Patent attributes
A continuous vertical tubular handling and hoisting buoyant structure has a hull, a main deck, an upper neck extending downwardly from the main deck, an upper frustoconical side section, an intermediate neck, a lower neck that extends from the intermediate neck, an ellipsoidal keel and a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of the ellipsoid keel. The upper frustoconical side section is located below the upper neck and maintained to be above a water line for a transport depth and partially below the water line for an operational depth of the buoyant structure. An automated stand building system mounted to the hull is in communication with a controller and configured to make up the marine risers, make up casing, and make up drill pipe.
