Floating platform for operation in regions exposed to extreme weather conditions

Abstract

A floating platform for drilling after or production of hydrocarbons comprises a semi-submersible main platform ( 2 ) carrying process and/or drilling equipment at its upper surface ( 7 ), and which is designed as a vertical, essentially flatbottomed cylinder. The main platform ( 2 ) is provided with a central vertical shaft ( 8 ) which at its lower end is adapted for reception and releasable locking of an anchoring buoy ( 3 ) carrying fastening equipment for anchoring lines ( 10 ) and for risers ( 14, 15 ) and umbilicals.

1 . A floating platform for drilling after or production of hydrocarbons offshore, comprising a semi-submersible main platform carrying process and/or drilling equipment at its upper surface, and which is designed as a vertical, essentially flat-bottomed cylinder, wherein the main platform is provided with a central vertical shaft which at its lower end is adapted for reception and releasable locking of an anchoring buoy carrying fastening equipment for anchoring lines and for risers and umbilicals. 
   
   
       2 . A platform according  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy has an at least partly conical shape, for reception in a corresponding conical portion at the lower part of the shaft in the main platform. 
   
   
       3 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy is provided with chain stoppers and fairleads placed along the outer periphery of the buoy. 
   
   
       4 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy has an arrangement for fastening of flexible risers or steel risers in a central opening in the buoy. 
   
   
       5 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy is divided into ballast tanks which can be partly filled with ballast to give the buoy a suitable depth in the water after disconnection. 
   
   
       6 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy is equipped with a line arrangement making it possible to connect the end of anchor chains to pull-in winches on the main platform. 
   
   
       7 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring buoy can be pulled into the shaft in the main platform by use of the winches used for pulling-in and tensioning of the anchor chains. 
   
   
       8 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the main platform has a vertical opening (moon-pool) in the platform hull for execution of drilling operations or other well interventions. 
   
   
       9 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the main platform has a cantilever platform for the support of equipment for carrying out drilling operations or other well intervention.