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: Described are structures, such as wind turbine structures for offshore sites, comprising transport elements configured for complementary mating with engagement elements of a clamp, which allow for transporting of the structures using that clamp. Generally, the transport element is provided at an attachment region of a tower, or the like, where the tower would attach to a support, such as a jacket. There is also described apparatus for allowing for transport of a wind turbine structure, comprising a clamp. In some cases, the apparatus is also configured so as to modify the effective centre of gravity of an associated structure, and/or the effective centre of inertia of an associated structure.

Abstract: A winching apparatus and method for winching a load are disclosed which are particularly suitable for, though not exclusively limited to, use with heave compensated hoists or cranes, for example, on a floating structure such as a vessel. The winching apparatus comprises a first winch, a second winch, a winch line, at least one sheave or guide, a winch line cycling means and a load connection means, wherein the load is connectable to the load connection means, the winch line extends from the first winch round the at least one sheave or guide to the second winch and the winching apparatus is configured to transfer winch line between the first and second winches while the winch line cycling means cycles winch line backwards and forwards round the at least one sheave or guide.

Abstract: An apparatus to be mounted on a vessel for a laying a marine pipeline having accessories on the end of the pipeline and/or at one or more intermediate locations along the pipeline, said apparatus comprising a pipeline launch ramp (1) having pipeline guide means (6) for guiding and controlling the movement of a pipeline along a pipeline firing line in the direction of the seabed, pipeline clamping means (30) downstream of the guide means for selectively clamping and supporting the launched pipeline, wherein said launch ramp is provided with an opening (30) downstream of said guide means and upstream of said clamping means 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 said clamping means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a variety of arrangements for laying of rigid pipe from reeled storage and/or on-board welding fabrication. Thirteen independent aspects of the invention are identified. In one particular arrangement (FIGS. 3a-3b), a tilting lay tower (106) having two travelling clamps (210, 220) is provided centrally on a pipelay vessel with a radius control arch (140) pivotable to receive rigid pipe from either port or starboard lay paths. A vertical axis reel or carousel (104) is provided, within an arrangement of curved take-off arms (130, 134) and a large radius curved wall (128). By these means, pipe can be loaded onto the carousel either clockwise or anti-clockwise, and can be supplied to the lay tower via the port or starboard lay path. Continuous rigid product fabricated by a selection of welding lines (112, 114, 116) at the port side can be guided around the large radius wall either for reeling onto the carousel or for direct feeding to the lay tower.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for laying of elongate articles from a vessel. The vessel includes a tower (2), on which is supported tensioning means (20,21), straightening means (19), and a hold-off clamp (14). The hold-off clamp (14) is mounted independently of the tower on a trolley (13) which can be moved into and out of alignment with the laying axis of the tower while supporting the elongate article under laying tension. This enables the pipe string to be moved out of the line of the tower (2) for the fitting of equipment such as mid-line connectors and PLETs. Methods are disclosed for using the apparatus for fitting a connection to the elongate article being laid using cranes etc provided on the vessel to move the trolley (13) and hold the laid pipe string or connection.

Abstract: A fibre rope is used for hoisting articles from a vessel (12) in deep waters. The fibre rope has substantially neutral buoyancy. The rope (14) is handled in vertical orientation by a track type tensioner (18) or moving clamps, in order to avoid bend cycling under load.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing, maintaining and decommissioning wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, comprises a crane having extendable legs that allow it to climb a tower that it is erecting in sections by engaging the tower by friction or mechanical interference. The crane may carry the wind turbine nacelle on its upper members during construction of the tower and may be fitted with a crane for handling tower sections, or it may carry an “A” crane for lifting the nacelle and its components once the tower is complete or for constructing heavy maintenance. The crane may be fitted with various lifting and handling means to facilitate maintenance or the installation, maintenance or removal or airfoil rotor blades.

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).