Offshore exploration or production operation
US6276876A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B17/025
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Apparatus for providing an offshore drilling operation in a sea, the apparatus comprising a drilling derrick support structure (2) having a base (4) to rest on the sea-floor (5) and a deck (7) to support a drilling derrick (1), the structure being in the form of a concrete block (2) having a hollow cavity to enable the block (2) to be floated to the site where drilling is to take place and being adapted to receive ballast into the cavity in such a way and in a sufficient quantity as to cause the block (2) to sink base-first and rest upon the sea-bed with the deck (7) clear of the surface of the sea, a drilling derrick (1) for mounting on the deck (7) of the block (2) and a tender assist barge (3) for transport to the site in down to 2 m of water to provide services, supplies and equipment to the drilling derrick (1).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.