Systems And Methods For Tethering Subsea Blowout Preventers

Patent No. EP3312379 (titled "Systems And Methods For Tethering Subsea Blowout Preventers") was filed by Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore on Jun 24, 2014. The application was issued on Nov 20, 2024.

Patent Summary

A subsea well system for drilling, completing, or producing comprises a subsea wellhead extending from the well proximal the sea floor, a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) coupled to the wellhead, and a lower marine riser package (LMRP) coupled to the BOP. The system includes a BOP tethering assembly consisting of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced anchors secured to the sea floor, each having an upper end proximal the sea floor. A plurality of tensioning systems are coupled to a BOP frame. Flexible tension members connect each tensioning system to a corresponding anchor, with each member maintained in tension between the tensioning system and the anchor's first end to enhance the strength and fatigue performance of the BOP, wellhead, and primary conductors.

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Patent Oppositions (2)

Patent oppositions filed by competitors challenge the validity of a granted patent. These oppositions are typically based on claims of prior art, lack of novelty, or non-obviousness. They are a key part of the process for determining a patent's strength and enforceability.

CompanyOpposition DateRepresentative
SUBSEADESIGNAug 19, 2025AWA NORWAY
EQUINOR ENERGYAug 15, 2025DEHNS

Dossier Documents

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  • Date

    Description

EP3312379

TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE
Application Number
EP17201707A
Filing Date
Jun 24, 2014
Status
Granted And Under Opposition
Oct 18, 2024
Publication Date
Nov 20, 2024