Ice-breaking off-shore drilling and production structure

摘要

An ice-breaking structure having a platform member adapted to be flexibly connected to an off-shore fixed well shaft in a manner which allows the platform to lift and/or tilt relative to the shaft is disclosed. The platform member has at least one lower surface which slopes upwardly toward an outer edge thereof and is adapted to be positioned on the shaft so that the sloping surface extends both above and below sea level. As oncoming ice approaches and contacts the structure, the sloping surface lifts a portion of the platform upwardly onto the ice so that part of the weight of the platform is carried by the ice. This weight on the ice aids in breaking-up the same. Various embodiments of the general concept are disclosed.