Mooring system for floating arctic vessel

A method for deploying a mooring system for a floating structure, comprising:

• (A) placing a positioning template on a seabed at an offshore work site;
• (B) providing a setting line, the setting line having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of substantially rigid links joined together using linkages, each link comprising at least one elongated, metallic member;
• (C) connecting the first end of the setting line to the positioning template;
• (D) connecting the second end of the setting line to an anchor;
• (E) securing the anchor along the seabed according to the first length;
• (F) disconnecting the first end of the setting line from the positioning template and the second end of the setting line from the anchor;
• (G) repeating steps (A) through (F) for successive anchors such that a plurality of anchors is placed around the positioning template;
• (H) providing a permanent mooring line, the mooring line having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of substantially rigid links joined together using linkages;
• (I) operatively connecting the second end of the mooring line to an anchor;
• (J) operatively connecting, a first end of the mooring line to the floating structure;
• and
• (K) repeating steps (H) through (J) for each of the successive anchors.

A method for relocating a floating structure, the floating structure comprising a platform for providing operations in a marine environment and a tower for providing ballast and stability below a water line in the marine environment, the method comprising:

• disconnecting the tower from the platform;
• lowering the tower within the marine environment to a depth below the depth of an oncoming ice sheet;
• and
• moving the floating structure to a new location in the marine environment;
• wherein the floating structure is originally stationed in the arctic marine environment by means of a mooring system, the mooring system comprising:
• a plurality of mooring lines having a first end and a second end, with each mooring line comprising at least two substantially rigid links joined together using pivoting connections that permit the mooring lines to kinematically collapse as the tower is lowered into the marine environment, and
• a plurality of anchors placed along the seabed, each anchor securing a respective mooring line at the second end of the mooring line.