HK1205725B - Semi-submersible platform - Google Patents

Abstract

A semi-submersible platform that is suitable to serve as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location. The semi-submersible platform is configured in a V-shape to reduce motion of the semi-submersible platform caused by rough sea conditions. The semi-submersible platform has a vessel docking area within the platform and a balancing unit to balance the unsymmetrical load of the platform that protects a vessel in the docking area from rough sea conditions.

Description

Semi-submersible platform

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform suitable for use as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location. More particularly, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible configured in a V-shape to reduce movement of the semi-submersible due to rough sea conditions. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform having a boat mooring area inside the platform, a balancing unit for balancing the asymmetric loading of the platform and horizontal braces for absorbing torsional forces.

Background

Semi-submersible platforms have been widely used for oil and gas production/production because these mobile platforms can be easily moved from one location to another. However, as oil and gas production and operations move further offshore, various logistical problems arise. In particular, offshore companies face logistical problems in transporting personnel and supplies to and from platforms located at remote locations or at sites in harsh environments. Typically, helicopters are used to transport personnel and supplies when such sites are located less than 150km from shore. However, this method of transportation becomes costly, dangerous and inefficient when the sites are located more than 300km from the shore. Some typical problems associated with using helicopters for transport to these remote locations include: longer flight; in case of a helicopter/ship distress, there is no emergency team nearby; no on-site service/refueling facility; there is no on-site warehouse/warehouse for storing food and equipment; and facilities that do not contain personnel.

A solution to the above problem is to build the platform halfway between the site and the shore so that a helicopter/ship can be deployed to transport personnel from the shore to the platform and then to the desired site. However, this approach is still inefficient because it is extremely difficult and dangerous to carry out the boarding/disembarking of personnel and the loading/unloading of materials between the vessel/helicopter and the platform under rough sea conditions. Thus, under such harsh conditions, it is challenging to ensure that the platform remains stable with minimal motion.

Semi-submersible vessels are described in U.S. patent publication No.2003/0205189 a1, published on 6.11.2003 in the name of Joe Wayne Key et al. This publication discloses a semi-submersible floating production vessel with a ring buoy having a plurality of columns extending upwardly from the buoy to support a deck on which production modules are arranged. The posts are surrounded by a shield which serves to protect the posts from impact by the floating body. The object of this publication is to provide a semi-submersible vessel which has a sufficiently large horizontal inertia to ensure sufficient stability while minimizing the response of the vessel to movements. The purpose of this publication is not to provide a platform that serves as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location. In addition, the design does not provide a docking area that protects the vessel from rough sea conditions.

A floating offshore drilling structure for drilling at an offshore location is disclosed in GB patent No.1,065,216 published on 12.4.1967 in the name of labord et al. This publication discloses a floating structure having a generally V-shaped hull configuration formed by a pair of triangular shaped hull wings. The V-shaped housing structure does not employ cross braces between the main housing elements because it is disclosed that the housing wing configuration can resist the varying stresses acting on the structure. The floating structure is also disclosed to have a high degree of stability in severe weather conditions, since the centre of floating substantially coincides with the centre of the structure where the two substantially triangular wings of the hull meet. The stability of the structure can be increased by increasing the size of the housing wings. However, as the size of the housing wings increases, the housing wings will experience higher torsional and higher bending forces as the horizontal plane area of the structure increases. In rough sea conditions, such forces may be destructive.

A mooring device for a floating body is disclosed in GB patent No.1,582,468, published on 1/7 1981 in the name of slotnas. This publication describes a floating harbour installation in the shape of a horseshoe, V or U for protecting a docked vessel from the effects of inclement weather. However, the device disclosed in this document may be used only close to the shore or at a location where the bottom of the device can be moored firmly and fixedly to the seabed.

Disclosure of Invention

The above and other problems are solved and a semi-submersible platform according to the present invention advances the art.

A first advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform has a balancing unit for balancing the asymmetric loading of the platform at the head of the platform, which is formed by one or more upwardly extending columns adjacent to the apex of the V-shaped semi-submersible platform.

A second advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform has a wide opening at the tail, whereby the opening provides access to a docking area within the semi-submersible platform. The vessel can be moored in the mooring area and thereby protected from rough sea conditions.

A third advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform has a horizontal support that extends between the first pontoon and the second pontoon for absorbing torsional forces acting on the first pontoon and the second pontoon. The horizontal supports located near the aft portion of the platform have a rectangular shaped cross section to improve the stability and maneuverability of the platform.

A fourth advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform is configured with a V-shape to take advantage of the directionality of the external environment (e.g., strong winds) to reduce platform motion, thus increasing the stability of the platform under adverse environmental conditions.

A fifth advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform serves as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location and is equipped with a variety of facilities for conducting offshore mining and operations, including lodging facilities, medical facilities, helicopter berthing/maintenance/refueling facilities, and warehouse facilities.

A sixth advantage of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is that the platform has a turret mooring system to allow the platform to adopt a direction of lowest resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as strong waves, high winds, and fast moving currents.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a semi-submersible platform having a first end and a second end is provided. The semi-submersible platform comprising: a first pontoon on a first side of the semi-submersible platform; and a second pontoon on a second side of the semi-submersible platform. A counterbalance unit is positioned proximate the first end of the semi-submersible platform and is connected to a first end of each of the first and second pontoons to form a V-shaped semi-submersible platform. The balancing unit comprises at least one main column extending upwardly for supporting the V-shaped semi-submersible platform. An opening is defined between the first buoy and the second buoy proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform to provide a docking area within the semi-submersible platform accessible by a vessel through the opening such that the semi-submersible platform protects the vessel from rough sea conditions. The horizontal bracket disposed proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform extends from the first pontoon to the second pontoon. The horizontal support is for absorbing torsional forces acting on the first buoy and the second buoy and for improving stability and maneuverability of the semi-submersible platform.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises: a first set of auxiliary columns extending upwardly from the first pontoon; and a second set of auxiliary columns extending upwardly from the second pontoon. The first set of secondary posts are aligned substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other. The second set of secondary posts are also aligned substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the main column is larger than the diameter of each of the first and second set of auxiliary columns to balance the semi-submersible platform. In another embodiment, the main column has an opening extending throughout the entire length of the main column to allow drilling operations to be performed through the opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the balancing unit comprises a set of main columns. According to some of these embodiments, the columns of the set of main columns may be arranged in the following configuration: one of a triangular configuration, a rectangular configuration, or a circular configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-submersible platform may further comprise: a first main deck arranged substantially parallel to and above the first pontoon and connected to the first set of auxiliary columns. A second main deck is arranged substantially parallel to and above the second pontoon and connected to the second set of auxiliary columns.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises: a first extension pontoon extending laterally from a second end of the first pontoon proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform. A second elongated pontoon extends laterally from a second end of the second pontoon proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform. The first and second elongated pontoons are substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other. According to some of these embodiments, the first and second elongated pontoons are detachable.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises a support pontoon connecting the first and second extension pontoons. According to some of these embodiments, a set of support pontoons connects the first and second extension pontoons.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises: a retractable wall interconnecting the secondary posts of the first and second sets of secondary posts with the balancing unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises an extendable deck connecting the first main deck and the second main deck. According to some of these embodiments, the extendable deck is removable.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible further comprises a crew dormitory on the semi-submersible. In some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises a helicopter deck on the semi-submersible platform.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises: a securing mechanism having a first end attached to the semi-submersible platform and a second end attached to a side of a vessel moored in the mooring area.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises: a guiding mechanism for pulling a vessel into the docking area through the opening of the semi-submersible platform. According to some of these embodiments, the guide mechanism comprises a yoke structure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the semi-submersible platform further comprises an external turret mooring system located proximate to the balancing unit or comprises an internal turret mooring system.

Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of various configurations of a balancing unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a semi-submersible platform according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-submersible platform with retractable walls according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a semi-submersible platform having an extension according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a semi-submersible platform with an extendable deck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform suitable for use as a logistics hub at a remote offshore location. More particularly, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform configured in a V-shape to reduce the motion response of the platform during rough sea conditions. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform having a boat mooring area inside the platform, a counterbalance unit for supporting the platform's asymmetric load, and a cross brace for absorbing torsional forces and increasing the platform's stability/maneuverability.

The semi-submersible platform 100 shown in fig. 1-6 is a semi-submersible integrated port or logistics hub with a docking area in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The semi-submersible platform 100 comprises two semi-submersible pontoons 101 and 102 (shown in fig. 2) each preferably in the form of a longitudinal extension. In some embodiments, the length of each of the pontoons 101 and 102 is in the range of 50m and 150 m. The first pontoon 101 is on a first side of the semi-submersible platform 100 and the second pontoon 102 is on a second side of the semi-submersible platform 100. The pontoons 101 and 102 are arranged such that they diverge from each other by an angle θ of no more than 180 ° to form a substantially V-shaped configuration. In operation, the buoys 101 and 102 are submerged and may be lifted or thus submerged further. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size and shape of the buoys 101 and 102 may be varied without departing from the present invention.

Semi-submersible platform 100 also includes main decks 105 and 106, each preferably in the form of a longitudinal extension. The first main deck 105 is substantially parallel to the first pontoon 101 and is aligned above the first pontoon 101. Similarly, the second main deck 106 is substantially parallel to the second pontoon 102 and aligned above the second pontoon 102. In a preferred embodiment, the main decks 105 and 106 are above sea level. However, the main decks 105 and 106 may be underwater for other uses. A first set of auxiliary columns 109 extends from the first pontoon 101 upwardly to the first main deck 105 and a second set of auxiliary columns 110 extends from the second pontoon 102 upwardly to the second main deck 106. Each of the auxiliary columns 109 and 110 is semi-submersible and is preferably cylindrical in shape for supporting the load of semi-submersible platform 100. In some embodiments, the diameter and height of each of the auxiliary pillars 109 and 110 are in the range of 10m and 20m and in the range of 15m and 30m, respectively. The auxiliary columns in each set of auxiliary columns 109 and 110 are aligned substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart (as shown in fig. 1) to achieve a stable uniform weight distribution of the load on semi-submersible 100. In operation, the lower portions of the auxiliary columns 109 and 110 are submerged. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size and shape of the main decks 105 and 106 and the auxiliary columns 109 and 110 may be varied without departing from the invention.

Semi-submersible platform 100 also includes a semi-submersible water balance unit 113 for supporting the asymmetric loading of semi-submersible platform 100. A counterbalance unit 113 is disposed near the forward end of semi-submersible 100 and is connected (or integrated) to the forward ends of buoys 101 and 102 and the associated forward ends of main decks 105 and 106, thereby forming V-shaped semi-submersible 100. In other words, the balancing unit 113 is adjacent to the apex (i.e., the front end) of the V-shaped semi-submersible platform 100. The balancing unit 113 is semi-submersible and in operation the lower part of the balancing unit 113 is submerged. The balancing unit 113 includes at least one main column 115 extending upward, as shown in (a) of fig. 1 and 2. The main column 115 is preferably cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the balancing unit 113 may include a set of main columns 115 arranged in various configurations, such as a triangular configuration (fig. 2(b)), a rectangular configuration (fig. 2(c)), and a circular configuration (fig. 2 (d)). In some embodiments, the diameter and height of the main column 115 are in the range of 25m and 50m and in the range of 15m to 30m, respectively. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size and shape of the balancing unit 113 and the main column 115 may be varied without departing from the present invention.

The pontoons 101 and 102, the first and second sets of auxiliary columns 109 and 110, and the main column 115 of the equalization unit 113 may house ballast devices (e.g., ballast tanks) to facilitate movement of these components relative to sea level. In operation, these ballast devices may be filled or emptied depending on whether the platform 100 is further submerged or further lifted from the water. Typically, these ballast devices will be filled gradually, with the larger ballast devices being filled first and the smaller ballast devices being filled later to minimize the yaw (yaw) and roll (roll) of the platform 100 as the platform 100 is submerged or elevated.

Semi-submersible platform 100 also includes a cross brace 125. The cross brace 125 extends from the first pontoon 101 to the second pontoon 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cross brace 125 is disposed near the aft portion of the platform 100. Under severe environmental conditions, strong torsional and bending forces act on the pontoons 101 and 102, causing these pontoons to twist and rotate, tightening the connection between the pontoons and the balance unit. The cross braces 125 are able to absorb torsional and bending forces acting on the pontoons 101 and 102, allowing the platform 100 to continue to operate even in the harshest weather conditions. In other embodiments of the invention, the platform 100 may have a plurality of cross braces extending between the pontoons 101 and 102. In fig. 1 and 3, two cross braces are shown. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of cross braces may be implemented on the platform 100 without departing from the present invention. Unlike conventional floating ports, ballast devices on the platform 100 may be ballasted and de-ballasted as needed depending on the elevation of the vessel being moored. By doing so, the operator of the platform 100 can ensure that the keel of the berthing vessel does not contact the cross braces 125 of the platform 100. According to other embodiments of the present invention, stability and maneuverability of platform 100 may be improved by selecting cross braces that are rectangular in cross section. By selecting a rectangular shaped support, this effectively provides a more stable base for the platform 100 to withstand wave motion even under severe weather conditions, as such a shape will encourage the entire platform 100 to move as a single unit against or with wave motion. The overall movement of the platform 100 greatly reduces the bending and torsional forces acting on the pontoons 101 and 102, thereby allowing the platform 100 to withstand the harshest elements.

This creates an uneven weight distribution that needs to be balanced because the loads closer to the apex of the V-shaped semi-submersible platform 100 are typically heavier than the rest of the platform 100. For example, the main machinery, crew dormitories 117 and helicopter deck 119 may be located near the apex of the V-shaped semi-submersible 100. Thus, the diameter and size of primary columns 115 near the apex region of platform 100 should be larger than the diameter and size of secondary columns 109 and 110 to support the asymmetric loading of platform 100 and to allow semi-submersible platform 100 to be properly balanced. In some embodiments, the main column 115 has an opening (not shown) that runs the entire length of the main column 115 to allow drilling operations (or other suitable offshore operations) to be performed through the opening and connected to the seafloor through a bottom opening of the submerged main column 115.

An opening 121 is defined between the pontoons 101 and 102 and between the associated main decks 105 and 106. Opening 121 is located near the aft end (opposite the apex) of V-shaped semi-submersible 100. Mooring area 123 is disposed within semi-submersible 100 between pontoons 101 and 102 and between associated main decks 105 and 106. The vessel can reach the docking area 123 through the opening 121 such that the vessel docked in the docking area 123 is protected from rough sea conditions (e.g., strong winds and/or waves). The size of the docking area 123 is determined by the opening 121, which in turn is determined by the angle θ between the pontoons 101 and 102. The larger angle θ has a larger opening 121, the larger opening 121 then providing a larger docking area 123 for receiving a larger vessel. In some embodiments, docking area 123 provides a dock for a vessel having a length of 150m and a width of 50 m.

V-shaped semi-submersible platform 100 takes advantage of the directionality of the external environment (e.g., the direction of the surge and the direction of the current) by diverting environmental loads from platform 100. For example, as the strong wind approaches the apex of V-shaped semi-submersible platform 100, the wind splits and travels along both sides of semi-submersible platform 100 toward the aft end, as indicated by arrows X in FIG. 3. This results in reduced motion of semi-submersible platform 100 in response to rough sea conditions and protects the vessel moored in mooring area 123 from rough sea conditions.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, the platform 100 further comprises an external turret mooring system 130. In this embodiment, an external turret mooring system 130 is provided adjacent to the counterbalance unit 113. The external turret mooring system 130 comprises a plurality of anchor lines, a turret column and a bearing arrangement. The external turret mooring system 130 (secured to the sea floor by a plurality of anchor lines) allows the platform 100 to freely surround the wind vane, taking the direction of least resistance to waves, wind and currents. For mooring operations, it is advantageous that the platform 100 be able to automatically assume a heading that provides minimal resistance to the violent natural environment. Without the external turret mooring system 130, the operator of the platform 100 would have to rely on other instruments to determine the heading that is most appropriate for the berthing operation. By utilizing the V-shaped feature of the platform 100 and the external turret mooring system 130, the platform 100 will automatically bring the wind vane into the optimal position for the mooring operation through the opening 121. In this position, the apex of the V-shaped platform will be pointed at the violent winds and waves that will separate and travel along both sides of the semi-submersible 100 toward the rear end, as shown in FIG. 3. This in turn simplifies the mooring process of the incoming vessel, since the impact of the natural environment is greatly reduced, thus making the entire mooring process safer. In other embodiments of the present invention, an internal turret mooring system (not shown) may be used in place of the external turret mooring system 130. For the sake of brevity, the operation of the internal turret mooring system is not disclosed, as such systems are known to those skilled in the art.

Further, in some embodiments, semi-submersible platform 100 may include retractable walls 401 interconnecting auxiliary columns (109 and 110) and balancing unit 113, as shown in fig. 4. Thus, the retractable wall 401 effectively acts as an additional protective barrier for a vessel moored in the docking area 123. This allows the vessel to be safely moored even in rough sea conditions. Once the vessel is moored in the berthing area 123, boarding/disembarking of passengers and loading/unloading of materials can be safely awakened on the main decks 105 and 106.

Fig. 5 shows that semi-submersible platform 100 may include two extensions 501 and 502 near the aft end of semi-submersible platform 100 to form a longer docking area 123 for receiving a longer vessel 505. Each of the extensions 501 and 502 is preferably longitudinally elongated. In some embodiments, the length of each of the extensions 501 and 502 is in the range of 50m to 100 m. First extension 501 is on a first side of semi-submersible 100 and second extension 502 is on a second side of semi-submersible 100. The first extension 501 comprises a first extension buoy and an associated first extension main deck connected by a first set of upwardly extending columns. The second extension 502 includes a second extension buoy and an associated second extension main deck connected by a second set of upwardly extending columns. A first extension pontoon extends transversely from the rear end of the first pontoon 101 and a second extension pontoon extends transversely from the rear end of the second pontoon 102. The first and second extension pontoons are substantially parallel to each other and are sufficiently spaced apart to receive vessel 505. Extensions 501 and 502 and thus the first and second extension buoys can be removed from semi-submersible platform 100. In some embodiments, there is a support pontoon 507 connecting the first and second extension pontoons to strengthen the structure of the extension portions 501 and 502. A plurality of support pontoons 507 may be used without departing from this embodiment of the invention.

Semi-submersible platform 100 may include crew dormitories 117 for personnel and docking area 119 for a helicopter. Typically, crew dormitories 117 are positioned above the main decks 105 and 106 near the apex of the semi-submersible 100, and the docking area 119 for the helicopter is positioned above the crew dormitories 117. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 6, semi-submersible platform 100 may include an extendable deck 601 connecting first main deck 105 and second main deck 106. The deck 601 may be extended if additional space is required, such as for use as an additional crew dormitory, production facility, warehouse for food and/or equipment. This allows a large number of people to remain on semi-submersible 100 for a longer period of time and/or allows more production activities to be performed on semi-submersible 100. The extendable deck 601 can be extended to cover the entire area (or any desired area size) between the main decks 105 and 106. The extendable deck 601 is also retractable and detachable to create space for berthing the vessel.

In some embodiments, to stabilize the vessel in the docking area 123 and to prevent the vessel from hitting the sides of the docking area 123, securing mechanisms (not shown) may be employed to hold the vessel stationary while the vessel is docked in the docking area 123. The securing mechanism includes a first end attached to semi-submersible platform 100 and a second end attached to both sides of the vessel. In some other embodiments, semi-submersible platform 100 may include a steering mechanism (not shown) for pulling a vessel into docking area 123. The guiding mechanism may comprise a yoke structure (not shown) having a general V-shape or U-shape with two arms extending towards the vessel and the ends of the arms being fixedly secured to both sides of the vessel. Thus, as the yoke structure moves towards the apex of semi-submersible 100, the vessel will be pulled into docking area 123.

The above embodiments provide a description of the features and advantages of a V-shaped semi-submersible with a docking area according to the present invention that reduces the motion of the platform under rough sea conditions. It is envisioned that those skilled in the art may and will design alternative embodiments that infringe the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (17)

1. A semi-submersible platform having a first end and a second end, the semi-submersible platform comprising:

a first pontoon on a first side of the semi-submersible platform;

a second pontoon on a second side of the semi-submersible platform;

a counterbalance unit proximate the first end of the semi-submersible platform and connected to a first end of each of the first and second pontoons to provide access for a vessel to a mooring area within the semi-submersible platform proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform defining an opening between the first and second pontoons, wherein the counterbalance unit comprises at least one upwardly extending main column for supporting a load on a top surface of the counterbalance unit;

a horizontal bracket extending between the first pontoon and the second pontoon, positioned proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform, for absorbing torsional forces acting on the first pontoon and the second pontoon, wherein the horizontal bracket has a rectangular cross-section to improve stability and maneuverability of the semi-submersible platform;

a turret mooring system;

a yoke structure for pulling a vessel into the mooring area through the opening;

a first set of auxiliary columns extending upwardly from the first pontoon;

a second set of auxiliary columns extending upwardly from the second pontoon; and

a retractable wall interconnecting the secondary posts of the first and second sets of secondary posts with the balancing unit.

2. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the diameter of the at least one main column is greater than the diameter of each of the first and second sets of auxiliary columns to increase the buoyancy of the semi-submersible platform proximate the first end of the semi-submersible platform.

3. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the at least one main column has an opening that extends throughout the entire length of the main column to allow drilling operations to be performed through the opening of the at least one main column.

4. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the balancing unit comprises a set of main columns arranged in a generally triangular configuration.

5. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the balancing unit comprises a set of main columns arranged in a generally rectangular configuration.

6. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the balancing unit comprises a set of main columns arranged in a generally circular configuration.

7. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a first main deck supported by the first set of auxiliary columns; and

a second main deck supported by the second set of auxiliary columns.

8. The semi-submersible platform of claim 7 further comprising:

an extendable deck connecting the first main deck and the second main deck.

9. The semi-submersible platform of claim 8 wherein,

the extendable deck is removable.

10. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a first elongated pontoon extending laterally from a second end of the first pontoon proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform; and

a second elongated pontoon extending laterally from a second end of the second pontoon proximate the second end of the semi-submersible platform,

wherein the first and second elongated pontoons are substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other.

11. The semi-submersible platform of claim 10 wherein the first and second elongated buoys are detachable.

12. The semi-submersible platform of claim 10 further comprising:

a support pontoon connected to the first extension pontoon and the second extension pontoon.

13. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the load comprises: a crew dormitory.

14. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the load comprises: a helicopter deck.

15. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a securing mechanism having a first end attached to the semi-submersible platform and a second end attached to a side of a vessel moored in the mooring area.

16. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the turret mooring system is positioned proximate the balancing unit.

17. The semi-submersible platform of claim 1 wherein the turret mooring system is positioned within the semi-submersible platform structure.