Device for connecting a submerged fluid-transporting line

A connection device for connecting a submerged tubular structure to a floating support, said connection device comprising:

• a first tubular connection element and a second tubular connection element concentric with said first element, the first and second tubular connection elements connecting, respectively to one end of the submerged tubular structure, and to the floating support structure, wherein, said first tubular connection element is provided firstly with a first shoulder cooperating with a corresponding first abutment face of said second tubular connection element to form a first axial abutment in a pulling direction in which the submerged tubular structure is pulled, and secondly with a second shoulder that cooperates with a corresponding second abutment face of said second tubular connection element to form a second axial abutment in a direction opposite from said pulling direction;
• and
• a locking and tensioning means positioned between said first and second tubular connection elements and arranged to urge said first and second abutment faces to couple with zero axial clearance therebetween, said locking and tensioning means including at least one actuator secured to said floating support structure and mounted to pivot on said second tubular connection element about a hinge axis and against the effect of a return spring surrounding a pin mounted on said second tubular element so as to enable said first tubular connection element to snap-fasten onto said second tubular connection element.