Abstract: A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle ? with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle ? that differs substantially from angle ?, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular installation system (10) for J-laying tubulars comprising a J-lay tower structure (100), a tubulars supply system and a loader device (20) comprising tubular grippers (21a-c) and a boom (24) for transporting a tubular, an accessory supply system (200, 201, 202) and accessory handling means (29) for transporting an accessory between the essentially horizontal accessory supply position and the firing line. According to the invention, the accessory handling means (29) are distinct from the tubular grippers (21a-c) and are attached to the boom (24) of the loader device, at a different position than the tubular grippers, such that the loader device can be used as desired for transporting a tubular or an accessory between the respective supply position and the firing line.

Abstract: A method for reel-laying pipelines from a vessel includes reel laying a first pipeline by unwinding a first reel, and guiding the pipeline via a guide wheel through a tensioners and a hang off clamp into the sea; closing the hang off clamp to support the first pipeline; connecting an end portion of the first pipeline to a retaining system; replacing the first reel by a second reel; providing a temporary connection between an end portion of the second pipeline and the end portion of the first pipeline; disconnecting the first pipeline from the retaining system; opening the hang off clamp; continuing reel laying by unwinding the second reel; closing the hang off clamp; removing the temporary connection between the first and second pipeline; and connecting the first and second pipeline end to end between the tensioners and the hang off clamp.

Abstract: A system for continuously laying a pipeline on a floor of a body of water is provided. The system includes at least one interchangeable reel for storing the pipeline to be laid; a pipelaying vessel to receive and support said reel, and to lay the pipeline from said reel into the body of water, an assembly and winding site to receive and support said reel, to assemble the pipeline to be laid, and to wind said pipeline on said reel and a crane to transfer the interchangeable reel from and to the pipelaying vessel.

Abstract: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, the vessel includes a hull and an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, the stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel. The stinger includes a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections. And, distributed over the length of the stinger, multiple pipeline support assemblies are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle ? with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle ? that differs substantially from angle ?, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system is provided for laying a pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser. The system includes a pipeline guide supported at an elevated position by the tower for guiding the pipeline from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the pipeline guide to the firing line along said tower. The pipeline guide is supported by the tower via an associated guide support frame, the support frame being adapted to allow for displacement of the pipeline guide between a pipelaying position, wherein one end of the pipeline guide is positioned in the firing line, and a retracted, non-operable position. The guide support frame allows movement of the pipeline guide in a combined upward direction and direction towards the reel, such that in the retracted position of the guide support frame the length of the first trajectory is essentially the same as in the pipelaying position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine pipelaying vessel for S-lay pipelaying an offshore pipeline and integrating one or more accessories into the pipeline, and a method for S-lay pipelaying wherein use is made of such a vessel. The vessel according to the invention comprises a hull (1) having a stinger end and a stinger (20) for guiding the launched pipeline in a curved pipeline trajectory, which stinger is pivotably connected to the hull, and an accessory handling J-lay tower (30) at the stinger end of the hull. The J-lay tower allows the pipeline and connected accessory to be laid in J-lay mode while connecting further pipe sections to the pipeline at least until the accessory has been lowered past below the retracted stinger.

Abstract: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, said vessel comprising: —a hull; —an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, said stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel, wherein the stinger comprises a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections, and wherein—distributed over the length of the stinger—multiple pipeline support assemblies are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.

Abstract: A marine tensioner has a tensioner frame and multiple track units mounted in the frame. Each track unit comprises an elongated chassis, the chassis having a central portion between two end portions. Each track unit comprises an endless track supported by the chassis, the endless track having friction elements adapted to engage an elongated article. Between each track unit and the tensioner frame a connecting structure is provided that allows for lateral and pivotal motion of the track unit so as to adapt the position of the track unit to an elongated article diameter. One or more squeeze actuators are provided between the tensioner frame and the chassis of the track unit and actuator control means are provided which are associated with the one or more squeeze actuators and allow to control the squeeze force exerted by the friction elements of the track unit on the elongated article.

Abstract: A method for reel-laying pipelines from a vessel includes reel laying a first pipeline by unwinding a first reel, and guiding the pipeline via a guide wheel through a tensioners and a hang off clamp into the sea; closing the hang off clamp to support the first pipeline; connecting an end portion of the first pipeline to a retaining system; replacing the first reel by a second reel; providing a temporary connection between an end portion of the second pipeline and the end portion of the first pipeline; disconnecting the first pipeline from the retaining system; opening the hang off clamp; continuing reel laying by unwinding the second reel; closing the hang off clamp; removing the temporary connection between the first and second pipeline; and connecting the first and second pipeline end to end between the tensioners and the hang off clamp.

Abstract: A tailpipe stone dumping vessel (1) for stone dumping through a fallpipe suspended from the vessel, comprising: • a hull (1a), • a fallpipe section storage for storing fallpipe sections (2), • a tower (20) at least comprising fallpipe support means (40) for supporting the suspended fallpipe, said tower (20) being adapted for assembly and disassembly of the fallpipe by addition of a fallpipe section to the upper end of the suspended fallpipe or removal of a fallpipe section from the suspended fallpipe, respectively, • a tower gimbal structure (22) provided between the hull and the tower providing a pivotal mode for the tower (20) wherein the tower is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the hull so that the tower—and the fallpipe suspended there from—has in a plane associated with said at least one pivot axis an orientation essentially independent from sea-state induced vessel motions, • hoist means (31, 32, 33, 34) for lowering and raising the suspended fallpipe, • fallpipe section handling

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular installation system (10) for J-laying tubulars comprising a J-lay tower structure (100), a tubulars supply system and a loader device (20) comprising tubular grippers (21a-c) and a boom (24) for transporting a tubular, an accessory supply system (200, 201, 202) and accessory handling means (29) for transporting an accessory between the essentially horizontal accessory supply position and the firing line. According to the invention, the accessory handling means (29) are distinct from the tubular grippers (21a-c) and are attached to the boom (24) of the loader device, at a different position than the tubular grippers, such that the loader device can be used as desired for transporting a tubular or an accessory between the respective supply position and the firing line.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system is provided for laying a pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser. The system includes a pipeline guide supported at an elevated position by the tower for guiding the pipeline from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the pipeline guide to the firing line along said tower. The pipeline guide is supported by the tower via an associated guide support frame, the support frame being adapted to allow for displacement of the pipeline guide between a pipelaying position, wherein one end of the pipeline guide is positioned in the firing line, and a retracted, non-operable position. The guide support frame allows movement of the pipeline guide in a combined upward direction and direction towards the reel, such that in the retracted position of the guide support frame the length of the first trajectory is essentially the same as in the pipelaying position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subsea marine load raising and lowering system (1) for use on a vessel, preferably a vessel for laying an offshore pipeline, which system comprises first and second winches (2, 6) for raising or lowering first and second cable portions (4, 8) connected via an equalizing sheave (11), to the axle (12) of which a load connector (13) is connected. The system comprises operating means to perform synchronous raising or lowering of the cable portions. The system further comprises overload protection systems provided at both winches, and a safety assembly (15) preventing any substantial further movement of the cable portions (4, 8) in case the cable portions do not operate synchronously, comprising a structure (15a) mounted to the axle (12) of the equalizing sheave (11) having passages (15c) for the cable portions and further comprising stops (15b) arranged on each cable portion above and in the vicinity of the structure (15a).

Abstract: A hoisting crane with a substantially hollow vertical column with a foot which is or can be fixed to a support, and with a top, an annular bearing structure, which extends around the vertical column and guides and carries a jib connection member, so that the jib connection member can rotate around the column, a jib connected to the jib connection member, the jib connection member forming a substantially horizontal pivot axis so that the jib can be pivoted up and down, a column top cable guide having a topping cable and hoisting cable pulley assembly, a topping winch and an associated topping cable for pivoting the jib up and down, a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting cable for hoisting a load; wherein the column top cable guide is mounted via an associated rotary bearing structure at the top of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine load raising and lowering system for use on a vessel, comprising: i. a first winch comprising first driving means for raising or lowering a first cable from the first winch; ii. a second winch comprising second driving means for raising or lowering a second cable from the second winch; iii. operating means connected to the first and second driving means of respectively the first and second winch for synchronising the driving means so as to perform synchronous raising or lowering of the first and second cable; iv.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for continuously laying a pipeline on a floor of a body of water, said system comprising: at least one interchangeable reel for storing the pipeline to be laid; a pipelaying vessel to receive and support said reel, and to lay the pipeline from said reel into the body of water; an assembly and winding site to receive and support said reel, to assemble the pipeline to be laid, and to wind said pipeline on said reel; and a crane to transfer the interchangeable reel from and to the pipelaying vessel.

Abstract: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, said vessel comprising:—a hull (2);—an elongated stinger (1) having a hull end (1a) and a free end (1b), said stinger being adapted to support the pipeline (10) to be laid from the vessel, wherein the stinger comprises a stinger frame (3), possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections, and wherein—distributed over the length of the stinger multiple pipeline support assemblies (5) are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser, said system being adapted to carry out the reel lay method and the J-lay method. The system comprises a vessel with a moonpool, a pipeline launch tower arranged on the vessel, a pipeline guide at an elevated position on said tower for guiding said pipeline to a pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, and one or more tensioners. The support assembly of at least one tensioner frame is adapted to allow for displacement of the tensioner frame between an active position, wherein the pipeline launch trajectory extends through the tensioner frame between the tracks, so that the tracks can engage on a pipeline, and a retracted and non-operable position. The system further comprises a J-Lay installation.