Jack-up Platform Mooring System for Vessel Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning a floating vessel next to a jack-up platform are inefficient and risky, particularly in offshore conditions, as they require costly and time-consuming anchoring systems or dynamic positioning systems that can induce collisions or interfere with seabed structures, limiting the capacity and safety of lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
A mooring system for a jack-up platform that includes elongated support means and guiding means to stabilize a floating vessel horizontally relative to the platform, allowing for close positioning and efficient lifting operations without the need for dynamic positioning systems on the floating vessel, by extending support structures over a significant water depth and using guiding mechanisms to maintain the support position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchoring systems or dynamic positioning systems are used to position a floating vessel next to a jack-up platform, then the vessel can be positioned, but the systems are costly, time-consuming, and risk collisions or seabed interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the elongated support means extending from the jack-up platform - that mediates between the platform and the floating vessel. This support structure provides a stable reference point for mooring without requiring complex anchoring or dynamic positioning systems on the vessel itself, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mooring system is segmented into distinct functional components: the elongated support means extending from the platform, the guiding means for positioning, and the connection points on the vessel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to integrated anchoring or dynamic positioning systems
2Ease of operation
If dynamic positioning systems are used on the floating vessel, then positioning can be achieved, but collisions with the jack-up platform or interference with seabed structures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated support means and guiding means are deployed in advance to establish predetermined safe positioning zones and physical guides for the floating vessel. These pre-positioned structures prevent the vessel from moving into collision zones or areas that could interfere with seabed structures, eliminating the need for active dynamic positioning control that could cause harmful movements
3Reliability
If traditional mooring methods are used, then the floating vessel can be positioned, but the lifting device's capacity cannot be maximized due to safety limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system incorporates dynamic elements including the elongated support means that can be adjusted in position and configuration, and the guiding means that can adapt to different vessel positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain safety margins while permitting the floating vessel to be positioned optimally for maximum lifting capacity operations
Data Source
AI summary
A jack-up platform is described having a horizontal working deck that may be jacked up out of the water by moving its legs to a position wherein they take support on an underwater bottom. The jack-up platform further comprises a mooring system for mooring a floating vessel at a mooring side of the jack-up platform. The mooring system comprises an elongated support means for supporting a hull part of the floating vessel, and guiding means connected to the hull of the jack-up platform at the mooring side. The guiding means are able to rigidly hold the elongated support means in a support position, in which the elongated support means is within reach of the hull part of the floating vessel to be supported when the hull is jacked out of the water and the jack-up platform rests on its legs. A method for mooring a floating vessel using the jack-up platform is also described.