Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning a secondary elongate element with a primary elongate element for subsea laying of the elements in a piggybacked arrangement is disclosed. The alignment tool comprises a support structure arranged to embrace the primary element. The support structure has an opening for accommodating the primary element such that the primary element can move longitudinally through the opening in a launching direction. The alignment tool further comprises attachment points for supporting the tool to maintain or control its longitudinal and/or angular position with respect to the primary element as the primary element moves through the opening.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for deploying a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (5) joined together by connection cables (6) in one or more “chains”, and connected to an input/output device (8). An input/output connection unit (7, 15) is provided on a carrier (10), and the sensors are held on or in deployment devices (14a-14e) mounted to the carrier with their connection cables (6) connected to the input/output connection unit (7, 15). The input/output device (8) may also be mounted to the carrier, and connected to the connection unit (7, 15). The carrier (10), sensors, and input/output device (8) may be delivered as a single package to the area where the sensor array is to be deployed. The sensors are then moved from the carrier to their final positions. The deployment devices (14a-14e) may be detached from the carrier and moved sequentially to the sensor positions, and a sensor may be removed from the deployment device at each sensor position.

Abstract: A device includes a digging device to cut the seafloor and with a device for hooking onto a pipeline and for sliding over the same. The device includes at least one float device constrainable to the pipeline for supporting it in span, connected to the back of said digging device with respect to the direction of the movement. The method includes excavating the seafloor by a digging device, collecting a float device from a storage base and transporting it to said pipeline, constraining the first float device to the pipeline behind the digging device and connecting the first float device to the digging device, when at least one portion of pipeline is in a suspended configuration, and when the portion of suspended pipeline increases, collecting a subsequent float device and constraining it to the pipeline and connecting the same to the float device previously constrained.

Abstract: A cable pull-in system and method for offshore structures (1) of the type having a hollow interior extending from the sea bed to above the surface of the water and an entry hole (2) in the external wall of the structure. The system includes an elongated outer conduit assembly (7) within the interior of which is arranged an elongated cable member (10), said elongated outer conduit assembly being equipped with an inflatable sealing section (4) adapted for engaging the interior of entry hole (2) to seal and affix the outer conduit assembly. The elongated outer conduit assembly is pulled through the entry hole and up to a hangoff point above the water surface such that the inflatable sealing section (4) engages entry hole (2).

Abstract: A method of abandoning or recovering an underwater pipeline from a laying vessel includes the steps of looping a first rope about a pulley connected to the free end of the pipeline; end-locking the first rope, on one side, to the laying vessel; and winding or unwinding the first rope, on the other side, by means of a first winch located on the laying vessel.

Abstract: A piggybacking clamp for subsea laying of two or more elongate elements in a piggybacked arrangement is disclosed. The piggybacking clamp has a plurality of clamp segments assembled to surround and clamp the elongate elements. Each clamp segment has two or more generally parallel mutually spaced recesses shaped to extend partially around respective ones of the elongate elements. The piggybacking clamp additionally has retainers that hold the clamp segments together when assembled, such that the assembled clamp segments apply clamping forces to the elongate elements in the recesses.

Abstract: A laying vessel configured to lay pipelines on the bed of a body of water has a floating structure; a laying tower hinged to the floating structure and configured to assemble and lay a pipeline on the bed of the body of water; and an A&R system configured to abandon and recover the pipeline; and wherein the A&R system has a haul line; and a sheave assembly configured to guide the haul line, and which is fitted to the floating structure to move between a work position at the laying tower, and a position away from the laying tower.

Abstract: A pipe system comprising a pipe comprising an exterior of the system, the pipe comprising an inner pipe wall; a hydrophobic layer interior to the inner pipe wall; and a liquid interior to the hydrophobic layer and interior to the inner pipe wall, the liquid comprising water and one or more hydrocarbons.

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: A pipeline laying vessel for laying a pipeline (5) on a seabed, which pipeline laying vessel comprises a hull, a positioning device (6) for positioning a pipe section in a firing line (3) along which the pipeline is laid, which positioning device is supported by the hull, and a clamp (17) for holding the pipeline suspended from the vessel, wherein the clamp is located in the firing line, and comprises a support device (18) constructed and arranged to allow the clamp to hold the pipeline in a first mode wherein the clamp has a fixed position relative to the positioning device, and in a second mode (52) wherein the clamp is pivotable relative to the positioning device.

Abstract: A marine tensioner has a tensioner frame and multiple track units mounted in the frame. Each track unit comprises an elongated chassis, the chassis having a central portion between two end portions. Each track unit comprises an endless track supported by the chassis, the endless track having friction elements adapted to engage an elongated article. Between each track unit and the tensioner frame a connecting structure is provided that allows for lateral and pivotal motion of the track unit so as to adapt the position of the track unit to an elongated article diameter. One or more squeeze actuators are provided between the tensioner frame and the chassis of the track unit and actuator control means are provided which are associated with the one or more squeeze actuators and allow to control the squeeze force exerted by the friction elements of the track unit on the elongated article.

Abstract: A method of abandoning an underwater pipeline on the bed of a body of water from a laying vessel includes the steps of lowering the free end of the pipeline into the body of water and onto the bed of the body of water using a first and second rope, both connected to the free end of the pipeline and extending from the laying vessel to the free end of the pipeline. The method also includes disconnecting the first rope from the free end of the pipeline, once the free end of the pipeline is laid on the bed of the body of water; and rewinding the first rope onto the laying vessel, while the second rope is still connected to the free end of the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping elongate elements in a parallel piggybacked arrangement during subsea laying of the elements is disclosed. The apparatus has opposed reciprocating jaws for forcing together clamp segments around the elongate elements to assemble a piggybacking clamp that applies clamping forces to the elongate elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling axial, lateral and/or vertical movements of subsea pipelines which reduce the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. The pipeline is connected to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the pipeline using a plurality of load-bearing members attached to the pipeline and the stabilizing structure at a plurality of predetermined locations. Also described are systems and methods for monitoring operating parameters of the pipeline over time.

Abstract: An articulating band saw apparatus provides a frame that includes a vertically extending section having upper and lower end portions. An elevator moves between the upper and lower end portions of the frame. A first hydraulic actuator is supported on the elevator for movement therewith. A first arm provides arm end portions, the first arm supported by the first hydraulic actuator. An end of the first arm supporting a second hydraulic actuator that is spaced away from the first hydraulic actuator. The second hydraulic actuator supports a second arm. An endless band type saw is mounted on the free end of the second arm generally opposite the second actuator. The band saw is movable by articulation of the first and second actuators and resulting movement of the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the band saw is a diamond wire saw.

Abstract: A tendon is assembled in a horizontal orientation using connectors or by welding at a weld station on a barge or other vessel located at or near the installation site of a tension leg platform. During assembly, the tendon is pulled away from the assembly vessel and tensioned by a tug or offshore work vessel. When fully assembled, the tendon may be up-ended in a manner similar to a wet-towed tendon, and then either pre-installed using floats or passed over to a TLP which is on-site and ready to receive tendons.

Abstract: An underwater cable deployment system for deploying an ocean bottom cable on the seabed including a cage having a lower frame and an upper frame, which lower frame is adapted to receive the ocean bottom cable and the upper frame is connected to an umbilical cable mounted on a vessel, the upper frame being removably attached to the lower frame, guiding and tensioning means for deploying the ocean bottom cable on the seabed, the lower frame further including a recording unit which is connected to the ocean bottom cable and is adapted to record data detected by at least one sensor unit of the ocean bottom cable and an electrical power unit adapted to provide power to the recording unit and to the ocean bottom cable.

Abstract: Blocking device (1) to hold integrally an elongated body (EB) relative to an external reference (A); the blocking device (1) comprising a module (2) provided with a first, a second, and a third holding members (10) (20) (30) of substantially identical longitudinal extension, arranged in a substantially concentric manner relative to a central axis (Z1); each module comprising connecting means (40) designed to couple the first, second, and third holding members (10) (20) (30); a clamping unit (50) being associated with at least two of the first, second, and third holding members (10) (20) (30) to move them, in use, relative to one another in order longitudinally to stop, in use, the elongated body (EB); the first, second, and third holding members (10) (20) (30) being connected in a hinged manner two by two so that they can pivot relative to the central axis (Z1).

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline from an offshore vessel, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a tubular member between a winch apparatus and the end of the pipeline being abandoned, the tubular member being received in a tensioning apparatus, and lowering the pipeline with the winch apparatus and the tensioning apparatus, the tensional load of the pipeline being held by the tensioning apparatus and the winch apparatus at the same time.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an installation method to deploy the flexible pipe below the water, utilizing supporting equipment between a flexible pipe and intended connections. In addition, the method of connection and pull down can maintain control of the flexible pipe subsea throughout the method with limited or no surface intervention. This installation method provides a redundancy as the connector approaches in a subsea connection in at least one embodiment. The method utilizes combinations of buoyancy elements, hand-off sequences, and pull down equipment, such as subsea winches and wire rope, to accomplish such connections with limited or no surface intervention.

Abstract: A riser for use in subsea operations that is parked subsea deployed as needed onto wellheads disposed proximate where the riser is parked. A base anchored into the seafloor provides a pedestal for parking the riser. The riser emits a beacon signal so it can be located when needed. When parked, the riser can be kept in a vertical orientation by a buoyancy module mounted on an upper portion of the riser. A workboat, or other vessel, attaches to the parked riser and positions it onto a designated wellhead. An extension connects the riser to platform or other vessel above the sea surface.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a subsea tubular comprises a housing. In addition, the device comprises a receiving body slidingly disposed within the housing. The body has a central axis, a lower end, and a receptacle extending from the lower end. Further, the device comprises an actuation member configured to move the housing axially relative to the body. Still further, the device comprises a plurality of cam members. Each cam member is rotatably coupled to the lower end of the body and has a cam head extending radially into the receptacle and a lever arm extending from the cam head. Each cam member is configured to rotate in a first direction to move the cam head radially inward and rotate in a second direction to move the cam head radially outward. Moreover, the device comprises a plurality of biasing members configured to bias the cam members in the first direction.

Abstract: A stinger (1) for a pipeline laying vessel, the stinger includes at least one track (3) which in use at least partly surrounds a firing line along which the pipeline (5) is laid, and at least one pipeline support (6) for supporting the pipeline, which pipeline support is movable along said track.

Abstract: A submarine pipeline towing equipment including: a floater of prismatic shape with a horizontal or vertical axis, with a variable or partially variable buoyancy, whose lower base is at least partially open by an opening or hole to operate as an air chamber. The floater includes: at least one inlet including a valve through which air is supplied; at least one outlet including a valve through which air is discharged; an actuator to control the valve to supply air; an actuator to control the valve to discharge air; a mechanism connecting the equipment to the pipeline; a mechanism transferring air to the floater; a mechanism actuating the actuator to control the valve to supply air in function of a predefined level in the floater; and a mechanism actuating the actuator to control the valve to discharge air in function of the distance of the floater itself from the seabed.

Abstract: A cable hang-off arrangement for an elevated support including a cable assembly with a flexible reinforced protective tube for accommodating a transmission cable arrangement, a mounting assembly arranged on the elevated support, and a lifting assembly for lifting the cable assembly from a lower level to the elevated support, which lifting assembly is realised to engage with the mounting assembly such that the cable assembly is suspended between the elevated support and the lower level. An offshore facility mounted on an elevated support above a variable lower level including a transmission cable arrangement and a flexible protective tube for guiding the transmission cable arrangement through an essentially vertical direction from the elevated support to the lower level into an essentially horizontal direction at the lower level is also provided. A method of mounting such a cable hang-off arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring oil between a first facility and a second facility. The apparatus comprises a pipe supported at one end by a floating buoy and decoupling arrangement to decouple movement of the buoy from a substantial portion of the pipe. The decoupling arrangement is generally arranged to support a portion of the pipe adjacent the floating buoy and may comprise, for example, a tether attached to the floating buoy, one or more diverter disks attached onto the length of pipe, a sliding connection or an arrangement of weights and buoys along the length of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a fluid discharge in an underwater environment, the method including: collecting data relating to an underwater area through at least two acoustic sensors; filtering and processing the data collected to identify the presence of the discharged fluid and the underwater area involved; forming a single stereoscopic image by combining the plurality of single three-dimensional images; and estimating the position of the fluid discharge on the basis of the stereoscopic image thus obtained.

Abstract: A method of positioning on the sea floor, from a floating vessel, an unlaid end portion of a pipe that is being laid from its other end on the sea floor is disclosed. The method includes lowering the unlaid end portion of the pipe to a lowered position above the sea floor. Transfer of the load of the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs from the lowering device to a line for suspending the unlaid end portion of the pipe. Lowering the line for suspending and the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs. There is disclosed a corresponding method of recovery as well as associated apparatus. A method for effecting a subsea connection between one line and an object suspended below the surface of the sea by another line and associated apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus from repairing a subsea pipeline has a pile with a receptacle on a top surface thereof, a frame having a pair of pins extending outwardly on opposite side of the frame and received within the receptacle of the pile, a length of pipeline affixed to the frame. The pipe support is affixed to an end portion of the length of pipeline. The receptacle has a pair of slotted members extending upwardly from a top surface of the pile. Each of the slotted members has a tapered opening with a hole formed below and communicating with the tapered opening.

Abstract: A tailpipe stone dumping vessel (1) for stone dumping through a fallpipe suspended from the vessel, comprising: • a hull (1a), • a fallpipe section storage for storing fallpipe sections (2), • a tower (20) at least comprising fallpipe support means (40) for supporting the suspended fallpipe, said tower (20) being adapted for assembly and disassembly of the fallpipe by addition of a fallpipe section to the upper end of the suspended fallpipe or removal of a fallpipe section from the suspended fallpipe, respectively, • a tower gimbal structure (22) provided between the hull and the tower providing a pivotal mode for the tower (20) wherein the tower is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the hull so that the tower—and the fallpipe suspended there from—has in a plane associated with said at least one pivot axis an orientation essentially independent from sea-state induced vessel motions, • hoist means (31, 32, 33, 34) for lowering and raising the suspended fallpipe, • fallpipe section handling

Abstract: A pipeline alignment termination device comprises a connecting piece (22, 24, 28) connected at its first end to a pipeline (29). The connecting piece is supported on a skid base (12) by an articulated support (24). Adjustable constraints (25, 26, 30, L) operable by ROV, permit the second end (20) to be accurately aligned by transverse and rotational adjustments with the end of a spoolpiece (232, 234). After alignment and connection, constraints on the rotation and transverse movement are removed, leaving the connecting piece supported but free to move with up to five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel is provided, including a tower extending upwardly from the vessel, a pipe loading arm for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower. The pipe-laying vessel may also include a support assembly for supporting a bulky item to be accommodated along the pipeline, the support assembly including a frame pivotable between a first load receiving position and a second tilted position in which it extends approximately parallel to the tower, and drive means for pivoting the tiltable frame between its first and second positions. The pipe-laying vessel may alternatively or additionally include a welding assembly station cabin in the region of a lower portion of the tower, a movable support assembly for supporting a bulky item to be accommodated along the pipeline, the movable support assembly being disposed on top of the cabin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a subsea structure; and a carrier comprising an opening adapted to receive the subsea structure.

Abstract: An optical fiber management system for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a spool containing a length of optical cable, a motor coupled to the spool, a motor controller, a speed sensor and a feed mechanism. The motor controller can detect the speed of the ROV through water and control the rotational speed of the motor so that the optical cable is removed from the spool at a speed that is equal to or greater than the speed of the ROV. A feed mechanism is used to apply a tension to the optical cable so that it is removed from the spool and emitted from the ROV without becoming tangled.

Abstract: A reeled pipe storage reel with a large diameter hollow cylindrical shaft, reel shaft bearing support structures installed on the vessel, and a reel drive arrangement mounted on the vessel. The shaft across the width of the reel provides structural stiffness and consistent alignment of the bearings on each end of the shaft. Each end of the shaft extends beyond the reel and includes a section for connection to a lifting sling, a section for the machine bearing surface, and a section for absorbing initial contact with the vessel during installation. The reel shaft bearing support structures on the vessel include a fixed portion to match the bearing area of the reel shaft and a movable portion to absorb initial contact during installation of the reel. The reel drive arrangement is located on linkages so they can be manipulated in the plane of the reel flange for movement into engagement with the drive gear on the reel flange.

Abstract: A device includes a hollow rigid member (40) and a curvature limiter (42) movable relative to the hollow rigid member (40). A releasable device (46) for axial immobilization of the curvature limiter (42) on the flexible line (18) in at least one first direction along a travel axis (X-X?). The axial immobilization device (46) includes a locking member (90) axially secured to the flexible line (18), and a member (92) for fitting the locking member (90), axially secured to the curvature limiter (42). Those members (90, 92) are movable relative to each other around the travel axis (X-X?) between a configuration for axial immobilization of the flexible line (18) on the curvature limiter (42), and a configuration for axial travel of the flexible line (18) across the curvature limiter (42).

Abstract: An offshore riser system comprising a tubular from a sea floor to a sea surface comprising a first horizontal portion at the sea floor; a second vertical portion near the sea surface; and a third curved portion located between the first and second portions; and a buoyancy module connected to the second portion, adapted to maintain a shape of the curved portion and enable a connection of a vessel to the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curvature limiter device constituted by fastening tubular sleeves (5) end-to-end, the tubular sleeves being fitted at their longitudinal ends with fastener-and-hinge devices (6) on their top faces and with bottom abutments (71, 72) diametrically opposite on their bottom faces. The present invention also provides a bottom-to-surface connection installation between undersea equipment such as an undersea well head or the end of an undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom (16) and a floating support (12) on the surface, the installation comprising an undersea flexible line (2) having its curvature controlled by a said curvature limiter device (1) of the invention, said curvature limiter device being arranged at an intermediate depth between the sea bottom (16) and the surface (17).

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 tendon is assembled in a horizontal orientation using connectors or by welding at a weld station on a barge or other vessel located at or near the installation site of a tension leg platform. During assembly, the tendon is pulled away from the assembly vessel and tensioned by a tug or offshore work vessel. When fully assembled, the tendon may be up-ended in a manner similar to a wet-towed tendon, and then either pre-installed using floats or passed over to a TLP which is on-site and ready to receive tendons.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel including a pipe-laying tower extending upwardly from the vessel, the tower including a first lower section extending upwardly from a proximal end to a distal end above the main deck of the vessel, and a second upper section movably mounted on the first lower section, and the tower having a first pipe-laying configuration for laying pipeline P in which the upper section is positioned above the lower section and pipe is passed from the upper section to the lower section when, in use, it is being laid, and a second stowed configuration in which the second upper section is moved relative to the lower section and the overall height of the tower is reduced.

Abstract: A bending restrictor assembly for use with a pipeline section has a sleeve affixed to the pipeline section, an outer collar slidably positioned relative to and over the sleeve, and an inner collar slidably positioned relative to an interior of the outer collar. The inner collar in spaced longitudinal relation to an end of the sleeve. The inner and outer collars are slidable relative to a bending of the pipeline section. A series of holes and keyways are formed in the inner and outer collars. Pins are inserted into corresponding holes and keyways so as to correspond to a limit of the bending radius of the pipeline section.

Abstract: The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large funnel. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil, that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure, up through the return pipe. The funnel can be moved into alignment with the well pipe using positioning arms. A stopper may be forced into the well pipe. There are propellers near an end of the high pressure pipe. There are stacked turbines in the return pipe. There is a gasket with pivoting overlapping plates, to seal the pipe.

Abstract: A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material.

Abstract: A method of controlling subsea laying of an elongate article is disclosed and includes guiding the article using a submersible vehicle such as an ROV that carries a guide tool. The guide tool has a sleeve through which the article moves axially during laying, while the vehicle applies cross-axial guide forces to the article via the sleeve. Also disclosed is a guide tool including a sleeve through which the article can move axially during laying, and a grab handle whereby a submersible vehicle may hold the tool using a grabber. Alternatively, the guide tool can be attached to or integrated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A ship for laying flexible undersea lines at sea, the ship having a deck including a cavity receiving said turntable and a motor-driven device for rotating the turntable and fastened to the carrier structure of the hull of the ship, also known as the “hull girder”. The top face of the circular turntable does not project significantly above the plane of the deck that is juxtaposed therewith. The turntable presents attachment elements for attaching a modular storage and handling device for storing and handling flexible lines by winding and unwinding the flexible lines.

Abstract: A pipe element (1) for constructing a double walled pipeline includes an outer pipe element (3) and an inner pipe element (4) located inside the outer pipe element (3), the outer pipe element (3) has a substantially annular form in cross section and includes an inner surface (16). The inner pipe element (4) has a substantially annular form in cross section and includes s an outer surface (15), the diameter of the inner surface is larger than the diameter of the outer surface. The outer pipe element (3) is made from a metallic material, and the inner pipe element (4) is made from a non-metallic material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for replacing, repositioning and/or repairing a section of pipe within a pipeline located on a seabed. System components are delivered by a surface vessel to the vicinity of the damaged section of pipe. Piles are partially driven into the seabed adjacent the damaged section of pipe such that each of the piles has an exposed pile top above the seabed. Pile tops are employed to support load-bearing manipulator assemblies each having a hydraulically controlled manipulator arm having a a grapple capable of grasping and repositioning a section of pipe. The manipulator assemblies are operated to grasp, lift and manipulate pipe surrounding the damaged section. Other pile tops are employed to support spool supports capable of firmly holding a replacement spool piece of pipe during replacement operations. During replacement of a damaged section of pipe, the manipulator assemblies hold the pipe while cuts are made to free the damaged section.