The present disclosure relates to an unmanned floating production unit (300) and method of installing a floating production unit comprising a deck structure (301) for mounting equipment for processing hydrocarbons, and a hull structure (302) formed from a first section (303) and a second section (306), wherein the second section (306) is wider than the first section (303). The floating production unit (300) according to the present disclosure can provide a compact unit, which has dimensions which can lead to a heave natural period outside an area of significant wave energy, and as a result, it has substantially reduced and improved hydrodynamic responses. The floating production unit is configured to be small and lightweight, and can be fabricated, launched and towed to the installation site in two parts, without the requirement for heavy lifting or construction machinery, thus lowering manufacturing costs. In addition, the two parts of the floating production unit can be joined together at the installation site using a buoyancy and ballasting based technique. The floating production unit is designed to be unmanned during routine production operations, thus ensuring operating costs are low.

A floating hydrocarbon processing/storage structure with a first and second assembly, each including a hull having side walls, one or more storage tanks and a deck structure, a connection structure interconnecting the hulls, processing equipment situated on the deck structures, at least one riser connected to a subsea hydrocarbon well and to the processing equipment and/or storage tanks, with a mooring system connecting the processing/storage structure to the sea bed, each hull including a hull deck structure bridging the side walls, the connection structure including a central deck extending at or near the height of the hull deck structures along at least 70% of the length of the hulls, the central deck supporting at least one of: risers vertically extending from the central deck between the hulls to the sea bed, fluid ducts horizontally supported on the central deck, and at least one drilling/work-over rig or crane.

An Adjustable Fin Assembly for Watercraft. The modular assembly should be design to be incorporated into a surfboard or other watercraft during fabrication of the craft. Each fin assembly is designed to allow for the watercraft user or fabricator to attach a conventional fin element to it. The fin assembly enables the user to adjust the fin position longitudinally as well as laterally relative to the watercraft. The housings each include a set screw or other component that can be loosened and tightened by the user in order to reposition the fin and then fix it in the new position. The conventional fin attaches to a sliding plate that is housed within a housing, wherein the movement of the sliding plate relative to the housing is prevented by engagement with the set screw.

A modular system for building underwater robotic vehicles (URVs), including a pressure vessel system, modular chassis elements, a propulsion system and compatible buoyancy modules. The pressure vessel system uses standardized, interchangeable modules to allow for ease of modification of the URV and accommodation of different internal and external components such as sensors and computer systems. The system also includes standard, reconfigurable connections of the pressure vessel to the modular chassis system. A standardized, modular propulsion system includes a magnetic clutch, and a magnetic sleeve used to power the URV on or off.

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

The invention relates to a pile upending system for upending a pile such as a monopile for the foundation of offshore wind turbines, the pile upending system comprising; a pivotally mounted pile support frame having a seat for engaging an outside wall of a pile, the pile support frame being pivotable around a support frame axis of rotation for allowing the seat to support the pile during upending, a cable system for supporting an, in use outboard, end of a pile, comprising one or more tensioned or tensionable cables having an outboard end provided with a hoisting member for supporting the outboard end of the pile during upending of said pile, an outboard support system comprising a frame member for, in use, extending outboard and supporting the hoisting member of the cable system,
wherein the outboard support system is arranged with respect to the pile support frame such that the frame member extends transverse with respect to the support frame axis of rotation for arranging the hoisting member at a distance from the seat and aligned with the seat such that a pile may engage the hoisting member upon longitudinal movement of the pile along the seat.

A wakeboat has a hull, the hull forming a wake when moving forward in the water, with a port disturbance and a starboard disturbance in the wake. A trim tab is supported by the hull at the stern of the hull. The trim tab comprises a primary subtab and a secondary subtab. Actuators may be optionally included to reposition the trim tab more into, or more out of, the water. Other systems and methods are also provided.

The present invention provides a controllable float module for a modular offshore support structure assembly. The inventive float module comprises (i) a first ballast chamber provided within a predetermined first portion of said float module, having at least one first controllable fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between an interior of said first ballast chamber and a first fluid reservoir containing a first fluid, and at least one second fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between said interior of said first ballast chamber and a second fluid reservoir containing a second fluid; (ii) at least one second ballast chamber provided within a predetermined second portion of said float module, having at least one first controllable fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between an interior of said second ballast chamber and said first fluid reservoir containing said first fluid, and at least one second fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between said interior of said second ballast chamber and said second fluid reservoir containing said second fluid, and (iii) a control system, adapted to control each of said at least one first and second controllable fluid connection and selectively vary the proportional quantity of said first fluid and said second fluid within any one of said first and at least one second ballast chamber, so as to selectively vary the buoyancy of any one of said at least one predetermined first and second portion of said float module when in use.

The various example embodiments disclosed herein pertain to an internal support structure in a watercraft that interfaces the motor to the hull and decreases the weight of the hull, by eliminating various components. The various example embodiments add structural stability to the overall structure of the hull or body, allowing for thinner hull and deck material. This chassis consists of a metal, composite, and or plastic bent or formed tubular structure that outlines the internal dimensions of the hull. The motor is able to mount to this structure so that the body is no longer the direct point of attachment. This furthers the structural stability and reliability of the hull as it disperses forces over a larger area and mounts to a means more suitable than direct hull mounts, which often shear and break loose from the traditional fiberglass hulls. By mounting the engine to this chassis, the hull can be completely removed without disassembling and other components. This allows easier access to the motor and ease of internal maintenance, and allows for replacement hulls and decks when damaged.

An underwater robotic vehicle development system for building underwater robotic vehicles (URVs), including a pressure vessel system, modular chassis elements, a propulsion system and compatible buoyancy modules. The pressure vessel system uses standardized, interchangeable modules to allow for ease of modification of the URV and accommodation of different internal and external components such as sensors and computer systems. The system also includes standard, reconfigurable connections of the pressure vessel to the modular chassis system. A standardized, modular propulsion system includes a magnetic clutch, and a magnetic sleeve used to power the URV on or off.