Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe; at least one buoyancy element for providing a positive buoyancy to a portion of the riser; and a tethering element for tethering the buoyancy element to a fixed structure and to resist the positive buoyancy of the buoyancy element.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of providing a riser assembly for transporting production fluids from a location deep under water are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser comprising a flexible pipe, the riser having a hang off point which is an end of the riser that in use connects with a floating facility, and a touchdown zone which in use is a section of the riser in the region of where the riser meets the seabed or other fixed structure; and at least one buoyancy element arranged at the touchdown zone or within about 50 m of the touchdown zone of the riser to support the riser in a configuration for accommodating kinetic energy propagating along the riser from the hang off point.

Abstract: A connector assembly, riser assembly and method of producing a connector assembly are disclosed. The connector assembly includes a body portion for locating over a flexible pipe and arranged to be connectable to or formed integrally with one or more buoyancy compensating element, and one or more protrusion extending from the body portion and arranged to reduce or interrupt vortex induced vibrations in water surrounding the flexible pipe in use.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of supporting a flexible pipe are disclosed. The assembly includes a riser; at least one buoyancy compensating element attached to the riser for providing positive, negative or neutral buoyancy to the riser; and a tethering element connecting a first point of the riser with a further point of the riser so as to form a hog bend or a sag bend in the riser.

Abstract: A connector assembly, riser assembly and method of producing a connector assembly are disclosed. The connector assembly includes a body portion for locating over a flexible pipe and arranged to be connectable to or formed integrally with one or more buoyancy compensating element, and one or more protrusion extending from the body portion and arranged to reduce or interrupt vortex induced vibrations in water surrounding the flexible pipe in use.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of producing a riser assembly for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location is disclosed. The assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe, the riser having a first end for connection to a floating facility and a further end;at least one buoyancy element for enabling a portion of the riser to form a hog bend configuration and an adjacent portion of the riser to form a sag bend configuration; and a weight element provided between the first end of the riser and the at least one buoyancy element, such that in an initial deployment position, the weight element is provided at least partially in the sag bend portion of the riser.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method of producing a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser having a plurality of buoyancy elements provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the riser for supporting the riser, and at least one further buoyancy element arranged to support the riser in a configuration for accommodating tension changes in the riser due to vessel movement.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method for providing buoyancy to a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly which is of the type for transporting fluids from a sub-sea flowline to a floating structure comprises a first segment of flexible pipe, a further segment of flexible pipe and a rigid buoyancy support for providing at least one buoyancy element at the support.

Abstract: A riser assembly (400) and method for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location (404) are disclosed. The riser (406) assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe; at least one buoyancy element (408) for providing a positive buoyancy to a portion of the riser; and a tethering element (410) for tethering the buoyancy element to a fixed structure (412) and to resist the positive buoyancy of the buoyancy element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method for providing buoyancy to a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly which is of the type for transporting fluids from a sub-sea flowline to a floating structure comprises a first segment of flexible pipe, a further segment of flexible pipe and a rigid buoyancy support for providing at least one buoyancy element at the support.