Mooring systems and processes for using same

A process for mooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water to a mooring system, comprising:

• positioning the vessel near the mooring system, wherein the mooring system comprises:
• a base structure sitting on a seabed,
• a mooring leg having a first end attached to the seabed and a second end attached to the base structure,
• a column having a first end attached to the base structure and a second end attached to a dual axis joint,
• a turntable comprising a rotating part rotatively coupled to a fixed part,
• wherein the rotating part of the turntable is connected to the vessel,
• a releasable connector comprising a first component connected to the dual axis joint and a second component connected the fixed part of the turntable,
• a lifting device disposed on the vessel, and
• a lifting line having a first end connected to the second component of the releasable connector and a second end configured to be connected to the lifting device;
• connecting the second end of the lifting line to the lifting device;
• hauling in the lifting line with the lifting device to lift the column, the base structure, and at least a portion of the mooring leg to move the first component of the releasable connector into an engagement position with respect to the second component of the releasable connector;
• and
• connecting the first component of the releasable connector to the second component of the releasable connector to secure the vessel to the mooring system, wherein the base structure is elevated above the seabed and the vessel is rotatable with respect to the column when the first and second components of the releasable connector are connected to one another.

A process for unmooring a vessel floating on a surface of a body of water from a mooring system, comprising:

• releasing a releasable connector, wherein the mooring system comprises:
• a base structure elevated above of the seabed,
• a mooring leg having a first end attached to the seabed and a second end attached to the base structure,
• a column having a first end attached to the base structure and a second end attached to a dual axis joint,
• a turntable comprising a rotating part rotatively coupled to a fixed part,
• wherein the rotating part of the turntable is connected to the vessel,
• wherein the releasable connector comprises a first component connected to the dual axis joint and a second component connected the fixed part of the turntable such that the vessel is rotatable with respect to the column when the first and second components of the releasable connector are connected to one another,
• a lifting device disposed on the vessel, and
• a lifting line having a first end connected to the first component of the releasable connector and a second end connected to the lifting device,
• lowering the column, the base structure, and a portion of the mooring leg toward the seabed with the lifting line and the lifting device such that the base structure is supported by the seabed;
• disconnecting the second end of the lifting line from the lifting device;
• and
• maneuvering the vessel away from the mooring system.