Patent attributes
Disclosed is a semi-submersible floater defining an operating state and a non-operating state, and including at least two outer columns, a central column for receiving a payload, and, for each outer column, a branch in the form of pontoon connecting the outer column to the central column and defining a branch axis oriented from the central column towards the outer column. Each branch is formed from a first portion and a second portion which extend successively along the corresponding branch axis, each one over at least 10% of the total extent of the branch, along the branch axis. In the operating state of the floater, the second portion of each branch is at least partially filled with a ballast material, and the first portion does not contain any ballast material.
