Semi-submersible multicolumn floating offshore platform

摘要

Disclosed is a method of deploying a floating platform 10 which comprises first deballasting a hull 16 having art adjustably buoyant base 18 and a plurality of adjustably buoyant upstanding columns 20. The hull is then towed to an intermediate site before it is ballasted (Fig 7), such that the tops of the columns extend slightly above the waters surface. A deck 22 is then provided, supported by a buoyant barge 42. The weight of the deck is transferred from the barge to the top ends of the columns by either deballasting the hull, or ballasting the buoyant barge (Fig 10). The platform is then de-ballasted and towed (Fig 11) to an operational site before being ballasted to an operational draft and moored in place (Fig 12).