Abstract: This invention relates generally to geotechnical rig systems and methods. In one embodiment, a cone penetration testing system includes, but is not limited to, a frame; at least one rotatable reel; at least one movable roller; and at least one sensor, wherein the at least one movable roller is configured to adjust a bend radius of at least one tube coiled about the at least one rotatable reel based at least partly on data received from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A pipelay vessel having two pipe string manufacturing lines and a firing line, wherein the pipe string manufacturing lines are designed for simultaneously handling two different pipe outer diameters for use as an inner pipe and an outer pipe respectively. Further, the vessel has a pipe-in-pipe assembly workstation for assembling the inner pipe and the outer pipe in a pipe-in-pipe configuration. The vessel is designed with a lay-out which allows for producing offshore pipe-in-pipe strings from single joints, wherein available space is optimally used and pipe-in-pipe strings can be produced safely offshore.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a pipe-laying vessel including a pipe-laying tower extending upwardly from the vessel, and the vessel includes at least three separate workstations spaced apart along the length of the tower. The disclosure also provides a pipe-laying vessel including a pipe-laying tower extending upwardly from the vessel, and the vessel includes at least two clamping assemblies for clamping a pipeline, the clamping assemblies being mounted along the length of the tower, and at least one workstation mounted on the tower. The workstation is mounted on the tower below a lowermost clamping assembly. The disclosure also provides a method of J-laying pipeline from a vessel, a method of abandoning a product from a vessel, and a method of recovering a previously abandoned product to a vessel.

Abstract: A subsea structure has an elongate articulated buoyancy string having a longitudinal series of buoyancy elements, and at least one elongate buoyancy holder that is fixed relative to the structure and is capable of housing the buoyancy string. The buoyancy of the structure can be altered by moving the buoyancy string along a transit path that extends along and within the buoyancy holder and through an end opening of the buoyancy holder. The buoyancy string passes through that end opening on being inserted into or withdrawn from the buoyancy holder.

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 of laying conduit at sea from a reel vessel includes the steps of laying conduit, for example pipeline or umbilical, from a first reel which rotates about a first substantially vertical axis. Conduit is laid from a second reel of conduit rotating about a second substantially vertical axis spaced apart from the first axis. A portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the first reel of conduit is substantially the same as a portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the second reel of conduit, for example, the conduit from the second reel may pass around a part of the periphery of the first reel and then follow substantially the same path as previously travelled by the conduit laid from the first reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding an elongate article (6) from a floating vessel and suspending a first portion (6a) of the elongate article in a body of water below the vessel, comprises a cylindrical body (10) rotatably supported on the vessel and driving means (85, 86) for controlling the rotation of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body (10) further comprises a spooling-on region (P) and a spooling-off region (U) for the elongate article, and a cylindrical contacting surface (18) for interaction with at least a portion of the elongate article (6); the contacting surface (18) being configured so as to support the first portion (6a).

Abstract: A method of laying conduit at sea from a reel vessel includes the steps of laying conduit, for example pipeline or umbilical, from a first reel which rotates about a first substantially vertical axis. Conduit is laid from a second reel of conduit rotating about a second substantially vertical axis spaced apart from the first axis. A portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the first reel of conduit is substantially the same as a portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the second reel of conduit, for example, the conduit from the second reel may pass around a part of the periphery of the first reel and then follow substantially the same path as previously travelled by the conduit laid from the first reel.

Abstract: A method of laying a subsea pipeline from a reel, the pipeline having an in-line first locking member, the method having at least the steps of: (a) laying the pipeline under the water from the reel; (b) cutting the pipeline above the first locking member; (c) coupling the first locking member with a complementary second locking member; and (d) lowering the first and second locking members under the water. In this way, the pipeline already has located within it a suitable locking member for the abandoning operation, avoiding the need for a separate off-shore welding operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a marine tensioner (1) for handling an elongated article from an offshore vessel. The tensioner comprises a tensioner frame (11), multiple track units (20), wherein each track unit comprises an elongated chassis (30) and an endless track supported by said chassis, wherein between the chassis of each track unit and the tensioner frame a connecting structure (40,140) is provided that at least allows for lateral motion of the track unit with respect to the passage axis (26) so as to adapt the position of the track unit. For each track unit a group of hydraulic squeeze cylinders (50a, 50b, 50c) is provided between the tensioner frame and the chassis of the track unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a capstan reel (10) and a method for transporting an elongated article (6, 6a, 6b, 39, 42, 43, 45a, 47) between a floating vessel (2) and a body of water situated below the vessel, and a vessel applying such a capstan reel. The capstan reel comprises a rotatable cylindrical body (100) for spooling the elongated article around the body's axial axis (11), said body comprising a cylindrical contacting surface (35) for indirectly supporting at least a portion of the elongated article.

Abstract: A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material.

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: A method of manufacturing a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) having an outer pipe and an inner liner comprising at least the steps of: (a) forming the outer pipe as a single length; (b) forming an inner liner former being wholly or substantially the same length as the outer pipe of step (a); (c) locating the inner liner former of step (b) within the outer pipe; and (d) expanding the inner liner former within the outer pipe to form the MLP.

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: A method is disclosed for reeling or unreeling a pipeline having an inner corrosion-resistant metallic liner that is tightly fitted within the pipeline. To minimize or avoid wrinkling of the liner during the reeling or unreeling, a length of the pipeline is internally pressurized in a two-stage pressurizing process, and then the length of pipeline is reeled or unreeled, as the case may be. In the first stage of the pressurizing process, the length of the pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure, and in the second stage the fluid pressure is raised to a higher pressure, which may be 25 bars or more, absolute.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reeling a pipeline having an inner corrosion-resistant metallic liner that is tightly fitted within the pipeline. To minimize or avoid wrinkling of the liner during the reeling or unreeling, a length of the pipeline is internally pressurized by deploying a single sealing pig within the pipeline near to the trailing end of the pipeline and applying pressurized fluid within the pipeline, and then the length of pipeline is reeled onto a storage reel. In the pressurizing process, the length of the pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure within a range defined by a lower limit of 5 bar.

Abstract: Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) are described. These include the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure in the MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the spooled off MLP, in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure, to provide an MLP for laying; and/or the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) resulting in the formation of wrinkles in the spooled MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the unspooled MLP to provide an MLP for laying having wrinkles <4 mm high, removing wrinkles, if any, while performing the hydrotest which is used to check fluid tightness of the line.

Abstract: A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to be mounted on a vessel for laying a marine pipeline having accessories on the end of the pipeline and/or at one or more intermediate locations along the pipeline, the apparatus including a launch ramp having a guide for guiding and controlling the movement of a pipeline along a pipeline firing line in the direction of the seabed, a clamp downstream of the guide for selectively clamping and supporting the launched pipeline, wherein the launch ramp is provided with an opening downstream of the guide and upstream of the clamp for passage of an accessory between a storage position and an installation location in the pipeline firing line to allow the accessory to be connected to an end of the pipeline supported by the clamp.

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 laying cable from a vessel at a near shore location in shallow water to shore. The cable on the vessel is wrapped around a modified roller quadrant on the vessel. The roller quadrant is moved from the vessel into the water. A pulling device is attached by a line to the roller quadrant. The pulling device is used to pull the roller quadrant and cable toward shore. The pulling device may be positioned in the water and moved to shore as required. The pulling device may also be initially positioned on shore. The roller quadrant may include a skid and buoyancy modules to reduce the pulling force required to move the roller quadrant and lay the cable to shore.

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: Apparatus for laying conduit from a vessel comprises reel carrier arranged to receive a reel (202) wound with conduit (204) and capable of being reciprocated along the direction of the axis (214) of the reel as the conduit is unwound. The apparatus further comprises a straightener (208), and a control unit arranged to control the reel carrier such that the fleet angle created between the conduit and the straightener is reduced. Such an arrangement ensures that the conduit is not bent past its limit of elastic deformability while allowing the straightener to be situated relatively close to the reel.

Abstract: A method for installing an underwater riser between a seabed (52) and a surface (12), and a tubular pipe suspended from a float (24): The float (24) is weighted to be able to submerge it to drive one pipe end (28) toward the seabed (52) for connecting the tubular pipe at the seabed. Unwinding the flexible pipe (20) to extend it catenary fashion between the float (24) and a surface installation (10) so as to weight the float (24) with the unwound flexible pipe (20) and cause the submersion of the float (24), whereby the other pipe end (28) is driven toward the seabed (52).

Abstract: An optical fiber management system for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a spool containing a length of optical cable, a motor coupled to the spool, a motor controller, a speed sensor and a feed mechanism. The motor controller can detect the speed of the ROV through water and control the rotational speed of the motor so that the optical cable is removed from the spool at a speed that is equal to or greater than the speed of the ROV. A feed mechanism is used to apply a tension to the optical cable so that it is removed from the spool and emitted from the ROV without becoming tangled.

Abstract: A reeled pipe storage reel with a large diameter hollow cylindrical shaft, reel shaft bearing support structures installed on the vessel, and a reel drive arrangement mounted on the vessel. The shaft across the width of the reel provides structural stiffness and consistent alignment of the bearings on each end of the shaft. Each end of the shaft extends beyond the reel and includes a section for connection to a lifting sling, a section for the machine bearing surface, and a section for absorbing initial contact with the vessel during installation. The reel shaft bearing support structures on the vessel include a fixed portion to match the bearing area of the reel shaft and a movable portion to absorb initial contact during installation of the reel. The reel drive arrangement is located on linkages so they can be manipulated in the plane of the reel flange for movement into engagement with the drive gear on the reel flange.

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: A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reel laying of subsea pipe in such a way that mitigates buckling and axial displacement of the pipe in use for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include adjusting the settings of the pipe straightener and/or the pipe aligner during the reel laying process to provide non-straightened sections of pipe at predetermined locations along the length of the pipe. The non-straightened sections allow for thermal expansion of the pipe during use.

Abstract: A modular storage and holder device for a plurality of flexible lines having a circular turntable arranged on a plane such as the deck of a ship and having reversibly attached thereto a central cylinder around which at least a first line is wound in carousel mode with a plurality of coaxial layers of helically superposed touching turns, internal posts serving as a winding support for at least one second flexible line itself retained by a series of second intermediate posts around which it is possible to wind at least one third flexible line, itself retained by peripheral retaining posts at the periphery of the turntable, the second and third lines being wound in rotary basket type mode having superposed pluralities of layers of juxtaposed concentric touching turns resting on a common plane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) having an outer pipe and an inner liner comprising at least the steps of: (a) forming the outer pipe as a single length; (b) forming an inner liner former being wholly or substantially the same length as the outer pipe of step (a); (c) locating the inner liner former of step (b) within the outer pipe; and (d) expanding the inner liner former within the outer pipe to form the MLP. In this way, the conventional need to overcome problems with welding a number of pre-formed 12 m or 24 m bi-metallic pipe stalks to form a 1 km bi-metallic pipe are avoided, thus also avoiding weaknesses that can be a part of conventional stalk-welding processes for forming an MLP.

Abstract: To eliminate the risk of damaging an elongate flexible element and/or an accessory integrated therein, such as a seismic cable having sensor modules distributed rather densely along the cable and forming therewith sections that risk being damaged, on passing from a generally horizontal/vertical orientation to a generally vertical/horizontal one during subsea laying or retrieving of the cable, a new direction changing support structure is provided. The support structure comprises at least two rotary sheaves and a rotary support frame for carrying the sheaves, and said at least two sheaves are spaced from each other a distance that is greater than a length of the accessory to permit the element with the integral accessory to extend in a straight line between the two sheaves.

Abstract: A vessel (1) for laying a pipeline (2), comprising a tower (3) which comprises a firing line (4) and is connected to the vessel by a hinge assembly (5) comprising a tower pivot axis (6), wherein: the tower is pivotable relative to the vessel about the tower pivot axis, during pipelaying the tower comprises an upper end and a lower end and the pipeline moves relative to the vessel along the firing line in a laying direction from the upper end towards the lower end, and the tower pivot axis is located at a distance D1 from said upper end as viewed in the laying direction, a system for abandoning and recovering the pipeline, wherein: the system comprises at least one line for lowering and raising a member configured to be connected to the pipeline, and the at least one line is supported by the hinge assembly and/or by the tower at a distance of at least ? D1 from said upper end as viewed in the laying direction.

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: A method is disclosed for reeling a pipeline having an inner corrosion-resistant metallic liner that is tightly fitted within the pipeline. To minimize or avoid wrinkling of the liner during the reeling or unreeling, a length of the pipeline is internally pressurized by deploying a single sealing pig within the pipeline near to the trailing end of the pipeline and applying pressurized fluid within the pipeline, and then the length of pipeline is reeled onto a storage reel. In the pressurizing process, the length of the pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure within a range defined by a lower limit of 5 bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously laying a pipeline on the floor of a body of water from a pipelaying vessel includes: a generally cylindrical reel with an axis upon which the pipeline is wound, a stinger provided at the stern of the vessel for guiding the lowered pipeline, a launch device configured to control lowering of the pipeline over the stinger of the vessel and into the body of water. This apparatus further includes a frame supporting the reel and the launch device, adapted to be moveable with respect to the vessel in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, and a tension device to be mounted between the frame and the vessel, adapted to control the pipeline tension in a predetermined tension range during pipelaying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is provided. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a node storage and handling system disposed on a deck of the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler positioned adjacent a workstation proximate to a stern of the vessel, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and the stern of the vessel, the workstation being substantially parallel to a length of the node storage rack, and at least a first conveyor and a second conveyor positioned between the node storage rack and the workstation, wherein one of the first conveyor or the second conveyor is vertically movable relative to the node storage rack.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for deploying a subsea well intervention system from a surface vessel to a subsea tree, including connecting a spoolable compliant guide (SCG) to a subsea intervention package; testing the connection; lowering overboard the intervention package into a water column using a primary lifting device; gradually paying out the SCG from a reel thereof as the intervention package is lowered to a seabed; transferring the weight of the intervention package to a secondary lifting device, wherein the intervention package functions as a dead weight to overcome a positive buoyancy of the SCG, a distance between the primary and secondary lifting devices creates and controls a shape of the SCG; and once landed onto a subsea tree with heave compensation, disconnecting the secondary lifting device from the intervention package, and hanging the SCG off at the vessel at deck level.

Abstract: Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) are described. These include the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure in the MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the spooled off MLP, in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure, to provide an MLP for laying; and/or the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) resulting in the formation of wrinkles in the spooled MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the unspooled MLP to provide an MLP for laying having wrinkles <4 mm high, removing wrinkles, if any, whilst performing the hydrotest which is used to check fluid tightness of the line.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method for laying pipelines on the seabed comprising the steps of attaching an end (2) of the pipeline (1) to a structure (10, 20), lowering the structure with the pipeline to the seabed, allowing the pipeline end to pivot relative the structure, measuring the inclination of the pipeline end relative to the seabed, modifying a pipe spool such that one end is given the same inclination of the end as the pipeline and that at least one part of the pipe spool will be resting on the seabed after connection, connecting the pipe spool to the pipeline. The invention also regards a pipeline installation device where at least a one side of a top structure is allowed to move relative a foundation structure.

Abstract: In undersea laying pipeline which is being unreeled from a ship spool in a plastically deformed state, the pipeline is straightened from the plastic state into a behaviorally elastic state as it is unreeled. The straightened pipeline is dispensed in the behaviorally elastic state through a downstream pipe tensioner while the straightened pipeline upstream of the tensioner is maintained in the behaviorally elastic state. The pipeline laying assemblage may include a flange weld station immediately upstream of the tensioner and/or an anode weld station downstream of the tensioner in the above-waterline freeboard of the ship. The pipeline laying method reduces the number of components and the size and cost of the ships in comparison to conventional systems.

Abstract: A pipeline segment 5, used for the manufacture of a thin-walled underwater pipeline 50. Terminal pipe sections 20 are at either end of main pipe section 10. Terminal pipe sections 20 are thick-walled or otherwise resistant to collapse due to external pressure. A pressure isolation device 30 maintains an internal pressure in main pipe section 10 above a shut off pressure. A pressure compensation system 35 can protect main pipe section 10 from collapse due to external pressure. Pipeline segments 5 can be manufactured by connecting and winding stalks 100 onto storage device 110 forming main pipe section 10. Terminal pipe section 20 can be connected to the lead end of main pipe section 10, and main pipe section 10 can be unwound from storage device 110 while towing.

Abstract: Method for laying a pipeline onto a seabed from a lay barge, the pipeline having an inner corrosion proof metallic cladding that is closely fitted with metallic contact to an outer pipe material that is less corrosion proof. The method includes reeling a section of the pipeline onto a pipe laying drum, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by a pressurized fluid inside the section, b) joining a further pipeline section to the section already reeled onto the pipe laying drum, while the pipeline is motionless without mechanical movement, as the overpressure can he relieved as long as the sections are without mechanical movement, c) applying an overpressure of 5-25 bar within the sections and the further section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum, d) and joining several sections together and reeling the joined sections onto one or several pipe laying drums by repeating step b) and c) until the predetermined pipeline length is achieved.

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel comprises a cable handling system disposed on the marine vessel between a leading end and a trailing end of the vessel. The cable handling system comprises a cable handler positioned proximate the trailing end and a cable storage device positioned forward of the cable handler, the cable storage device and the cable handler adapted to receive a flexible cable and define a portion of a cable path therebetween. The marine vessel also comprises a seismic device storage structure extending between the leading end and the trailing end and disposed substantially parallel to the cable path, a ramp coupled to a portion of the trailing end of the vessel aft of the cable handler, and a staging section disposed between the seismic device storage structure and the ramp to provide transfer of seismic devices between the seismic device storage structure and the ramp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is described. The method includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a powered sheave, the cable having a plurality of spaced apart attachment points, routing the cable from the powered sheave to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the cable into the water column while increasing the motion of the vessel to a first speed, operating the vessel at the first speed while providing a deployment rate of the cable at a second speed, the second speed being greater than the first speed, decreasing the second speed of the cable as an attachment point approaches the work station, and attaching at least one of the plurality of seismic sensor units to the attachment point at the workstation.

Abstract: A reeled pipe storage reel with a large diameter hollow cylindrical shaft, reel shaft bearing support structures installed on the vessel, and a reel drive arrangement mounted on the vessel. The shaft across the width of the reel provides structural stiffness and consistent alignment of the bearings on each end of the shaft. Each end of the shaft extends beyond the reel and includes a section for connection to a lifting sling, a section for the machine bearing surface, and a section for absorbing initial contact with the vessel during installation. The reel shaft bearing support structures on the vessel include a fixed portion to match the bearing area of the reel shaft and a movable portion to absorb initial contact during installation of the reel. The reel drive arrangement is located on linkages so they can be manipulated in the plane of the reel flange for movement into engagement with the drive gear on the reel flange.

Abstract: A method and system for storing, delivering and spooling pipelines, such as underwater pipelines used in off-shore well production systems, enables continuous pipeline reeling operations for multi-mile pipelines without the need for welding stops, a spool base of corresponding multi-mile length, a straight line path from storage to ship and/or stern mooring of the reel carrying vessel. Bending radii for the pipeline from welding to reeling are held to a determined minimum within the range of plastic deformation radii of the pipeline and preferably within the range of elastic bending radii of the pipeline.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring and evaluating parameters related to the use of a compliant guide system in intervention operations. A compliant guide enables movement of a conveyance within its interior and is coupled between a subsea installation and a surface vessel. A sensor system is provided with sensors deployed in subsea locations to detect operational parameters related to operation of the compliant guide. A control system is coupled to the sensor system to receive data output from the sensor system.