Topsides load-out to barge catamaran for float-over installation

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved method and system for load-out of a topsides onto at least two float-over barges without requiring an intermediate transportation barge. The topsides and float-over barges create a catamaran system that can be used to install the topsides to an offshore structure, such as a Spar hull, using a float-over method. The load-out process offers several advantages and can be less time-consuming and less expensive than a typical procedure using the intermediate transportation barge.

1 . A method of loading out a topsides onto at least two float-over barges to create a catamaran system, comprising:
 positioning a float-over barge in proximity to a loading structure and restraining movement of the barge relative to the loading structure;   loading out a first portion of the topsides from the loading structure onto one barge;   separating the barge from the loading structure with the portion of the topsides loaded on the barge;   loading out the remainder of the topsides from the loading structure onto an other barge, the barges being separated to create the catamaran system for transportation to an installation site for the topsides.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 positioning a first float-over barge in proximity to the loading structure and restraining movement of the first float-over barge relative to the loading structure;   coupling a second float-over barge to the first float-over barge distally from the loading structure;   loading out the portion of the topsides onto the first float-over barge;   loading out the portion of the topsides off of the first float-over barge and onto the second float-over barge;   decoupling the second float-over barge from the first float-over barge; and   loading out the remainder of the topsides onto the first float-over barge and allowing the second float-over barge to be separated by a distance from the first float-over barge.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising transporting the float-over barges and topsides to an offshore structure to install the topsides. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising disposing a center of the topsides laterally between the float-over barges. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein coupling the second float-over barge to the first float-over barge further comprises hingeably coupling the float-over barges together. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising hingeably coupling the topsides to the float-over barges. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 positioning a first float-over barge in proximity to the loading structure and restraining movement of the first float-over barge relative to the loading structure;   loading out the portion of the topsides onto the first float-over barge;   allowing the first float-over barge to be move relative to the loading structure;   loading out the topsides toward the first float-over barge and allowing the first float-over barge to be separated by a distance from the loading structure;   positioning a second float-over barge in proximity to the loading structure and restraining movement of the second float-over barge relative to the loading structure; and   loading out the remainder of the topsides from the loading structure onto the second float-over barge separated from the first float-over barge.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising transporting the float-over barges and topsides to an offshore structure to install the topsides. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising disposing a center of the topsides laterally between the float-over barges.