A Introduction

2.1 As fascinating as the technology may be, and, in some cases, as attractive as the design for an offshore unit may be, its purpose is entirely functional. The reason for its being designed and constructed is not for any intrinsic purpose or value, but purely in order to achieve the aims of a particular venture. That may be to help someone find oil, to appraise what oil or gas has been found, to extract the hydrocarbons, install piping, cabling or wind turbines or to return the site to its pre-production condition. All very utilitarian. It does not matter what type of facility is used, how big it is, what shape it is or what it is called, provided it does the job required.