Floating system integration methodology

Abstract

Disclosed is a floating system integration method involving integrated lifting equipment. The topsides and the hull are integrated at a first location such as a dock. The floating system is then transported to a second location such as an offshore location. The topsides is lifted after transportation to the second location. In addition to eliminating the need for heavy lifts, the method provides additional stability during transportation to the second location as the topsides is in a lowered position and has not been lifted yet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for the integration of a floating system comprising:
 a. providing a hull at a first location wherein the hull comprises a floatation device, a plurality of columns, and a plurality of integrated lifting mechanisms;   b. providing a topsides at the first location;   c. moving the topsides onto the floatation device and between the plurality of columns at the first location;   d. mating the topsides with the plurality of integrated lifting mechanisms and creating a floating system comprising the topsides and the hull at the first location; and   e. lifting the topsides up to the top of the plurality of columns with the plurality of integrated lifting mechanisms.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides is constructed atop a plurality of skid rails. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides includes wheels. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising ballasting the hull to operational depth, securing the topsides, and installing the floating system. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising towing the floating system to a second location. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising ballasting the hull to operational depth, securing the topsides, and installing the floating system at the second location. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of integrated lifting mechanisms comprises a rack and pinion system. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of integrated lifting mechanism comprises a plurality of short stroke hydraulic rams with locks. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of integrated lifting mechanism comprises a modified mooring chain with chain jacks. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides and the hull are constructed at the first location. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides is constructed at the first location and the hull is constructed at a third location and floated to the first location. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hull is constructed at the first location and the topsides is constructed as a third location and transported to the first location. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides and the hull are transported to the first location. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hull is a semisubmersible hull. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hull is a tension leg platform. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of columns are atypically tall. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides further comprises at least one wing. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the topsides further comprises a flare boom.