Offshore retrofit of barge bumper systems

摘要

A method of retrofitting an offshore platform fendering system includes the steps of installing a jib crane on a platform leg above the existing fendering system, detaching the upper and lower load cells from the leg, and removing the existing fendering system using the jib crane in concert with a support vessel crane. The upper load cell of the existing fendering system is detached to leave a protruding cylindrical stub. Using the jib crane and vessel crane, a new unitary fendering system is then positioned next to the leg. The upper load cell is coupled to the stub and the lower load cell is clamped to the leg. The new fendering system is installed as a unitary piece, that is, an elongated bumper with the upper and lower load cells already attached.