable (C).

7. Method of installing a segmented gravity anchoring device (1) for marine structures according to defined in claim 1, adopting a second auxiliary vessel, characterized by comprising the steps of: choosing (S200) the best cross-section model of the anchoring device (1); embarking (S210) said best cross-section model of the anchoring device (1) on an AHTS anchor handling vessel (200); positioning (S220) the anchor handling vessel (200) over the anchoring point; lowering (S230) the anchoring device (1) through the stern roller of the AHTS; keeping (S240) the anchoring device (1) hanging and supported by a launching cable (C); attaching (S250) one end of a second cable (Cl), or mooring line, connected to the winch (202) of the auxiliary vessel (201) to the mooring line (30); lower (S260) the anchoring device (100) to a minimum distance from the seabed;operate (S270) the trigger hook (204) with the aid of a cable (C2), wherein the cable (C2) is connected to the winch (202), by means of a remotely operated vehicle (80), allowing the anchoring device (1) to fall for driving into the seabed.; 8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in step (S240), the launching cable (C) is connected to the AHTS and to the tether (30) of said device (1).

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