Mooring support structures, systems for mooring vessels, and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure than can include a post connected at a first end to a turntable disposed on a base structure. The post can extend out from the turntable and a yoke head connector can be connected to a second end of the post. A distal end of the yoke head connector can provide a disconnection location such that when a yoke head is disconnected from the yoke head connector, the yoke head can fall by gravity from the yoke head connector without contacting the mooring support structure.

Examples include a spar buoy for use in water, the spar buoy including a bottom section configured to be completely submerged and having a first average diameter, the bottom section including an anchor cable attachment device, a top section configured to be partially submerged, the top section including an aerial tether attachment device, an intermediate section configured to be completely submerged and having a second average diameter that is greater than the first average diameter, where the intermediate section is disposed between the bottom section and the top section, the intermediate section including a buoyancy chamber having a first density less than the water, and a ballast material disposed in the bottom section and having a second density greater than or equal to the water, where the spar buoy is configured to exhibit a particular buoyancy-to-weight ratio and a particular moment ratio when in the water.

Systems and methods are presented for deploying and using a floating platform using articulated spar legs used as a type of hull, each of the spar legs attached to the floating platform by an articulated connection. Each of the articulated spar legs being moveable from a horizontal to a vertical position, horizontal for transport and vertical for deployment of the floating platform. The articulated spar legs serve to support the floating position of the floating platform. The articulated spar legs are moved from horizontal to vertical position by controlling ballast imposed upon or within spar legs. Each of the articulated spar legs are moveable from a vertical to a horizontal position with a ballast changing method. Systems and methods are presented for extracting natural renewable energy from the environment surrounding the floating platform with energy capture devices modularly affixed to the platform and energy capture devices incorporated into the articulated spar legs.

A connector or connector assembly (10, 210), such as a subsea or underwater connector or assembly including a first member (18, 218) movably connected or connectable to a second member (36, 236) and a first inductive element (24, 224a) provided on the first member (18, 218), the first inductive element (24, 224a) being arranged for inductive transmission and/or reception with a second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236). The first member (18, 218) may rotatably or pivotably connected or connectable to the second member (36, 236). The first inductive element (24, 224a) may be arranged on the first member (18, 218) to maintain inductive transmission with the second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236) throughout movement of the first member (18, 218) relative to a second member (36, 236).

Mooring unit for mooring a ship comprising a base, an arm mounted on the base, and a hook supported by the arm for connecting a mooring line of the ship, wherein the arm is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and wherein the unit comprises an actuating device for moving the arm from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein the arm is mounted on a first part of the base and wherein the first part of the base is rotatably mounted on a second part of the base that is rotationally fixed, to enable rotation of the first part of the base around a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizon.

The invention relates to floating offshore facilities, columnar in form, often referred to as spars comprising a body having an upper column, a main compartment and a lower leg joined together to define the spar, wherein the spar further comprises an articulation for connecting an end of the lower leg to the seabed, wherein the lower leg geometry has been configured as having a particular geometry that in combination with a particular residual buoyancy of the spar, and for any particular geometry of the upper column and main compartment and in any specific water depth, the spar provides a particular dynamic response to wind, wave and forces applied by sea currents. The invention also relates to methods for varying the dynamic response to wind, wave and forces applied by sea currents of the spar and to methods for transferring materials and personnel between a production facility such as the spar and at least one transportation apparatus such as a dynamically positioned vessel.

The invention relates to a device for fixing floating bodies (1, 1) with a pile (2) which can be fixed at one end to a ground (G) and in the region of the other end of which the floating body (1, 1) can be fixed. For the purpose of providing advantageous fixing conditions, it is proposed that the pile (2) is designed as a telescopic tube (3).

Mooring unit for mooring a ship comprising a base, an arm mounted on the base, and a hook supported by the arm for connecting a mooring line of the ship, wherein the arm is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and wherein the unit comprises an actuating device for moving the arm from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein the arm is mounted on a first part of the base and wherein the first part of the base is rotatably mounted on a second part of the base that is rotationally fixed, to enable rotation of the first part of the base around a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizon.

A connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.

Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.