Mcdermott International, Inc.

John Simmons

An offshore structure used for the production of or exploration for oil or gas or for some other purpose. The configuration enables the offshore structure to be installed and removed simply and economically. A central tower is wholly or partly supported by piles, foundations, and a template which is located on the sea bed and to which the central tower is attached. The dimensions of the central tower and the location and dimensions of the piles allow the offshore structure to have the desired response characteristics to permit a structurally sound and efficient arrangement. The central tower extends above the water level to support a module, deck, or building, generally referred to as the topsides. The central tower is placed on the template or can be driven into and fixed to the sea bed. The template can be used to drill wells before the installation of the central tower or piles. The arrangement of central tower, piles, template, and foundations permits ease of installation and subsequent removal as each operation can be undertaken with the structure in a secure condition and giving a stable configuration at each stage of the procedure. By using the piles to provide support for the central tower over an extended region of the lower length of the tower, it is possible to reduce the weight of the tower, albeit at the expense of increased pile weight. The reduced weight of the tower assists in easier installation of this component.

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Enfield, United Kingdom

John Simmons