A METHOD FOR INSTALLING A TENSION LEG PLATFORM

摘要

In a method for installing an offshore tension leg platform, a freely floating platform structure (7) is coupled to previously mounted tension legs (1) without the use of temporary motion compensating coupling mechanisms between the upper ends of the tension legs and the platform structure. Instead, permanently installed coupling elements (5) at the ends of the tension legs (1) are used and during the transition of the platform structure (7) from freely floating condition to moored condition by means of the tension legs (1), the coupling elements (5) are allowed to impact quite heavily against the corresponding connecting means (9) on the platform structure during its wave induced movements until it is held continuously by the tension legs. By making the tension legs (1) of exact length and arranging these in three groups which are coupled simultaneously to the platform structure, one can avoid any post-installation adjustment of the attachment points (5, 9) of the tension legs (1) in the platform structure (7). In order to shorten the period during which impacts occur in the attachment points (5, 9), the draft of the platform structure (7) can quickly be changed by releasing a larger weight (14) therefrom or pulling the platform to the side with respect to its equilibrium position during a transition phase.