In situ transfer and support of tensioned system and method for a flexible link

A method of in-situ transferring at least a portion of a tensile load from a flexible link coupled between two bodies, comprising:

• coupling at least one tether assembly between the two bodies with a first distance established between the two bodies, the tether assembly having a transfer assembly with at least two transfer blocks and a hydraulic cylinder with an associated cylinder rod coupled to the transfer blocks;
• activating the hydraulic cylinder to move the two bodies closer from the first distance to a second distance that is less than the first distance;
• and
• mechanically interlocking by mechanically actuating the transfer assembly at the second distance independent of tension applied by the hydraulic cylinder to the transfer assembly.

A system for in-situ support of at least two bodies having a flexible link coupled between the bodies with the flexible link having a tensile load, comprising:

• a support assembly coupled between the two bodies in addition to the flexible link, comprising:
• an upper support block coupled to an upper portion of the flexible link;
• a lower support block coupled to a lower portion of the flexible link distal from the upper portion of the flexible link;
• each of the support blocks having at least two arms that extend laterally to the flexible link;
• at least two support links coupled between the two arms on the support blocks with at least one support link at least partially having a rigid rod with a fastening portion and configured to cause a distance between the upper support block and the lower support block to be adjusted;
• wherein each of the support blocks comprise at least two flanges that extend laterally to the flexible link and at least partially surround the flexible link, load supports coupled to the flexible link, or a combination thereof.

A method for supporting at least two bodies having a flexible link coupled between the bodies with the flexible link having a tensile load, comprising:

• coupling a first support block of a support assembly to a first portion of the flexible link between the two bodies;
• allowing a support link coupled to the first support block to pivot to bring a second support block coupled to the support link distal from the first support block into proximity to a second portion of the flexible link between the two bodies that is distal from the first portion of the flexible link;
• coupling the second support block of the support assembly to the second portion of the flexible link distally from the first portion of the flexible link;
• and
• using a remote operated vehicle to couple the first and second support blocks to the first and second portions of the flexible link.