Frank Chou

20020154954, Oct 24, 2002

Jun 6, 2002

10/163315

Edward Huang - Houston TX, US
Frank Chou - Bellingham WA, US
Jun Zou - Houston TX, US

E02B017/08

405/200000, 114/264000

An offshore well platform is towed in an upright condition to a well site by the use of a temporary flotation device. The flotation device mounts to a portion of the platform and is partially submerged, increasing the ability and buoyancy of the platform. At the site, the engagement of the flotation device shifts to a deploying position. In the deploying position, the ballast of the platform is increased to cause it to more deeply submerge. The flotation device remains at least partially surrounding the platform and floating while the platform moves downwardly relative to it. This provides lateral support if needed to prevent heeling while being submerged. The flotation device is disengageable from the platform when the platform is fully submerged.