Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48). The transfer mechanism includes a clamping mechanism (34) adapted to connect and secure a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) to the transfer mechanism (28); and a conveyor system (30) configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism (34) from a first position towards a second position.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline being laid by a pipelaying vessel, wherein said pipeline is being held by a lay tower comprising a pipelaying and tensioning arrangement, comprising at least the steps of: (a) linking the end of the pipeline (103) to a flexible tubular handling conduit (102); (b) separately linking the pipeline to a lifting wire (104); and (c] lowering the pipeline towards the sea floor. In this way, the present invention, using the load capacity of both a flexible tubular handling conduit and a lifting wire for at least some of the pipeline lowering, is able to operate either more safely at existing depths, or at even greater depths to an ocean floor than before, or both.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism (28) for providing linear vertical displacement of a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48). The transfer mechanism includes a clamping mechanism (34) adapted to connect and secure a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) to the transfer mechanism (28); and a conveyor system (30) configured to linearly displace the clamping mechanism (34) from a first position towards a second position.

Abstract: A marine pipeline-installation tower comprising at least two opposing legs, and one or more tensioning assemblies supported by the opposing legs for surrounding and supporting an intermediate pipeline during installation, at least one of the intermediate tensioning assemblies comprising two or more discrete segments, the segments being moveable between: a closed position wherein the segments are conjoined to form an enclosing pipeline annulus able to support the pipeline between the legs of the tower; and an open position wherein at least two of the segments are disconnected and separate. In this way, a better clearance is achievable between the parts of the segments able to form the enclosing pipeline annulus when the segments are in their open position, because the segments are able to be disconnected and separate despite still being supported within the limited room between the fixed legs of the tower.

Abstract: A marine pipeline-installation tower comprising at least two opposing legs, and one or more tensioning assemblies supported by the opposing legs for surrounding and supporting an intermediate pipeline during installation, at least one of the intermediate tensioning assemblies comprising two or more discrete segments, the segments being moveable between: a closed position wherein the segments are conjoined to form an enclosing pipeline annulus able to support the pipeline between the legs of the tower; and an open position wherein at least two of the segments are disconnected and separate. In this way, a better clearance is achievable between the parts of the segments able to form the enclosing pipeline annulus when the segments are in their open position, because the segments are able to be disconnected and separate despite still being supported within the limited room between the fixed legs of the tower.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline being laid by a pipelaying vessel, wherein said pipeline is being held by a lay tower comprising a pipelaying and tensioning arrangement, comprising at least the steps of: (a) linking the end of the pipeline (103) to a flexible tubular handling conduit (102); (b) separately linking the pipeline to a lifting wire (104); and (c] lowering the pipeline towards the sea floor. In this way, the present invention, using the load capacity of both a flexible tubular handling conduit and a lifting wire for at least some of the pipeline lowering, is able to operate either more safely at existing depths, or at even greater depths to an ocean floor than before, or both.