Vessel and method for removal and/or installation of at least a part of a sea platform

Abstract

A vessel for removal and/or installation of at least a part of a sea platform includes a support structure and a top side. The vessel includes a hull and two support arms located at a distance from each other and attached to the hull. In use, the support arms extend beyond the hull in a substantially horizontal direction.

1 . A vessel for removal and/or installation of at least one part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, said vessel comprising a hull and two support arms located at a distance from each other and attached to the hull, wherein the support arms in use extend beyond the hull in a substantially horizontal direction. 
     
     
         2 . The vessel according to  claim 1 , wherein the support arms are located above the water surface when carrying said at least one part of the sea platform. 
     
     
         3 . The vessel according to  claim 1 , wherein support units are attached to the support arms and/or to the hull, and the support units comprise a first coupling member. 
     
     
         4 . The vessel according to  claim 1 , wherein the support arms are movable relative to the hull. 
     
     
         5 . A method for removing at least a part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, which method comprises:
 providing a vessel according to  claim 1 ;   positioning the support arms under the top side such that the support structure is located between the support arms;   raising the support arms relative to the water surface to fully support the top side with the support arms;   continuing the raising of the support arms to move the top side at a distance from the support structure; and   moving the vessel away from the support structure in a substantially horizontal direction while fully supporting the top side with the support arms.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the support arms are movable relative to the hull; and wherein the method comprises moving the support arms relative to the hull before the support arms support the top side. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein support units are attached to the support arms and/or to the hull; wherein the support units comprise a first coupling member; and
 wherein the method comprises:   attaching cooperating second coupling members to the top side; and   raising the support arms relative to the water surface to couple the first coupling members with the second coupling members.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein support units are attached to the support arms and/or to the hull; wherein the support units comprise a first coupling member;
 wherein the support arms are movable relative to the hull; and   wherein the method comprises:   moving the support arms relative to the hull to couple the first coupling members with the second coupling members.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the method comprises:
 positioning the vessel such that the support arms supporting the top side are positioned above a quay; and   transferring the top side onto the quay.   
     
     
         10 . A method for installing at least a part of a sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, which method comprises:
 providing a vessel according to  claim 1 , wherein the top side of the sea platform is fully supported by the support arms,   positioning the top side above the support structure such that the support structure is located between the support arms;   lowering the support arms relative to the water surface to place the top side on the support structure;   continuing the lowering of the support arms to fully transfer the weight of the top side to the support structure and to move the support arms at a distance from the top side; and   moving the vessel away from the support structure in a substantially horizontal direction.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the support arms are movable relative to the hull; and
 wherein the method comprises:   moving the support arms relative to the hull after the transfer of the weight of the top side to the support structure.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein support units are attached to the support arms and/or to the hull; wherein the support units comprise a first coupling member; and wherein cooperating second coupling members are attached to the top side and coupled to the first coupling members; and
 wherein the method comprises:   lowering the support arms relative to the water surface to decouple the first coupling members from the second coupling members.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the method comprises fully supporting the top side with the support arms by positioning the vessel such that the support arms are positioned above a quay on which the top side is located and transferring the top side on to the support arms. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the support arms are movable relative to the hull; and
 wherein the method comprises:   moving the support arms to match the dimensions of the top side which in use will be supported.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the method comprises installing the support structure while the vessel carries the top side.