Offshore operational structure - with floodable foundation and bearing column for floatable deck platform and telescopic support column

摘要

A floating submersible structure for research, drilling or prodn. operations in the off-shire regions consists of a circular foundation, shaped like a truncated cone, which can be flooded on site and carries a central bearing pillar. A deck platform can slide from one position where it rests on the top side of the foundation (druing floating to site), to a second position where it is joined to the top of a telescopically movable support pillar in the bearing pillar. This saves the mechanical jacking-up operation in which the deck platform must be raised from water level to an elevated position. It has been replaced by a water pumping operation which does not require fine weather or complex apparatus.