FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general, relates to an apparatus and method for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures.

Particularly, the present invention relates to a technology for installation and retrieval of marine structures, with the help of an apparatus where at least two vessels with adjustable buoyancy are connected so as to form a substantially V- shaped configuration.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method according to the preamble of claim 6.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In off-shore operations such as oil and gas explorations and productions, transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures are very common. Such marine structures include off-shore platforms, jackets supporting such platforms, towers for bridges and windmills and other gravity based structures. It is also known that such marine structures are towed to appropriate locations by vessels, barges, hulls and other bodies having adjustable buoyancy as known to persons skilled in the art. These are effectively used for installation of marine structures. Further, such vessels/barges have been effectively used for retrieval of marine structures, once their life span is over or for shifting those structures to other sites of operation.

US patent 5607260 discloses an apparatus and a method for installation and removal of large multi ton deck packages. It teaches the use of two barges which can support a large multi ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. The above prior art document, like most prior art techniques uses two parallel barges, which have to be interconnected with substantially large beams. This makes the arrangement less sturdy and a bit cumbersome, for loading and removing the marine structure, on and from the deck of the vessel. That apart, the top portion of the apparatus has height restriction due to the truss assembly. Hence, height restrictions exist in respect of the structure to be towed or installed or retrieved. That apart, positioning of the barges around the structure to be carried or installed or lifted is also another problem. International PCT publication number WO 00/78604 discloses a vessel, which is a U-shaped pontoon foundation for removal and installation of marine structures. Columns are attached to the pontoon foundation, extending upwards. A tubular rotational beam is fixed to the top of the transverse pontoon and it is engaged with a bracket attached to a side of the jacket leg to be lifted. Then lifting is done with the help of a lifting frame and de-ballasting.

The above document does teach use of a U-shaped pontoon foundation which enables convenient positioning of the vessel, around a platform being installed or a platform being removed. However, the positioning, lifting and removal is dependent on a lifting frame on the top portion of the pontoon foundation, which naturally imposes a height restriction.

Hence, there has been a need for an apparatus for transportation, installation and removal of marine structures, which has a sturdy structure, requires less length of coupling beams for connecting the units of the apparatus and has free space above of the loading zone. There has been also a need for providing a methodology for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures which is simple and quick. The present invention meets the above mentioned needs and other associated needs by providing an apparatus which has at least two basic units of adjustable buoyancy, which are coupled together in a substantially V-shaped form. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the prime object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures, which has a sturdy structure, requires lesser length of coupling beams for connecting the units of the apparatus and has the top of the loading zone free.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodology for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures which does not involve cumbersome steps and is substantially quick.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for installation and retrieval of marine structures which removes or substantially reduces the requirement for hinged connections and sliding parts for connecting its two basic buoyant units .

All through the specification including the claims, the words "vessels", "marine structures", "V-shaped", "barges", "cross-beams", "coupling beams", "load", "cargo", "structure" are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art. Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention. Further, it is hereby clarified that the term "riser system" should be construed in its broadest sense as applicable in subsea operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures comprising at least two suitably connected vessels with adjustable buoyancy. Each of the vessels has a first end and a second end. The vessels are equipped with lifting mechanisms for lifting a marine structure on and from the apparatus. According to the invention, the vessels are connected to each other at each first end at an angle and are free at each of the second ends, thus forming a V-shape. Preferably, the vessels are connected to each other substantially by means of cross beams at points on the deck of each vessel, in between the engaged first ends and the free second ends and so that there is room for carrying a load having a centre of gravity situated between the free second ends (8) of the vessels and the cross beam..

More preferably, the vessels are barges having a hull structure and equipped with ballast tanks for ballasting and de-ballasting the vessels evenly or at desired ends. Most preferably, consoles are provided substantially centrally on the cross beam between the barges and at symmetrically opposite locations near the free second ends on each of the barges . The barges are arranged to lift a marine structure by winch or jacks and to lock it in position at three, four or five points on the consoles, such that the structure is secured substantially between the barges near the free second ends.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for transportation and installation of a marine structure by using the apparatus as described hereinbefore. The method comprises manoeuvring the vessels coupled in substantially 'V shape into position so that the marine structure resting at its initial location is substantially placed in between the vessels close to the free second ends. Thereafter the structure is lifted and secured at a position between the vessels near the free second ends, by suitable means. Then the structure is towed to the desired location by the vessels coupled in substantially V-shape. On reaching the desired location, the structure is de-coupled from the consoles and gradually lowered to the sea bed close to the free second ends. This is done either by ballasting to desired depth or by being held by the ropes of winches present in at least three consoles on the apparatus, possibly combined with a de-ballasting the vessels for balanced operation.

Preferably, the step of lifting and securing and the structure in position for towing comprises lifting the structure by winch or jacks and locking it in position at the three, four or five points on consoles. After securing the structure to the consoles the jacks or winches may be released. Preferably the vessel is ballasted at the first ends. Alternatively, the step in the preceding paragraph comprises ballasting the vessels to the desired depth, positioning of the structure and securing it between the vessels, de-ballasting the vessels to lift the structure so secured to the desired position, for making it ready for towing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of an exemplary embodiment will be given in the following with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 a is a plan view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view along the line P-P in figure 1 a.

Figure c is a cross-sectional view along the line Q-Q in figure 1 a.

Figure 1d is a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 1a. Figure 2a is a plan view of the apparatus showing the coupled barges manoeuvred into position and ready to lift the load.

Figure 2b is a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 2a before loading of the structure to be transported. Figure 2c is a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 2a after loading of the structure to be transported.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the view in figure 1 b also showing the structure to be transported.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the view in figure 1c also showing the structure to be transported. Figure 5a is a plan view of the apparatus lifting a windmill foundation.

Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A in figure 5a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non-limiting. In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when in the following it is referred to "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "above" or "below" and similar terms , this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the sea bed, where the sea bed is horizontal and at the bottom. It should also be understood that the orientation of the various components may be otherwise than shown in the drawings, without deviating from the principle of the invention. Furthermore, the disposition of winches, cranes supporting platforms for the marine structures are not shown, as those are not

consequential to the present invention and should be understood by persons skilled in the art.

Figure 1 a is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 '. It comprises two barges 1 , 2 with hull structure. Each of the two barges has a first end 5 and a second end 8. The first ends 5 of the barges are connected so as to form an angle 4, while the second ends 8 are free, so that the barges 1 , 2 form substantially a V-shape.

The barges 1 , 2 are also connected at points 6, 7 on respective decks by rigid cross beams 3, which act as a coupling element. The barges 1 , 2 are equipped with ballast tanks (not shown), for ballasting and de-ballasting and for that purpose sea water may be conveniently used. Ballasting and de-ballasting may be done evenly throughout the barges 1 , 2 or at selected ends. To facilitate this, the barges are conveniently divided into several ballast chambers.

The barges 1 , 2 have requisite facilities like cranes and winches (not shown) etc. suitably placed on a working platform (not shown). The barges 1 , 2 are selected and placed at an angle in 'V shape, the angle depending on the size of the article to be towed, hazard en route, the location where the article is to be delivered and so on. The barges can be towed by other vessels or they may be self-propelled.

The barges support a marine structure 10, often referred to hereinafter as load/cargo 10, along respective decks and also along the portion in between the two barges 1 , 2 near the free second ends 8 of each. The barges 1 , 2 can tow the marine structure conveniently to the desired location.

Suitable consoles 9 are placed on the middle portion of the cross beam 3 (best shown in figure 2a ) and at one or two points more, away from the points 6, 7 on the decks of the barges 1 , 2 where the cross beam 3 is connected to the barges 1 , 2.

The angle 4 between the barges 1 , 2 and the location of the cross beam 3 is mainly decided by the size of the cargo 10 to be transported. The rigid connections are made with generously designed heavy metal brackets and coupling beams, suitable to withstand the loads under extreme conditions while transporting. Thus an arrangement is arrived at, where a pair of barges 1 , 2 coupled like a pair of tongs; act as a single floating body. A strong monolithic structure is obtained free from complication of hinges, concrete poles and so on as known in the art.

Figure 1 b is a cross-section along the line P-P in figure 1 a, while figure 1 b is a cross-section along the line Q-Q in figure 1 a. Figure 1 b shows elaborately the configuration of the cross/coupling beam 3 with respect to the points 6, 7 on the decks of the barges 1 , 2. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the view shown in figure 1 b together with the load 10 to be transported. Figure 1 c shows the console 9. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the figure 1c together with the load to be transported. This figure 4 also shows the lifting arrangement for the load 10.

Figure 1d is a side view of the apparatus which shows the consoles 9 and the cross beam 3.

When the figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d are seen together it would be clear that the apparatus in its simplest form does not have hinged or sliding parts. Hence, potentialities of wear and tear are reduced. Two coupling points of connection between the barges 1 , 2 with a long distance in between provide good torsion stiffness for coupled barges. Further, particularly figures 1 a, 1 b and figure 3 reveal the significantly reduced dimensions of the coupling beam 3 between the barges 1 , 2. Figure 2a is a plan view of the apparatus showing the coupled bargesl , 2 manoeuvred into position. The structure 10 to be transported is seen resting at its initial location 11 , usually outside a quay or in a dry dock, where the structure has either been constructed or carried by road for onward transport to its final location at sea.

Figure 2b is a side view of the apparatus in figure 2a, when the structure 10 is yet to be loaded. Figure 2c is the side view when the structure 10 after the barges have been ballasted to a greater draught and ready to lift the structure. Figures 5a, 5c and 5e are plan views of the apparatus showing lifting of GBS slabs 10 of different diameters by the apparatus. By way of example, the load here comprises GBS slabs of varying diameters. The figures 5b, 5d and 5e are cross-sectional views along lines A-A in figures 5a, 5c and 5e respectively.

These figures 5b, 5d and 5e in particular, unequivocally corroborate that the apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be configured to transport, install and retrieve loads of varying shape and weight. This will be explained again later. The example chosen here shows that normally the hulls without the cargo load and with ballast compartments empty, i.e. only supporting its deck load with the beam 3 etc. will have a freeboard of more than 5.0 m and a draft of about 1.0 m. The hulls have ballast compartments distributed along its length which when filled can submerge the hulls evenly or at one side, depending on the

requirement.

All the above figures are again referred to while explaining the functioning of the apparatus of the present invention. Referring to figure 5a the elaborate functioning is described. First, the bargesl , 2 coupled in 'V shape are manoeuvred into position so that the marine structure 10 (a foundation for a windmill in this preferred example), resting at its initial location 11 , is near the free second end 8 of the coupled barges 1 , 2 and between the barges 1 , 2. As stated before, this may be a dry dock 1 1 where the structure has either been constructed or carried by road for onward transport to its final location at sea. The structure 10 is yet to be lifted and secured near the middle of the open end of the tong like formation.

At the next stage, best shown in figure 5a, the foundation is lifted by winches or jacks and locked in position at, in this case, the five points on the consoles 9 during transportation. The first point is the middle point 9 of the coupling beam 3 between the two bargesl , 2, and the other points being on symmetrically opposite consoles 9 on each of the barges 1 , 2. It would be particularly clear from figure 5b that the structure 10 is placed and secured between the barges 1 , 2 near the free second ends 8 of the tong-like formation for towing along the sea surface. This ensures transportation with ease and safety. It would be understood to persons skilled in the art that this is equally true in respect of lifting the marine structurel O from such location and installing it on the seabed through the sea water and also for retrieving a marine structure from the sea bed.

Figure 2c is a side view of the apparatus when the barges have been ballasted to increase the draught. In this position the structure 10 is secured in place and made ready for towing. The view in figure 3 shows the stage when the structure (in this case a GBS slab) has been lifted off the surface on which it has been placed. The lifting is at least partially done by de-ballasting the barges. Before towing commences the ballast compartments at the opposite end of the barges, i.e. towards the first end 5 of the apparatus are filled with seawater to balance the cargo load 10 and keep the hulls evenly floating. The structure 10 is now absolutely ready to be towed. The structure 10 is towed and on reaching the scheduled location, the slab 10 is decoupled from the consoles 9 and gradually lowered to the sea bed, held by the ropes of the winches present in at least three consoles 9 for balanced operation. After proper placement of the slabs 0 on the sea bed, the winch ropes can be disengaged by any means, say by deploying an ROV and wound back, completing the operation.

Working in a reverse mode, this method and apparatus can be equally effective for retrieval of suitable marine structures from sea bed and towing those to other locations or back to a suitable location for decommission or disposal. On retrieval of the marine structure according to the present invention, it may be towed back by the apparatus of the present invention or by other vessels and this is within the scope of the present invention. It would be clear to the person of skill that the apparatus in accordance with the present invention has the ability to lift and secure in place loads of varying dimensions. Thus, the apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be suitably configured, for its applicability on structures of varying diameters, lengths, widths, heights and shapes. To accommodate for this the angle 4, the location of the cross beam 3 and the location of the consoles 9 may need to be adjusted. To facilitate this, the cross beam 3 and the consoles 9 may be slidably arranged on the barges. In general for a 7000 T load, ballast water needed is 6000T, when the barge is considered completely rectangular and in the example considered the draft is 3.6m. These aspects would be clear from figures 2a, 2b and 2c. In figure 2a, the draft is about 1 m while in figure 2c draft is about 3.6m. It may be noted that loading of the loads 10 can be done by various means and that is not consequential to the present invention. For example, instead of first ballasting the barges to a greater draught, then position and attach load and then de-ballast to lift the cargo, it is also possible to lift the cargo by

jacks/winches and adjust the level of the barges by ballasting during the lifting. This aspect is within the scope of the present invention.

Unlike systems taught in prior art, loading and towing cargoes of significant height is not a constraint according to the present invention. This is a huge practical benefit. Decoupling and placing of the structure 10 on the seabed is a very simple process compared to what is taught in most of the prior arts where, before the cargo can be lowered to the sea bed, elaborate arrangements are required to clear the cargo from the barges. However, owing to the open 'V shaped construction in this invention, the cargo can be simply decoupled and lowered to sea bed.

Furthermore, significantly reduced dimensions of coupling beams between barges are achieved compared to prior art. This not only saves the material, it provides a more sturdy structure due to the shorter span of the beam. Additionally, no hinged or sliding parts for joining the barges is required, which ensures less chances of failure and resulting maintenance requirement.

The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and some drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.