An apparatus for supporting a steel catenary riser (SCR) from a floating structure having a keel includes a flexible support tube or keel sleeve through which the SCR passes. The support tube or keel sleeve includes a pivot mechanism that is lockably received in a receptacle fixed to the floating structure. A method of supporting an SCR from a floating structure includes the steps of inserting a first end of the SCR into a support tube or keel sleeve; fixing the support tube or keel sleeve to the SCR; pulling the support tube or keel sleeve into a receptacle fixed to the floating structure; releasing the support tube or keel sleeve from the SCR; pulling the SCR through the support tube or keel sleeve up to an attachment point on the structure; fixing the SCR to the structure; and fixing the support tube or keel sleeve to the SCR.