GB2376442A

GB2376442A - Self-elevating platform with a detachable accommodation module

Info

Publication number: GB2376442A
Application number: GB0114717A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Whitbread
Original assignee: LAMPRELL ENERGY Ltd
Current assignee: LAMPRELL ENERGY Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-15
Filing date: 2001-06-15
Publication date: 2002-12-18
Also published as: GB0114717D0

Abstract

A self-propelling, self-elevating offshore platform 1 has a detachable accommodation module 5 for accommodating personnel. A plurality of the detachable modules may be provided which can be stacked side by side and connected together in the centre of the platform deck. The modules may be of the same dimensions as conventional marine containers and may be adapted for transport by helicopter and land use as well as offshore use. The platform may be provided with four pneumatically or hydraulically retractable legs 3, two helidecks 7 and either one or two hulls 2.

Description

An Offshore Platform The present invention relates to an offshore jack-up platform, and in particular to an offshore jack-up platform for emergency accommodation of personnel.

There is a need for military, as well as other personnel, such as relief personnel, medical staff etc. to be accommodated in areas where such personnel are required on a temporary basis, for example, in trouble-spots or regions where national disasters have occurred. Such regions are often remote and difficult to access. In addition, the political situation can mean that it is unsafe for personnel to be located directly in the affected regions. However, the personnel often need to be mobilised into affected regions at short notice in considerable numbers. Furthermore, when personnel are in place they require logistical support in their vicinity.

One proposed solution is to transport the personnel to the affected region and set up a camp there for the duration of stay of the personnel. Such camps normally comprise a large number of tents, which are used as temporary accommodation. However, tents are not particularly comfortable for personnel, especially in cold and wet conditions.

Furthermore, considerable man-hours are expended in setting up the camp. In addition, the camps are not particularly suitable for extended stays in the region. A further disadvantage of such camps is that they are difficult to adapt in response to changing conditions on the ground, since they must be substantially dismantled before they can be re-arranged.

Another solution is to accommodate the personnel offshore, for example in ships moored near the troubled region. However, it has been found that a considerable number of ground personnel suffer from motion sickness, so that accommodation offshore, particularly in rough conditions, is unsuitable.

An object of the present invention is to provide accommodation for personnel, which overcomes the problems described above.

The invention provides an offshore platform as claimed in Claim 1.

The in itipz qn nffzhr% rcvp--n-tlon pr The advantage of providing a self-propelling, self-elevating offshore platform is that the personnel can be transported to a location offshore of the region, in which they will be serving, and be accommodated on a stable platform. Since the accommodation module is detachable from the platform, the module can be transported directly into the region when the time comes for the personnel to carry out their duties, thus providing durable and safe accommodation for personnel on site.

Preferably, a plurality of accommodation modules is provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the modules are adapted to be transported by

helicopter This enables the modules to be transported to the region relatively quickly. p The modules are preferably arranged side by side on the platform to accommodate as many modules as possible. In a further preferred embodiment the modules are stacked one on top of another on the platform.

Preferably, the modules are connectable to one another to secure the modules together on and off the platform.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the modules are the same size as conventional marine containers. This facilitates the design of the platform.

In a further preferred embodiment the modules are arranged substantially centrally of the platform. This improves the balance and buoyancy of the platform.

The modules are preferably adapted for use both offshore and on land, so that the personnel can be located in the same modules on and off the platform.

Preferably, the platform is self-elevated by four retractable legs. Four legs provide satisfactory stability for the platform. It would be possible to provide further legs for increased stability, but this would add considerably to the expense. In a further preferred embodiment each leg has a foot to provide further stability of the platform on the offshore bed, e. g. seabed. The retractable legs of the platform are preferably operable hydraulically. Alternatively, the legs are operable pneumatically.

In a preferred embodiment a helideck is provided. Preferably, two helidecks are provided, thus providing the capability to have one helicopter parked or serviced while another helicopter is in use. Two helicopters can alternatively be used simultaneously to transport personnel and modules between the platform and the onshore site, so that movement can be accelerated.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelling, self-elevating offshore jack-up platform according to the invention, staged offshore: Figure 2 is a perspective view of the offshore jack-up platform of Figure 1 when arranged for propulsion; Figure 3 is a side view of the offshore jack-up platform of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a camp comprising modules from the offshore jack-up platform of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative camp comprising modules from the offshore jack-up platform of Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further camp comprising modules from the offshore jack-up platform of Figure 1.

In Figure 1, an offshore jack-up platform 1 has a hull 2 and four legs 3, two legs 3 being arranged near each end of the hull 2, one at the port side and one at the starboard side.

The legs 3 have feet 4 (see Figure 3) which engage the seabed to support the platform 1 in a stable position A plurality of detachable accommodation modules 5 for accommodating personnel is arranged substantially centrally of the platform 1. The accommodation modules 5 are arranged side by side and are also stacked one above the other on the platform 1. The accommodation modules 5 comprise dormitories, as well as other facilities such as a galley, a medical unit, stores, and offices. In addition, there are modules on the platform 1, which are not designed to be detached. Such modules contain facilities such as a cinema, a laundry, a gymnasium, a games room and control rooms. Additional facilities, such as water-purification facilities and onboard sewage treatment are also provided on the platform. The modules, and in particular the detachable modules, are designed to be suitable for both offshore and land use. The modules are made of steel. However, other suitable materials, such as light-weight insulated sandwich panels, could also be used. In order to facilitate transport of the modules and design of the platform 1, the modules are the same size as conventional marine containers.

Two cranes 6 are also arranged on the platform 1. Two helidecks 7 are provided, one at the bow and one at the stem of the platform 1. The helidecks 7 are preferably provided with re-fuelling facilities. The platform 1 is also provided with landing craft 8 at its bow and stem. Additional landing craft may also be arranged on the starboard and port sides of the platform. Each landing craft is stored in a respective landing cage 9. In Figure 1 the landing cage 9 has been lowered over the side of the hull 2 because its respective landing craft (not shown) has been launched.

Figure 2 shows the platform 1 in motion. The legs 3 with the feet 4 have been raised off the seabed to allow the platform to move through the water. Propellers 10 at the stern of the hull 2 are used to propel the platform. During propulsion of the platform 1, the landing cages 9 are stored on deck.

It can be seen in Figure 3 that the legs 3 and feet 4 are fully retractable into the hull 2 during propulsion of the platform. When the legs 3 are fully retracted the feet 4 are

flush with the underside 2a of the hull 2, so that the resistance to movement of the platform 1 is minimal. The legs 3 preferably have a self pre-loading jack system to facilitate retraction and extension. As a result, pre-load tanks are unnecessary. The space saved in the hull 2 by omitting pre-load tanks can be used to contain other equipment and/or supplies. The jack systems are preferably conventional hydraulic positive engagement jacking systems. Each jacking system (not shown) comprises two jacking rings, one travelling and one stationary, interconnected by six double-acting hydraulic cylinders. Each jacking ring comprises three pins for engagement with three series of holes in the respective leg. The pins are engaged or disengaged by means of hydraulic actuators. The jacking systems are suspended from jack houses by means of tie rods. Rubber pads are provided between the jacking systems and their attachments inside and on top of the jack house.

When the platform I has reached its destination, the legs 3 and feet 4 are lowered from their retracted position until the feet 4 meet the seabed. The legs 3 continue to be extended from their retracted position so that the hull 2 is raised above sea level, thus rendering the platform stable, i. e. free from motion due to the sea. The platform 1 can then be used as a command centre for operations to be carried out by the personnel onshore. In addition, the platform continues to provide accommodation for personnel until they are required to disembark to carry out their duties.

When the time comes for personnel to disembark, they are transported from the platform in the various landing craft 8. The cages 9 containing the landing craft 8 on the port and starboard sides of the platform I must be lifted over the side of the hull 2 by means of the cranes 6 and lowered to the water level. The landing craft 8 at the stern and bow are simply lowered into the water. Alternatively, personnel are transported to the shore by means of helicopters, which can land on the helidecks 7. If the platform is relatively close to the shore, personnel can disembark by means of a gangway (not shown) leading from the platform to the shore.

Once personnel have disembarked, or during disembarkation, the accommodation modules can be transported from the platform I to the region in which personnel are to carry out their duties. Some or all of the modules 5 can be transported. The modules 5

to be transported must first be disconnected from one another. The modules 5 are preferably raised onto the helidecks 7 by means of the cranes 6. However, it would also be possible for the helicopters to hover above the modules 5 and remove them directly.

The provision of two helidecks enables the accommodation modules 5 to be transported more quickly, since two modules 5 can be transported simultaneously. Similarly. if personnel are also being transported by helicopter, twice as many personnel can be transported when two helidecks are in use. In addition, the provision of two helidecks enables one helicopter to be serviced or parked while another helicopter is used to continue the transport.

When the accommodation modules 5 have been transported to the desired onshore site. they may be arranged in a variety of different ways to provide a semi-permanent camp.

Examples of different site layouts of the modules 5 are shown in Figures 4 to 6.

In Figure 4 the modules are in groups of dormitories 11, together with toilet facilities 12, are arranged in star configurations on site. Additional facilities, such as a medical unit 13, galley 14 and stores 15 are arranged parallel to one another in a row close to the star configurations. Figure 5 shows an alternative site layout, in which the dormitories 11 and toilet facilities 12 are arranged parallel to one another in blocks, the separate blocks being perpendicular to one another. A third block comprising the medical unit

13, galley 14 and stores 15, which are also arranged parallel to one another in the block, is located opposite one of the other blocks, so that the blocks form an open rectangle. A further alternative site layout is shown in Figure 6. The dormitories 11 and toilet facilities 12 are arranged parallel to one another in a series of rows. The medical unit 13, galley 14 and stores 15 are also arranged in rows parallel to the rows of dormitories 11 and toilets 12.

The accommodation modules 5 may be connected to one another on site, if required.

The layout of the camp can also be changed periodically by disconnecting the modules 5 and raising them from the ground by helicopter. Such rearrangement may, for example, be necessary when conditions on the ground change. Similarly, the camp can be moved from one ground location to another by means of helicopters. Should it

become necessary to evacuate the site at short notice, the modules 5 can be raised relatively quickly and returned to the platform 1.

Following execution of the relevant operations the accommodation modules 5 are raised by helicopter and transported back to the platform where they are re-connected to one another.

It will be appreciated that variations of the invention are possible. For example, although the platform 1 described has a single hull, it would also be possible to provide the platform with two hulls. Similarly, the hydraulic jacking system could be replaced with a pneumatic jacking system. The number of retractable legs on the platform can also be varied according to the stability requirements of the platform.

The above description describes the use of the platform I in the sea. It will be appreciated that such platforms could also be used in other bodies of water, such as lakes, and the term"seabed"should be construed accordingly.

Claims

Claims : 1. A self-propelling, self-elevating offshore platform having a detachable accommodation module for accommodating personnel.
2. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a plurality of detachable accommodation modules is provided.
3. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the module (s) is/are adapted to be transported by helicopter.
4. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the modules are arranged side by side on the platform.
5. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the modules are stacked on top of one another on the platform.
6. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the modules are connectable to one another.
7. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module (s) is/are adapted for both offshore and land use.
8. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module (s) is/are of the same dimensions as conventional marine containers.
9. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module (s) is/are arranged substantially centrally on a deck of the platform.
10. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is self-elevated by means of at least four retractable legs.

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11. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 10, wherein each leg has a foot, the leg being retractable into the platform so that the foot is flush with the surface of the platform for propulsion of the platform.
12. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, wherein the legs are retractable hydraulically.
13. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, wherein the legs are retractable pneumatically.
14. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is provided with a helideck.
15. An offshore platform as claimed in Claim 14, wherein two helidecks are provided.
16. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and having a single hull.
17. An offshore platform as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15 and having two hulls.
18. A self-propelling. self-elevating offshore platform substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.