An offshore system for growing and harvesting seaweed includes an existing non-producing offshore platform. In addition, the offshore system includes a seaweed support system coupled to the platform and configured to support the subsea growth of seaweed.

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).

An offshore structure comprises a hull having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the structure comprises an anchor coupled to the lower end of the hull and configured to secure the hull to the sea floor. The anchor has an aspect ratio less than 3:1. The hull includes a variable ballast chamber positioned axially between the first end and the second end of the hull and a first buoyant chamber positioned between the variable ballast chamber and the first end of the hull. The first buoyant chamber is filled with a gas and sealed from the surrounding environment. Further, the structure comprises a ballast control conduit in fluid communication with the variable ballast chamber and configured to supply a gas to the variable ballast chamber. The structure also comprises a topside mounted to the first end of the hull.

A fluid cargo handling system with a standoff system includes a floating marine platform having an elongated first platform side, an elongated second platform side and a buoyant hull with a hull bottom. A fluid cargo transfer hose is carried on a hose reel mounted on the platform. A drive system maintains the marine platform at an offset distance from another marine platform, preventing physical contact therebetween. The drive system has at least two drive devices adjacent the first platform side and at least two drive devices adjacent the second platform side, with each of the drive devices along the first side engaging a separate driveline extending from the hull bottom adjacent the first side towards the second platform side and each of the drive devices along the second side engaging a separate driveline extending from the hull bottom adjacent the second side towards the first platform side.

A fluid cargo handling system with a standoff system includes a floating marine platform having an elongated first platform side, an elongated second platform side and a buoyant hull with a hull bottom. A fluid cargo transfer hose is carried on a hose reel mounted on the platform. A drive system maintains the marine platform at an offset distance from another marine platform, preventing physical contact therebetween. The drive system has at least two drive devices adjacent the first platform side and at least two drive devices adjacent the second platform side, with each of the drive devices along the first side engaging a separate driveline extending from the hull bottom adjacent the first side towards the second platform side and each of the drive devices along the second side engaging a separate driveline extending from the hull bottom adjacent the second side towards the first platform side.

A fluid cargo handling system includes a marine manifold tower system and a floating marine platform on which is carried a liquid manifold assembly which is coupled to a cryogenic liquid transfer hose extending from the floating marine platform to the marine manifold tower system. The cryogenic liquid transfer hose is also connected to a cryogenic hose manifold assembly mounted on the marine manifold tower system. The marine manifold tower system includes an elongated tower having a first end secured to the seabed and a second end supporting the cryogenic hose manifold assembly, elevating the cryogenic hose manifold assembly above the water surface. The floating marine platform moves between a first position adjacent the marine manifold tower system and a second position, spaced apart from the marine manifold tower system, where the floating marine platform is in fluid communication with a fluid cargo transport vessel.

A fluid cargo handling system includes a quick release manifold system mounted on a floating marine platform. The quick release manifold system has a first valve in fluid communication with the first end of a first fluid transfer hose to control fluid flow within the first fluid transfer hose. A first coupler is attached to the first valve. The first coupler has a first port in fluid communication with the first valve, a second port, a purging fluid inlet and a waste fluid outlet. A drain tank is in fluid communication with the first coupler via the waste fluid outlet, and a pressurized fluid source carried is in fluid communication with the first coupler via the purging fluid inlet.

A self-aligning to the incoming wind floating platform supporting multiple wind turbines (17, 18) forms a wind power generation unit. Under horizontal wind, the wind load resultant passes the center of geometry (or “C.Geo”) of the wind load receiving areas of the floating platform, but not the turning axis (15). This results in a yaw moment about the turning axis (15) to turn the floating platform, until the wind load resultant simultaneously passes through the C.Geo and the turning axis (15). A wind park or wind farm may include at least one of these floating platforms that are capable of self-aligning to the incoming wind for electric power generation. The floating platform helps reduce the length of a submarine power cable (44) of the platform, hence reducing electric resistance and subsequently heat loss, thereby reducing the cost of the submarine power cable (44).

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 self-aligning to the incoming wind floating platform supporting multiple wind turbines (17, 18) forms a wind power generation unit. Under horizontal wind, the wind load resultant passes the center of geometry (or C.Geo) of the wind load receiving areas of the floating platform, but not the turning axis (15). This results in a yaw moment about the turning axis (15) to turn the floating platform, until the wind load resultant simultaneously passes through the C.Geo and the turning axis (15). A wind park or wind farm may include at least one of these floating platforms that are capable of self-aligning to the incoming wind for electric power generation. The floating platform helps reduce the length of a submarine power cable (44) of the platform, hence reducing electric resistance and subsequently heat loss, thereby reducing the cost of the submarine power cable (44).