Structures for offshore installations

Abstract

A structure for mounting offshore installations such as wind turbines or oil and gas platforms. The structure comprises a base, a top piece, and a lattice structure connecting the base to the top piece. The sub-components of the structure can be pre-assembled prior to installation to facilitate ease of construction, or they may be transported to a pre-determined location and assembled on site.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An offshore structure comprising a base having one or more scour protection mattresses, each scour protection mattress comprising a series of portions which are attached together by attachment means. 
     
     
         2 . The offshore structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the portions are concrete portions. 
     
     
         3 . The offshore structure according to  claim 2 , wherein the portions are substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         4 . The offshore structure according to  claim 1 , wherein each scour protection mattress is integrally formed with the base. 
     
     
         5 . The offshore structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means are cables. 
     
     
         6 . The offshore structure according to  claim 5 , wherein the cables are polypropylene cables. 
     
     
         7 . The offshore structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means form an attachment mechanism for attaching the scour protection mattress to the base. 
     
     
         8 . The offshore structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the portions are substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         9 . A method of installing an offshore structure comprising a base having one or more scour protection mattresses, each scour protection mattress comprising a series of portions which are attached together by attachment means, the method comprising the steps of:
 storing each scour protection mattress in a curled or rolled up configuration during a base transportation and installation process; and   after positioning the base on the seabed, releasing each scour protection mattress such that the portions unfold down onto the seabed.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein in the curled or rolled up configuration prior to deployment, the centre of mass of each scour protection mattress remains outside a pivot point of connection to the base such that, when released, each scour protection mattress will unfold and deploy around the base under its own weight.