Reverse tensioned mooring system

Abstract

In a method of mooring floating structures a chain receiving device is secured to an anchor and a forerunner chain is extended through the chain receiving device, after which the anchor is secured in engagement with the sea floor. A mooring line is extended between a floating structure and the forerunner chain. A tensioning device on an anchor handling vessel is employed to apply mooring tension to the forerunner chain thereby applying mooring tension to the mooring line secured between the forerunner chain and the floating structure. Mooring tension is maintained by the chain receiving device on the anchor.

1 . A method of mooring floating structures comprising the steps of: 
 providing a subsea anchor;    providing a chain receiving device;    securing the chain receiving device to the anchor;    providing a forerunner chain;    extending the forerunner chain through the chain receiving device on the anchor;    securing the anchor having the chain receiving device secured thereto and having the forerunner chain extending through the chain receiving device in operative engagement with the sea floor;    providing a floating structure;    providing a mooring line;    securing the mooring line in engagement with the floating structure;    securing the mooring line in engagement with the forerunner chain;    providing an anchor handling vessel;    providing a tensioning device on the anchor handling vessel;    securing the forerunner chain in operative engagement with the tensioning device on the anchor handling vessel;    utilizing the tensioning device on the anchor handling vessel to apply mooring tension to the forerunner chain and thereby applying mooring tension to the mooring line secured to the floating structure; and    utilizing the chain receiving device on the anchor to maintain mooring tension.