The current subject matter relates to compliant variable tension risers to connect deep-water subsea wellheads to a single floating platform in wet tree or dry try systems. The variable tension risers allow several subsea wellheads, in water depths from 1220 to 3050 meters, at lateral offsets from one-tenth to twice the depth or more, to tie back to a single floating platform. Also, the current subject matter relates to methods to counter buoyancy and install variable tension risers using a weighted chain ballast line.