Abstract: Apparatus and method for laying a pipeline on the bottom of an ocean wherein a wheel-like, buoyant body is adapted to carry a single, continuous length of pipe in the form of horizontal convolutions from a first site at which the pipe is wrapped on the body to a second site where the convolutions are moved into vertical positions and the pipe is unwrapped from the body and allowed to gravitate toward and to be laid on the bottom of the ocean. The pipe is wrapped on the body when the latter is horizontally disposed and floating on the water near a dock, and the wrapping can be accomplished whether the elastic bending limit of the pipe is exceeded or not. The body with the convolutions of pipe are towed to the second site while the body and the pipe remains horizontally disposed. Then a tank forming part of the body receives sea water to unbalance the body and cause it to be moved into a vertical position.

Abstract: A spar having fluid flow lines or material conveyors extending along the same is anchored by a ball joint, U-joint, elastic joint or the like to a base on the bottom of a body of water, such as a sea bottom. The spar has a buoyancy chamber near its upper end for applying an upward tension thereto at all times. When a vessel is adjacent to the upper end of the spar, tension means extends between the spar and structures on the vessel bow to couple the two together. The tension means provides a lateral force exerted on the spar to bias the spar toward the vessel even as the latter changes position relative to the spar due to current, wave and wind action. Several embodiments of the tension means are disclosed. The fluid flow lines carried by the spar connect a base manifold on the bottom of a body of water with delivery hoses or other conductors which can provide flexibility and are connected to the vessel for the transfer of crude oil and other fluids thereto.