Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective structure for a subsea installation. The protective structure comprises first and second body portions and a hinge member. The body portions are pivotally mounted to the hinge member such that at least one of the body portions may pivot relative to the other body portion. The body portions occupy a first configuration which facilitates transportation and/or deployment to the seabed and a second configuration in which the body portions are arranged to substantially enclose the subsea installation when the structure has been positioned over it. First and second locking means can lock the structure in the first and the second configuration respectively. Additionally the protective structure can allow access to the subsea installation when in use, by provision of a closable opening.

Abstract: A tubular insulating apparatus (10) for insulating a first tubular (8) within a second tubular (20) for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. An inner insulating member (4) surrounds the outer circumference of a pipeline (8) and a rigid spacer member (16) supports the pipeline (8) within the second tubular (20), the rigid spacer member (16) being provided at the ends of the apparatus (10). A substantially resilient member (2) is also provided on the outer most face of the inner insulating member (4) and a helically arranged cut (6) is provided therethrough in order to allow tensile and compressive forces caused by a bending moment acting along the longitudinal axis (14) of the apparatus (10) when e.g. the pipeline (8) is placed upon a reel, to be substantially relieved. Methods of manufacturing and installing the apparatus (10) are also provided.