BRPI0406830B1 - stake anchor, and methods of anchoring a stake anchor to the bottom of a body of water, and producing offshore hydrocarbon reserves. - Google Patents

Description

"CUTTING ANCHOR, Ε METHODS OF ANCHORING A CUTTING ANCHOR ON THE BACKGROUND OF A BODY OF WATER, AND MAKING HYDROCARBON RESERVES OFF THE COAST"

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claim claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 451,734 filed March 4, 2003.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to pile anchor technology and, in particular, to an innovative pile anchor having external fins. External fins help maintain anchor orientation and support during installation and can also enhance anchor carrying capacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Offshore structures such as those used by the oil industry are sometimes moored to the seabed using piling anchors. Existing pile anchors can generally be described as a single typically circular tubular element in straight section, with a closed top and an open bottom. The ability of a pile anchor to dock an object is typically referred to as a "holding capacity" of the anchor. In general the carrying capacity of an anchor increases with the size of the anchor. However, typically, as the size of the anchor increases, so do the costs of material, fabrication and installation of the anchor. Additional background can be found in U.S. 5,915,326 to Karal, GB 1,269,599 A to Joppa et al., U.S. 5,704,732 to Horton, and U.S. 4,619,218 to Kenny. What is needed is a pile anchor installation system that reduces high material, fabrication and installation costs without substantially reducing the anchor carrying capacity.

There is also a need in the industry for a pile anchor that can keep its carrying capacity at a reduced size or, alternatively, have an increased carrying capacity for a given size. By increasing a pile anchor holding capacity one may be able to reduce the total number of pile anchors required to dock a floating structure. Decreasing the number of pile anchors reduces material costs and installation time, which can be a significant cost component of offshore construction. The present invention can satisfy these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention includes a pile anchor for use in mooring an offshore structure to the seabed. The anchor includes an elongate hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end and a longitudinal axis, a load transfer device or device for connecting an anchor line to the elongate hollow member, a longitudinally disposed first fin extending to outside from the outer surface of the elongated hollow member. The elongate hollow member may be a circular tubular member. The upper end of the elongate hollow member, alternatively, has the ability to regulate fluid flow. The load transfer device is fixed to the outer surface of the elongate hollow member. The elongate hollow member, alternatively, has a second longitudinally disposed fin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate hollow member.

The invention also includes a method of anchoring a pile anchor to the bottom of a body of water. The method includes installing a pile anchor at the bottom of the body of water. The pile anchor includes (i) an elongated hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end, a longitudinal axis and a straight cross section, (ii) a load transfer device for connecting an anchor line to the hollow member. elongate, the load transfer device is fixed to the outer surface of the elongate hollow member and positioned over the circumference of the elongate hollow member, and (iii) a longitudinally disposed first fin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate hollow member.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of producing offshore hydrocarbon reserves. The method includes anchoring an offshore structure to the seabed using a piling anchor. The pile anchor includes (i) elongated hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end, a longitudinal axis and a straight cross section; (ii) a load transfer device for connecting an anchor line to the elongate hollow member, the load transfer device attached to the outer surface of the elongate hollow member and positioned over the circumference of the elongate hollow member; and (iii) a longitudinally disposed first fin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate hollow member. The method further includes connecting the charge transfer device to an offshore structure and producing hydrocarbon reserves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 illustrates a configuration of a pile anchor according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of an anchor configuration according to this invention illustrating a look as the 0 degree reference point.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an anchor configuration made in accordance with this invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an anchor configuration made in accordance with this invention with an additional longitudinally disposed fin attached to the rear of the anchor. Figure 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention in which slots are used to secure longitudinally disposed fins to the tubular member.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention having two-piece flat vanes.

Figure 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having two-piece flat fins.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention having curved non-planar fins.

Figure 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having curved non-flat fins.

Figure 10 is a schematic front side view of an embodiment of the invention having two-piece flat fins.

Figure 11 is a schematic back side view of an embodiment of the invention having two-piece flat fins.

Figure 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having two-piece flat fins.

Figure 13 is a schematic front side view of a configuration of the invention having a single flat fin.

Figure 14 is a schematic rear view of a configuration of the invention having a single flat fin.

Figure 15 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having a single flat fin.

Figure 16 illustrates an offshore wedge that is anchored using the anchors of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein and in the appended claims, the phrase "elongated hollow member" is intended to refer to any device forming a wrap on all sides except that its top and bottom ends may be opened or closed with a lid. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a rectangular or elliptical circular conduit with an upper and lower closed or open end. An elongate hollow member may be completely hollow within or may be only partially hollow, for example by including internal structural bracing within the elongate hollow member. The elongated hollow elements according to the invention may have an open lower end.

In general, pile anchors can be installed by being lowered to the ground in a controlled descent, with the weight of the anchor being the initial drive force. Cables can be used to help control stake anchor descent and pressure release mechanisms such as bidirectional overflow valves over the stake anchor are opened to allow water to be evacuated from the inside of the anchor allowed thereby penetrating the anchor. stake in the soil. This process is referred to as self-penetration. Usually self-penetration is followed by applying another force on the anchor to obtain the final penetration depth. Typically this force is applied by suction penetration. In suction penetration a water evacuation pump may be connected to the pile anchor suction and water is pumped out of the anchor interior. The differential water pressure that is created results in a downward net force that is used to push the suction pile anchor to final penetration. Direct force can also be applied to the anchor such as using a pile driver to achieve final penetration. Direct force can be used alone or in combination with suction penetration.

The anchor device of this invention has the generic configuration of an elongated hollow member, but in addition has one or more fins disposed longitudinally on the outside of the anchor. In an alternate configuration the anchor has two fins located on either side of the load transfer connection point. The fins may be constructed of the same materials as the suction pile anchor or other structural materials, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

A pile anchor can be any elongated hollow member, including a circular cylindrical member. It can be made in other geometries, however, such as an elliptical cylinder, rectangular duct, etc., and can have various length to diameter ratios.

An example of a configuration of a pile anchor is provided in Figure 1 showing the pile anchor (100) as consisting of a cylindrical body (160) that is closed at the top by a lid (150) and opened at its lower end. . A load transfer connection point, such as an eye (120), is located on the side of the pile anchor (100) to connect an anchor chain (130) that transfers the load from an offshore structure ( not shown) such as a floating structure, DDCV, drilling or production riser, pipe, semi-submersible, drilling vessel, underwater structure or other structure. Anchor 100 includes at least one fin (275A) attached to the main body of the anchor and alternatively a second fin (275B). The lid (150), alternatively, contains two bidirectional flow valves (110). The water evacuation pump (20) may be connected to a flow valve (110) to regulate fluid flow between the inside and outside of the anchor to provide suction installation. During the installation process the pile anchor (100) is supported by development hardware such as a spreader bar (140) which, in turn, may be supported by a crane (or other surface equipment) via the crane hook. (30). The pile anchor (100) may be embedded in the seabed (10) by means of installation methods previously described and those described hereinafter. Referring now to Figure 2, for purposes of describing this embodiment of the invention, the load transfer or lug connection point 120 will be considered as zero degree reference point. Measurement of the deviation from this reference point is made in an clockwise direction. Referring again to Figure 2, according to one embodiment of this invention, at least one longitudinally disposed fin (275A) is alternatively located between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees of eyelet (120), and optionally a second longitudinally disposed fin. (275B) is alternately located between about 225 degrees and about 315 degrees of the eyelet (120). However, the anchors according to the invention may be constructed such that the fins outlined in Figure 2 are attached to the elongate hollow member 160 at angles greater or less than those specified in this paragraph, for example at about 35 ° C. up to 145 and about 215 to 325 degrees, about 25 to 155, and about 205 to 335 degrees, or about 55 to 125 and about 235 to .305 degrees.

The length of the fins 275A and 275B protruding from the elongate hollow member may vary in both longitudinal and radial directions. Generally, these lengths can be used by designing fin lengths with reference to ground conditions at the desired installation location using engineering judgment. In this paragraph said dimensions apply to the portion of the palette protruding from and outside the elongate hollow member. In one configuration the fins may be between about 2 to 200 percent of the average diameter of the elongate hollow member 160 in the radial direction. The fins may alternatively be from about 5 to 90, 10 to 70, 15 to 60 or .20 to 55 percent of the average diameter of the elongate hollow member in the radial direction. The fins can also be constructed to a certain length in the longitudinal direction. In one configuration the fins are from 5 to 150 percent of the average length of the elongate hollow member in the longitudinal direction. The fins may alternatively be from 1 to 100, 25 to 100.50 to 100, 45 to 100 or 45 to 95 percent of the average length of the elongate hollow member in the longitudinal direction.

Referring now to Figure 3, a configuration of the present invention is shown with fins 275A and 275B located over anchor 100 on each side of eyelet 120 in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.

Additional longitudinally disposed fins may extend from anchor 100. Additional fins or fins may be located at the rear and / or front of the anchor. The "fore quarter" of the anchor includes the anchor portion that extends from about 315 degrees to about the 0 degree reference point and from about the zero degree reference point to about 45 degrees or, in other words, from about 45 degrees on each side of the eyelet (120). The "hind quarter" of the anchor is that section of the anchor that is between about 135 degrees to about 225 degrees from the eye (120). Referring to Figure 4, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown containing an additional longitudinally disposed fin (275C) attached to the rear quarter of the anchor.

The connection of the fins to the anchor (100) can be accomplished by commonly known methods. In another preferred embodiment shown in Figure 5, slots (215) are provided at anchor (100) and the fins are attached to the anchor (100) by inserting them through the slots (215) and then connecting the fins to the slots using standard techniques. such as welding. When connecting the fins to the anchor (100) through slits, a relatively tight seal is required between the fin and the slot to prevent water from flowing into the anchor during suction installation. Diametrically aligned vanes, for example vanes 275A and 275B shown in Figure 4 may be manufactured in one piece and mounted to fit through both slots 215A and 215B in suction pile anchor 100 . In this configuration the fins in combination with other associated internal trusses (not shown) could also provide structural support for the eye (120).

The fins 275A and 275B are delineated in this configuration as straight planar elements coming from the main body 160 of the anchor 100 perpendicular to a plane tangent to the main body of the anchor 160 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. anchor main (160); however, the fins according to the invention are not limited to straight flat fins, fins that are attached perpendicular to the tangent plane to the outer surface of the anchor main body, or fins parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anchor main body. The fins according to the invention may be of various shapes, including, but not limited to, curved fins or fins made up of various flat elements connected at various angles in an articulated manner. The various fin shapes may be attached in a substantially longitudinal manner with respect to the anchor main body, or may be attached at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the anchor main body. The fins may also be connected at an angle other than 90 degrees (i.e. perpendicular) from a plane that is tangent to the outer surface of the anchor main body.

Figure 6 outlines an anchor (100) with two fins (275A and .275B) which are attached to the elongate hollow member (160) at an angle to the plane tangent to the circular elongate hollow member (160). The fins (275A and 275B) are also not a single flat shape, but are located in two separate planes that form an angle at the point of attachment. Figure 7 outlines a top view of the anchor (100) outlined in Figure 6, which further shows the inclined connection of the fins (275A and 275B) and the biplane shape of the fins (275A and 275B). Figure 8 outlines an anchor (100) with two curved semi-circular non-flat fins (275A and 275B). Figure 9 outlines a top view of the anchor (100) and fins (275A and 275B) outlined in Figure 8.

Figure 10 outlines an anchor (100) with two vanes (275A and 275B), which while connected perpendicular to the tangent plane to the circular elongate hollow member (160), contains two flat fin members that are connected at an angle. The fins are attached to the rear side of the anchor (100) at about 135, 225 degrees respectively from the eye (120). Figures 11 to 12 show the inverse angle and top view of the anchor 100 outlined in Figure 10. However, the anchors according to the invention may be constructed such that the fins outlined in Figures 10, 11 and 12 are connected to the elongate hollow member (160) at angles greater or less than those specified in this paragraph, for example about 125 and .235 degrees respectively from the eyelet 120 or about 145 to 215 degrees respectively from the eyelet (120 ).

Figure 13 outlines the front side view of an anchor .100 having a single flat fin 280 attached to the rear side of the anchor main body 160 such that opposite ends of the fin act as separate fins as in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. Figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 14 shows the rear side view while Figure 15 shows a top view of the same single vane arrangement. The single fin of this configuration may require additional external trusses 290 as outlined in Figure 15.

In the various embodiments described herein, longitudinally disposed fins 275A and 275B will also increase the ground bearing area of the anchor 100 against lateral displacement, and thus increase the anchor carrying capacity. Consequently, with fins 275A, 275B, an anchor 100 can be designed smaller in size while maintaining a provided carrying capacity, thereby obtaining cost benefits for material and installation.

Dimensions, configuration and number of fins incorporated into anchor 100 can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on factors including application, soil engineering properties, anchor support and orientation, magnitude and types of loading conditions and the savings of manufacturing and installation operations.

The fins assist in anchor installation (100) by maintaining anchor support and orientation during self-weight penetration and suction installation, or during installation by other methods. This ability to maintain anchor support and orientation is particularly useful for the installation method described in also pending US Patent Application No. 10 / 382,291 filed March 5, 2003, entitled "Method for installing a pile anchor", the entirety of which It is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Also pending referenced Application discloses an installation method that enhances the carrying capacity of a pile anchor by installing the pile anchor at an angle to the seabed, so that the top of the anchor is tilted in an opposite direction. applied load. The anchor is positioned at an inclined angle to the sea floor, with the top of the anchor tilted in a direction away from the lateral loading direction and then inserting at least partially into the seabed while the inclination angle is substantially maintained. The present invention therefore also includes a method for installing a pile anchor to the seabed and in particular the invention allows to reduce or eliminate the vertical load acting on a pile anchor and correspondingly increasing the load component. lateral, thereby enhancing the anchor carrying capacity. An elongated hollow member such as the pile anchor (100) embedded in a typical seabed stratigraphy (10) can achieve a higher carrying capacity when it is moved across the ground perpendicular to its longitudinal axis as opposed to displacement. along its longitudinal axis. These load components represent lateral ground resistance (supporting resistance) and vertical ground resistance (sliding frictional resistance), respectively. The preferred method for developing the tubular member described herein will allow the pile anchor (100) to be installed such that the vertical load member can be incrementally reduced or completely eliminated.

As further described in also pending US Patent Application 10 / 382,291, filed March 5, 2003 entitled "Method for installing a pile anchor" a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the anchor is installed at an angle to the suction pile anchor ( 100) can be installed using a guide frame to create and maintain the desired tilt angle. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the desired tilt angle is created and maintained by connecting a traction device to provide upward tension to the side of the pile anchor (100) to which the side load connection is applied, i.e. look (120). For example, anchor chain 130 may serve as the traction device for this configuration. Alternative pulling devices may be used which include, but are not limited to, a lifting cable or bar or other rigid element. Another embodiment of this invention provides a piling anchor with internal compartments that can be selectively evacuated from water to provide selective buoyancy to the piling anchor (100). By selectively adjusting the pile anchor fluctuation (100), the desired tilt angle can be achieved during installation. In another preferred embodiment the spreader bar (140), or other developmental hardware, is attached to the pile anchor (100) in a displaced position such that the axis of rotation is not through the center of gravity of the pile (100). . The distributor bar 140, or other developmental hardware, is positioned such that the suction pile anchor 100 naturally assumes the desired tilt angle as it is developed. Ropes or slings may be employed in these configurations to stabilize the suction pile anchor (100) during lowering and initial insertion into the seabed (10).

The installation method disclosed above and in U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 382,291, filed March 5, 2002, entitled "Method for installing a pile anchor", enhances the anchorability of the anchor. Accordingly, installation of the innovative anchor system (100) in conjunction with the also disclosed pending patent application method can provide an anchor that can maintain the same carrying capacity at a reduced size.

Figure 16 outlines an embodiment of the invention where pile anchors (100) are used to anchor an offshore structure (200) by using anchor chains (130) connected to such pile anchors (100) by using a load transfer device (120). The off-shore structure (200) may be, for example, a spindle (for example, a deep-water coffin ship ("DDCV") or a truss line) that is equipped with a platform (230). Platform 230 can support offshore exploration, drilling and production of hydrocarbon reserves, ie oil and gas. The platform can be used to conduct offshore seismic data collection. Alternatively, the platform may support offshore drilling equipment for oil and / or gas drilling operations. The platform can also support oil and / or gas production equipment for production of oil and natural gas reserves. The oil and / or gas produced can then be discharged from the platform by, for example, shore pipe or a transport vessel or barge, and then moved to shore. Oil and gas may then be refined to usable petroleum products, such as, for example, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, heating oil, or other petroleum products.

The present invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, to the extent that the foregoing description is specific to a particular embodiment or particular use of the invention, this is intended to be illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, it is designed to cover all alternatives, modifications, equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (30)

A pile anchor, characterized in that it comprises: (a) an elongated hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end and a longitudinal axis; b) a two-way flow valve located over said elongate hollow member; c) a load transfer device for connecting an anchor line to said elongate hollow member, said load transfer device fixed to the outer surface of said elongate hollow member and positioned over the circumference of said elongate hollow member; and d) a longitudinally disposed first flap extending outwardly from the outer surface of said elongate hollow member. Stake anchor according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of bidirectional flow valves located on said elongate hollow member. A pile anchor according to claim 2, further comprising a second longitudinally disposed fin extending outwardly from said outer surface of said elongate hollow member. A pile anchor according to claim 3, characterized in that said first longitudinally disposed fin and said second longitudinally disposed fin have a longitudinal length which is about 50 to 100 percent of the average longitudinal length of the elongated hollow member. A pile anchor according to claim 4, characterized in that said longitudinally disposed first fin and said longitudinally disposed second fin have a radial length which is about 5 to 90 percent of the average diameter of the elongated hollow member. A pile anchor according to claim 5, characterized in that said elongate hollow member is substantially tubular in shape and has a substantially circular cross-sectional area. Stake anchor according to claim 6, characterized in that said upper end of said elongated hollow member is closed and in which said valves are located at the upper end of said elongated hollow member, said valves adapted to regulate fluid flow. through said upper end of said elongate hollow member. A pile anchor according to claim 7, characterized in that said load transfer device is positioned at 0 degrees over the circumference of said elongated hollow member, said first longitudinally disposed fin being positioned between about 25 degrees. and about 155 degrees from said 0 degree location, and said longitudinally disposed second fin being positioned between about 205 degrees and about 335 degrees from said zero degree location. A pile anchor according to claim 8, characterized in that said longitudinally disposed first fin is positioned between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees from said zero degree location, and said second longitudinally disposed fin is positioned. between about 225 degrees and about 315 degrees from said 0 degree location. A pile anchor according to claim 9, further comprising at least one additional longitudinally disposed fin extending outwardly from said elongate hollow member positioned between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees. degrees from said zero degree location. A pile anchor according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional longitudinally disposed fin extending outwardly from said outer surface of said elongate hollow member positioned about 45 degrees on each side of each other. said location of 0 degrees on the outer surface of said tubular member. Piling anchor according to claim 8, characterized in that said load transfer device comprises an eye. Stake anchor according to claim 9, characterized in that said longitudinally disposed first fin is connected through a first slot in said elongated hollow element and said second longitudinally disposed fin is connected through a second slot in said hollow element. elongated. A pile anchor according to claim 13, characterized in that said first and second slots are diametrically opposed, and said longitudinally arranged first and second fins comprise a single fin extending through said first and second slots in said element. elongated hollow. A method of anchoring a pile anchor to the bottom of a body of water, comprising: installing a pile anchor to the bottom of said body of water, said pile anchor including (i) an elongated hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end, a longitudinal axis and a straight cross section, (ii) a two-way flow valve located over said elongated hollow element, (iii) a load transfer device for connecting an anchor line said elongate hollow member, said load transfer device attached to the outer surface of said elongate hollow member and positioned over the circumference of said elongate hollow member and (iv) a longitudinally disposed first fin extending outwardly from the surface said hollow elongate member. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that said elongate hollow member further comprises a plurality of two-way flow valves. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that said elongate hollow member further comprises a longitudinally disposed second fin extending outwardly from said outer surface of said elongate hollow member. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that said longitudinally disposed first fin and said longitudinally disposed second fin have a radial length which is about 5 to 90 percent of the average diameter of the elongate hollow member. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that said first longitudinally disposed fin and said second longitudinally disposed fin have a longitudinal length which is about 50 to 100 percent of the average longitudinal length of the elongate hollow member. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that said load transfer device is positioned at 0 degrees on the circumference of said elongated hollow element, said first longitudinally arranged fin is positioned between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees from said 0 degree location, and said second longitudinally arranged fin being positioned between about 225 degrees and about 315 degrees from said 0 degree location. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that said elongate hollow member is substantially tubular in shape and has a substantially circular cross-sectional area. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that said upper end of said elongated hollow member is closed and said valves are located over the upper end of said elongated hollow member, said valves adapted to regulate fluid flow through said upper end of said elongate hollow member. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that said elongate hollow member further comprises at least one additional longitudinally disposed fin extending outwardly from said outer surface of said elongate hollow member positioned between about 135 degrees and about 30 degrees. 225 degrees from said 0 degree location. A method according to claim 23, characterized in that said elongate hollow member further comprises at least one additional longitudinally disposed flap extending outwardly from the outer surface of said elongate hollow member positioned about 45 degrees on either side. said location of 0 degrees on the outer surface of said tubular member. A method according to claim 24, characterized in that said load transfer device comprises an eyelet. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that said longitudinally disposed first fin is connected through a first slot in said elongated hollow member and said longitudinally disposed second fin is connected through a second slot in said elongated hollow member. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that said first and second slits are diametrically opposed and said longitudinally disposed first and second fins comprise a single fin extending through said first and second slits in said elongated hollow member. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that said installation step includes: a) positioning said pile anchor at an inclined angle to the seabed, the top of said pile anchor being inclined in one direction. away from the direction of a lateral load; and b) inserting said pile anchor at least partially into said seabed, said pile anchor substantially maintaining said inclined angle. 29. A method of producing offshore hydrocarbon reserves, comprising: (a) anchoring an offshore structure to the seabed using a pile anchor system, said pile anchor system including (i) ) an elongate hollow member having an upper end, an open lower end, a longitudinal axis and a straight cross section, (ii) a bidirectional flow valve located over said elongate hollow member, (iii) a load transfer device for connecting an anchor line, said elongate hollow member, said load transfer device attached to the outer surface of said elongate hollow member and positioned over the circumference of said elongate hollow member, and (iv) a longitudinally disposed first fin extending to outside from the outer surface of said elongate hollow member; b) connecting said load transfer device to an offshore structure; and c) produce hydrocarbon reserves. A method according to claim 29, further comprising transporting said hydrocarbon reserves to the coast.