Anchor line installation method and connector for use in said method

The invention relates to an anchor line installation method comprising the steps of: connecting the anchor line (2) to the seabed with an anchoring device (4), providing an anchor line part (7) on the floating structure (3), picking up the free end of the anchor line (2) with an installation vessel (1), providing a first connector element (10) on the free end of one of the anchor line (2) and the floating structure anchor line part (7), either prior or after picking up said free end, providing a second connector element (12) on the other of the anchor line (2) and the floating structure anchor line part (7), extending a pulling line (8) between the second connector element (12) and the installation vessel, the pulling line being engaged on the installation vessel (1) with the first connector element (10), lowering the first and second connector elements (10, 12) in the water from the installation vessel (1), and hauling in the pulling line (8) with a pulling device (13) on the installation vessel (1), thereby connecting the first and second connector elements (10, 12) below water level, in the upper half of the total water depth. The installation method allows attachment of pre-installed anchor lines to floating constructions without the use of complex fairleads, chainstoppers and winches on board of the floating construction. Installation can be carried out below water level at increased levels of safety.