Abstract: A bend stiffener for resisting excessive-bending of an elongate underwater member in a region where it meets a rigid structure, comprises: a sleeve (1) for receiving said elongate underwater member, said sleeve being capable of some degree of flexure; and a rigid interface mount (3) secured to said sleeve, said rigid interface mount being suitable for attachment to said rigid structure; wherein said rigid interface mount comprises one or more slots (4) or holes which are alignable with corresponding slots, holes or recesses on said rigid structure such that the rigid interface mount may be locked to the rigid structure by locking means (2), said locking means comprising projection(s) through the slots or holes of the rigid interface mount into the slots, holes or recesses of the rigid structure. The bend stiffener is particular suited to mid-line applications, amongst other applications.

Abstract: A system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system comprises means for enabling the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure, said bore being defined by an inner surface of said tubular structure, clamping means on the sleeve temporarily clamping the sleeve and flexible member together, and release means on the sleeve adapted to automatically release the clamping means when the sleeve attains a fixed disposition with respect to the tubular fixed structure, such as to permit continued movement of the flexible member with respect to the sleeve.