Modular mobile docking station for subsea vehicles
AssigneeOceaneering International, Inc.
InventorKenneth SOLBØR
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Configurable, modular mobile docking station 1 is configured to accommodate one or more subsea assets selected from different types of subsea assets by changing the configuration of configurable, modular mobile docking station 1 to accommodate each subsea asset based on that subsea asset type. Data communications and power may be provided between the subsea assets and configurable, modular mobile docking station 1 and include data and control communications obtained from a remote control location.
Claims20
A configurable, modular mobile docking station configured to accommodate different types of subsea assets, comprising:
- a) a modular, reconfigurable main frame dimensioned to provide space to selectively receive and discharge a subsea asset, the modular, reconfigurable main frame comprising:
- i) a substantially rectangular upper box frame;
- and
- ii) a corresponding substantially rectangular lower box frame located at an adjustable vertical distance from the substantially rectangular upper box frame;
- b) a mud mat assembly disposed at a bottom of the modular, reconfigurable main frame;
- c) a buoy assembly operative connected to the modular, reconfigurable main frame;
- d) an integrated communications assembly operatively connected to the modular, reconfigurable main frame;
- and
- e) an electrical energy source operatively in communication with the integrated communications assembly and the buoy assembly.
A method of deploying a configurable, modular mobile docking station configured to accommodate one or more subsea assets comprising different types of subsea assets, comprising a modular, reconfigurable main frame dimensioned to provide space to selectively receive and discharge a subsea asset where the modular, reconfigurable main frame comprises a substantially rectangular upper box frame and a corresponding substantially rectangular lower box frame located at an adjustable vertical distance from the substantially rectangular upper box frame, a mud mat assembly disposed at a bottom of the modular, reconfigurable main frame, a buoy assembly operative connected to the modular, reconfigurable main frame, an integrated communications assembly operatively connected to the modular, reconfigurable main frame, and an electrical energy source operatively in communication with the integrated communications assembly and the buoy assembly, the method comprising:
- a) configuring the configurable, modular mobile docking station to accommodate the subsea asset based on a determined subsea asset type for the subsea asset;
- b) using a vessel (300) comprising an onboard subsea crane (310) to deploy the configurable, modular mobile docking station by using the onboard subsea crane until the configurable, modular mobile docking station is positioned proximate a seabed;
- c) disengaging the onboard subsea crane from the configurable, modular mobile docking station;
- and
- d) leaving the configurable, modular mobile docking station on a seabed for a predetermined set of operations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.