Abstract: Equipment and method for lowering equipment (10) to the seabed from a vessel (12) using man made fibre rope (16) and a winch (20) employing wire rope (24), the fibre rope being paid out (or when lifting, drawn in) in sections by repeated operation of the winch (20) and wire rope (24). This is preferably done by holding the fibre rope (16) with holding means (32), while the wire rope (24) is detached for connection to a next section. The holding means (32) may be arranged to engage an attachment point (18) between adjacent rope sections but distinct from that engaged by the hoist platform (22).

Abstract: There is disclosed a hull for a sea-going vessel of displacement type having a flat bottomed midship section (100) of a constant cross-section which is substantially rectangular in cross section below the water line, and a converging bow portion (200) extending from said midship section, said bow portion having a curved transition (H) between the bottom (F) thereof and each hull side, the transition (C) between bottom and sides along the bilges in said midship section being relatively sharp, and in particular of radius less than 0.5 m, for example 0.025 m. The stern section (300) shape includes two propulsion arches each formed by an inclined, substantially part-cylindrical surface (S) extending from the flat bottom aft and upward to join the transom. The hull form provides a working vessel with extremely efficient roll-damping, yet sufficient transit speed for worldwide operation. The hull form can be constructed at relatively low cost, avoiding for the most part the need to form compound curves.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hull for a sea-going vessel of displacement type having a flat bottomed midship section (100) of a constant cross-section which is substantially rectangular in cross section below the water line, and a converging bow portion (200) extending from said midship section, said bow portion having a curved transition (H) between the bottom (F) thereof and each hull side, the transition (C) between bottom and sides along the bilges in said midship section being relatively sharp, and in particular of radius less than 0.5 m, for example 0.025 m. The stern section (300) shape includes two propulsion arches each formed by an inclined, substantially part-cylindrical surface (S) extending from the flat bottom aft and upward to join the transom. The hull form provides a working vessel with extremely efficient roll-damping, yet sufficient transit speed for worldwide operation. The hull form can be constructed at relatively low cost, avoiding for the most part the need to form compound curves.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for laying elongate articles in deep waters includes a tiltable pipe handling structure housing a traveling clamp for holding and/or paying out under tension the elongate article and a fixed clamp. The traveling clamp is driven via an articulated rack located by a guide mechanism. The rack driven by a pinion drive mechanism and acts at a lower portion of the rack, such that the center of gravity of the apparatus is lowered, and loading in the structure is reduced.

Abstract: A pipe handling clamp for use on a deep water pipe laying vessel. The arrangement includes an array of piston members constrained to move along a first axis towards and away from a fixed support, and an hydraulically operated wedge member is driven transverse to the first axis so as to act between each piston member and the fixed support to effect motion to clamp a pipe. The axial piston and radial piston having complementary inclined surfaces, keyed to one another, so as to push and pull the radial piston in response to hydraulic pressure in the respective chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe handling clamp (26, 28) for use on a deep water pipe laying vessel. The arrangement includes an array of piston members (60) constrained to move along, a first axis towards and away from a fixed support (40,42), and an hydraulically operated wedge member (62) is driven transverse to the first axis so as to act between each piston member (60) and said fixed support to effect motion to clamp a pipe 16. The axial piston and radial piston having complementary inclined surfaces, keyed to one another (70), so as to push and pull the radial piston in response to hydraulic pressure in the respective chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of protecting an underwater conduit (100) against collapse, due to high hydrostatic pressures At least one bracing device (106) is applied around the external circumference of the conduit so as to define locally a region of increased wall thickness, and the internal surface of the device is bonded to the external surface of the conduit. This inhibits separation of the two surfaces and thereby helps to prevent collapse of the conduit.

Abstract: A subsea pipe laying system is mounted on a ship and comprises a fabrication station where lengths of pipe are welded together to form a pipeline. The pipeline is then guided to a pipe laying zone where including a straightener under the control of a tensioner/clamping arrangement the pipeline is straightened and laid on the sea bed. The straightener and the tensioner/clamps are mounted on a ramp which can be tilted whereas the fabrication zone is on the deck of the vessel. The pipeline can either be fabricated in a forward direction and then have its direction and movement reversed to lay over the stern or be fabricated in an aft direction and laid over the stern.