Abstract: A method of launching an elongate subsea structure such as a pipeline bundle unit into water provides buoyant support to the structure by displacing water with a hollow buoyancy unit that applies buoyant upthrust to the structure. By lowering the buoyancy unit in the water to bring a permanently open aperture of the buoyancy unit beneath a surface level of the water, the buoyancy unit is flooded with water through the or each permanently open aperture to reduce the buoyant upthrust applied to the structure. A corresponding elongate subsea structure is also claimed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a positioning and welding method for a ship stern thruster that relates to the technical field of ship manufacturing. A stern thruster is installed after adjusting and cutting hull stiffener panels according to the fitting condition of a prosthesis and a hull stiffener panel. The actions of manufacturing and installing the model, positioning the model structure by setting wire, adjusting the fitting condition of the model's stiffener panel and the hull stiffener panel can make it convenient to set wire and make it accurate to position the model. So the stern thruster is easy to install. The model can be repeatedly used, and the method is suitable for quantitative production.

Abstract: A stinger including a first member formed from a first non-metallic material, a second body member formed from a second non-metallic material, and a plurality of cross-support members disposed between the first body member and the second body member. The first body member includes a first lower portion, a first upper portion, and a first intermediate portion disposed between the first lower portion and the first upper portion. A width of the first lower portion is greater than a width of the first intermediate portion and a width of the first upper portion, and wherein the width of the first upper portion is greater than the width of the first intermediate portion. The second body member includes a second lower portion, a second upper portion, and a second intermediate portion disposed between the second lower portion and the second upper portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling buckling in subsea pipelines involves identifying spaced-apart sections of a subsea pipeline suitable for controlled lateral buckling. Sets of inclined sleepers are installed at each spaced-apart section and are selected to support the spaced-apart sections of the subsea pipeline in an orientation that is perpendicular to the initial as-laid position. Any buckling caused by thermal expansion of the subsea pipeline is distributed to two or more of the spaced-apart sections, causing the two or more spaced-apart sections to deflect laterally along the inclined sleepers outwardly from an initial as-laid position.

Abstract: A novel tubular or profile shapes of co-extruded multilayer polymers. These materials contain tens to thousands of layers of milli-, micro- to nano-polymer layers. These new shapes contain contiguous layers of milli- to nano-polymer layers in three dimensions and these contiguous layers may be twisted or turned to further expand the potential microlayer geometries.

Abstract: A drilling riser running system includes a water filling system and a pressure testing system that can fill and pressure test auxiliary lines of the riser system, while simultaneously running a riser joint.

Abstract: A guide structure is provided for guiding deployment of a pipeline from a hang-off structure through an opening in a vessel during a J-lay operation. The guide structure comprises a port-side guide assembly and a starboard-side guide assembly for engaging and guiding the pipeline below the hang-off structure, wherein the port and star-board-side guide assemblies are independently moveable to engage and guide the pipeline. The guide assemblies may be mounted to traverse on rails provided within the opening.

Abstract: A method for installation of a pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine in which the piles are transported horizontally, positioned in a pile holder, rotated to a vertical orientation while being held by the pile holder, and subsequently lowered into the water while being held by the pile holder. The installation vessel is in a floating condition, and the pile holder is compensated for wave-induced motion of the vessel to maintain a predetermined X-Y location independent of the wave-induced motion of the vessel. A pile holding system, a pile holder, and a vessel comprising a pile holding system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seismic node deployment system comprises a cable supply with one or more seismic nodes configured for coupling to the cable at one or more attachment locations for deployment to a water column. A node attachment system is configured to drive a portion of the cable into periodic or reciprocal motion so that the attachment speed is substantially reduced relative to the speed at which the cable is deployed.

Abstract: A subsea connector (20) is provided for joining a first cable (2) having a first minimum bending radius (MBR) and a second cable (3) having a second minimum bending radius (MBR). The subsea connector is arranged with a first joint device (21, 53) for connection with the first cable and a second joint device (22, 54) for connection with the second cable (3). The subsea connector comprises a conductive member (25, 57) for transfer of electric power between the first and the second cable (2,3), the conductive member having, in an installed position, a U-shape configuration and the radius of curvature of the subsea connector is less than or equal to the first and second minimum bending radii such that at least a portion of the first cable (2) extending from connection with the first joining device (21,53) is arranged essentially parallel with at least a portion of the second cable (3) extending from connection with the second joint device (22,54).

Abstract: A marine reel lay method pipeline installation system for laying a flexible pipeline on the seabed a pipeline includes a pipeline launch tower adapted to launch the flexible pipeline in a firing line along said tower; a pipeline guide provided at an elevated position; one or more tensioners, wherein the tensioner frame includes two frame segments with track units, the two frame segments being adapted to be conjoined to each other and being pivotably mounted to said pipeline launch tower about a respective vertical tensioner pivot axis, allowing said two frame segments to be pivotable between a closed flexible pipeline laying configuration; and an open configuration; one or more vertical trolley rails supported by said pipeline launch tower and positioned between said vertical tensioner pivot axes of said two frame segments; a trolley movable along said one or more vertical trolley rails in a vertical trolley path which is unobstructed when said two frame segments are in the open configuration; and a hoisting

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel (1), especially a drillship or so-called drilling ship. The vessel comprises a hull (3) having a bottom surface (5) and a deck (7). Said vessel is provided with a moon pool (2), which extends from said bottom surface of the hull in an upward direction through the hull. Further, said vessel is provided with a cavity (10) located at a front side of the moon pool. Said cavity is at least partly open at a bottom side thereof in order to allow water to flow into said cavity. Moreover, said cavity is at least partly open at a rear side of said cavity in order to allow water to flow directly from said cavity into the moon pool, as a result of which moon pool sloshing can be diminished and the mean flow resistance of the vessel when sailing can be reduced.

Abstract: A deflector (38) including: a support (70); an intermediate member (72), pivotally mounted in the support (70) around a first rotation axis (B-B?); at least a secondary pivoting member (74), pivotally connected to the intermediate member (72) around a second rotation axis (C-C?) parallel to the first rotation axis (B-B?); for each secondary pivoting member (74), at least a pair of rotating members (76). Each rotating member (76) is connected to the secondary pivoting member (74). The deflector (38) including: a guiding mechanism, for guiding each rotating member (76) in translation with regard to the support (70) along a translation axis (D-D?) non parallel to the first rotation axis (B-B?); a connecting member (78), pivotally mounted to the secondary pivoting member (74). The rotating member (76) is rotatably mounted on the connecting member (78) around a rotating member rotation axis (E-E?).

Abstract: Additive manufacturing of a pipe is disclosed. A lowering mechanism is configured to be coupled with respect to a platform and to lower a pipe through an opening in the platform. An extrusion head is configured to receive material and selectively extrude the material via a nozzle. A gantry is coupled to the extrusion head and is configured to move the extrusion head to an identified location. A controller is coupled to the gantry and configured to direct the gantry to move the extrusion head based on pipe data that identifies a geometry of the pipe. A stabilizer mechanism is configured to maintain the pipe in a desired position during the extrusion of the material.

Abstract: A method for deployment of discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes for installation subsea is provided, comprising coupling the jumper pipes together end-to-end thus forming a flexible train of jumper pipes, and winding the train of jumper pipes on a drum suitable for transport to a deployment site by a pipe-laying vessel. On site, the train of jumper pipes is unreeled from the drum until the first jumper pipe is lowered into the sea, then the drum is halted and the trailing end of the first jumper pipe is detached from the leading end of the second jumper pipe in the train of jumper pipes. The trailing end of the first jumper pipe is shifted to a lowering wire, and the first jumper pipe is lowered to the sea bottom. The process is repeated until the discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes are individually lowered into the sea.

Abstract: A buoyancy element has a plurality of buoyancy modules interconnected to form a buoyancy element around the electrical cable or pipeline. A first buoyancy module is provided with at least one first fastening element and a second buoyancy module is provided with at least one second fastening element. The first fastening element has a snap element that snaps onto the second fastening element when the first buoyancy module is secured to the second buoyancy module. The buoyancy module has both the first fastening element and the second fastening element, oriented such that two identical buoyancy modules may be clamped together, whereby mutually cooperating first and second fastening elements of the respective modules align in locking engagement. This reduces production costs, as only a single type of module needs to be manufactured.

Abstract: In a vessel and method for laying on the seabed a pipeline and one or more accessories which are to be connected to the pipeline, in particular in view of the installation of accessories to the pipeline, the one or more tensioners are displaceable along the pipeline launch tower.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system and marine pipeline installation method are disclosed. The marine pipeline installation system includes a pipeline launch tower for launching the pipeline in a firing line along the pipeline launch tower into the sea, and one or more tensioners supported by the pipeline launch tower. The system further includes a pipeline guide supported in a pipeline launch trajectory between a pipeline storage and the firing line above the one or more tensioners, wherein the pipeline guide is provided opposite the firing line relative to the pipeline launch tower. A guide support structure is provided, which is embodied as a single-sided guide support arm arranged on one side of the pipeline guide only.

Abstract: A pipeline A/R method using a rope connected to the pipeline, the method including winding/unwinding the rope utilizing a hauling machine to exert pull on the rope; adapting a crawler pipeline tensioning device to grip the rope in the crawler tensioning device; and exerting additional pull on a portion of rope between the crawler tensioning device and the pipeline.

Abstract: A towable pipeline bundle for installation underwater at a subsea oil or gas production site has two or more bundled elongate elements, at least one of which is a flowline for carrying production fluid along the bundle. A rigid buoyancy pipe of polymer-composite material extends along and supports the bundled elongate elements. The buoyancy pipe has an internal buoyancy chamber and at least one port for introducing fluid into the buoyancy chamber. The buoyancy pipe is arranged to have positive buoyancy in seawater when its buoyancy chamber contains a fluid less dense than seawater. In this way, the buoyancy pipe confers substantially neutral buoyancy on a towable unit comprising the bundle. The unit can then be towed in mid-water to the production site and lowered there onto the seabed.

Abstract: A marine pipelaying system and method for lowering and/or raising an offshore pipeline and including one or more accessories thereto, includes a pipeline launch device, a pipeline clamp, an accessory connecting device and a controlled load hoisting device. An accessory handling device is provided including an accessory transport track and a cart adapted to engage and support one of the one or more accessories, such that the accessory handling device is adapted to engage said accessory at the engagement position, position the accessory in the pipeline connecting position in the firing line above the pipeline clamp. The accessory can be connected to the pipeline and support and allow displacement of the accessory between the engagement position and the pipeline connection position.

Abstract: A metal conduit pipe, which is covered with an extruded layer made of polyamide molding compound, is used to produce a duct laid in water, wherein in the course of laying the duct, the coating is exposed to a shearing pressure load and/or a bending load due to laying method selected.

Abstract: In general, a conductor removal system 1 comprises a conductor sectioning tower which can be used to automate lifting and landing of various conductor sections. In most embodiments, the conductor sectioning tower can selectively and controllably go between an initially compact position to a raised, substantially vertical position with respect to the conductor removal system's transport frame. Conductors are cut creating a severed conductor section which can be positioned onto a conductor landing cart for further removal processing.

Abstract: A laying device configured to lay a pipeline on the bed of a body of water having a frame; a movable member mounted on the frame and configured to be placed in contact with a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis and equipped with special parts; and at least one actuator configured to transmit rotation to the movable member to apply corrective torsion on the pipeline.

Abstract: An arrangement that brings all of the separate elements of equipment used to lay product offshore such as pipe, umbilicals, and power cables and assembles them into a single device that can be installed on a vessel of opportunity, and includes functional improvements of each. A base is used for mounting, integration, and installation of the separate elements onto a vessel. The base receives a movable lay chute, means for moving and stabilizing the lay chute, a movable hang off clamp and work table, a movable access platform, a product support arm and wheel, and a fixed chute.

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel (1) is provided, including a tower (2) extending upwardly from the vessel, a pipe loading arm (9) for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower, a travelling clamp assembly (30) mounted for movement along the tower. The pipe-laying vessel may include a fixed clamp assembly (60) located in the region of a lower portion of the tower, wherein the travelling clamp assembly and/or the fixed clamp assembly includes both a friction clamp (34, 63) and a collar clamp (62), each of the friction clamp and the collar clamp being movable between an operative position, in which it is adjustable between a clamping and a released position, and an inoperative position. Alternatively or additionally the travelling clamp assembly (30) includes both a line-up clamp (33) and a pipeline tension bearing clamp (34).

Abstract: An Above Bottom Fiber (ABF) cable includes an elongated fiber cable having microspheres adhered to the ABF by an adhesive lightly coated to the outer surface of the ABF. The elongated fiber cable is negatively buoyant while the microspheres and adhesives are positively buoyant, resulting in the ABF cable being controllably buoyant in a fluid environment. Anchor lines with optional anchor weights are attached to the fiber cable periodically to prevent the fiber cable from drifting. The microspheres detach slowly from the fiber cable resulting in the ABF cable sinking. All components of the ABF cable are biodegradable.

Abstract: A tubular installation system includes a J-lay tower structure for lowering and raising a tubular or an accessory along a firing line; a tubulars supply system; an accessory supply system; and a loader system configured for transporting a tubular and an accessory between the horizontal tubular supply position and the firing line, wherein the loader system comprises: a loader device with a base and a boom which is pivotable with respect to the base between a lowered position for gripping a tubular and an accessory in the horizontal accessory supply position, and a raised position for delivering then to the firing line; a line-up tool, wherein the line-up tool is configured to exchange a tubular and an accessory with the loader device and transport a tubular between the loader device and the firing line.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser includes a pipeline launch tower, a pipeline guide provided at an elevated position for guiding said pipeline to the pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, one or more tensioners, an abandonment and recovery (A&R) system including at least one A&R cable and associated A&R winch and a sheave arrangement with one or more sheaves supported by the pipeline launch tower at an upper position thereof. An auxiliary trolley is provided which is adapted to support the weight of the launched pipeline and which is movable along a rail in the pipeline launch trajectory when the one or more tensioner frames are in the retracted non-operable position, from a position above the uppermost tensioner to a position below the lowermost tensioner, the rail being supported by the pipeline launch tower.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a pipeline on the seabed from a marine pipelaying vessel, including initiation, pipelaying, and abandonment of the pipeline.

Abstract: In a system (1) for launching, and recovering, a daughter boat (3) from a stern of a mother ship (2), there is provided a telescopic stern ramp of the mother ship. In the telescopic stern ramp, a landing frame (5) has a telescopic retracted position and a telescopic extended position. Furthermore, the landing frame is reciprocally pivotable between said telescopic extended position and a boat landing pivot position. During a boat recovering operation, the boat landing pivot position of the landing frame allows for reliable and quick fastening of the daughter boat to the mother ship. The telescopic retracted position of the landing frame allows for stowing the daughter boat in the stern area of the mother ship.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline from a laying vessel into a body of water includes guiding the pipeline along a supporting structure of a laying ramp. The method also includes acquiring a first data item correlated to a position of the pipeline at a free end of the laying ramp using an optical sensor or an acoustic sensor. The method further includes determining whether the acquired first data item is within an acceptance range predetermined as a function of a configuration of the supporting structure and a size of the pipeline. Additionally, the method includes emitting an control signal when the acquired first data item is not within the acceptance range. Determining whether the acquired first data item is within the acceptance range includes processing the acquired first data item to compare it the first data item to an information stored in a memory.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle ? with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle ? that differs substantially from angle ?, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system.

Abstract: This device comprises a drum (42) to be driven in rotation about a central axis (B-B?), wherein the drum (42) defines a circumferential casing (50) for winding the elongate element around the central axis (B-B?), wherein the elongate element is intended to form at least one turn around the central axis (B-B?) on the circumferential casing (50). It comprises a mechanism (44) for driving the turn(s) of the elongate element along the circumferential casing (50). The drive mechanism (44) comprises at least one assembly (80) following movement of the turn in a direction of movement (D) forming a non-zero angle with the local axis of the turn, taken at a contact region of the turn on the movement assembly (80).

Abstract: A reel and a method for use of same are arranged for supporting a cable drum. The reel comprises a reeling device for controlling the cable and at least one drive unit for provision of rotation of the cable drum for out- and in-winding of the cable, where the reeling device comprises two cable guiding portions which in a position of use are held at a mutual distance and connected to a reeling carriage by brackets arranged in each of the end portions of the cable guiding portions. At least one portion of the reeling device is releasably arranged to the reeling carriage so that the cable guiding portion or parts of this may be lifted out of, or displaced to the side in the framework, so that the cable drum may be removed from the reel.

Abstract: A device and method for anchoring a raceway mounting of a seabed-to-surface facility. The apparatus having a rigid structure immersed in a subsurface by floats and anchored to the sea bottom by tension legs, the device suitable for supporting troughs in a bottom-to-surface connection installation, having a plurality of flexible lines extending to the sea bottom, the flexible lines being supported by the troughs, the trough support structured is connected to a base resting on and/or anchored to the bottom of the sea by a plurality of n tension legs tensioned in parallel, by the float, n being not less than six, each of a plurality of p tension legs from the n tension legs, where p is not less than (n?2) being connected at one of its ends to a distance-varying device secured to the base or to the support structure, the distance-varying device suitable for varying the distance between the support structure and the base.

Abstract: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, the vessel includes a hull and an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, the stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel. The stinger includes a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections. And, distributed over the length of the stinger, multiple pipeline support assemblies are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.

Abstract: Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners can include one or more pivot assemblies for rotatably moving an upper track away from a lower track to facilitate placement of a pipe segment between the two tracks. In addition, or alternatively, the tensioners can include one or more hydraulic cylinders that provide flexible suspension to the upper and lower tracks so the tracks can move and rotate as necessary due to differing pipe segment shapes. In addition, or alternatively, the upper and lower tracks include one or more gripping pads having one or more gripping members that can be sheathed by a compliant member until such time as the pipe segment compresses the compliant member causing the gripping member(s) to protrude from the compliant member and engage the pipe segment. Rotation of the tracks is controlled by a hydraulic pump capable of rotating the tracks at the same rate or at different rates.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline during subsea pipelaying from a pipelay vessel includes suspending the pipe string from a tendon element of an abandonment string and engaging further tendon elements to an upper end of the abandonment string while lowering the pipe string to a handover depth. At the handover depth, tension is applied via a wire to the top of the pipe string at an acute angle to the launch axis. This deflects the pipe string from the launch axis into axial alignment with the wire to transfer the weight load of the pipe string to the wire, whereupon the abandonment string can be decoupled from the pipe string. Recovery of the pipeline from the seabed can be effected by a reverse process.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline (100) on a seabed (9), said method comprising the steps of; constructing a section of pipeline (6) by interconnecting pipe sections (31), positioning the section of pipeline on an underwater storage surface (74), and recovering the section of pipeline from the under water storage surface and spooling the section of pipeline on a reel (2) provided on a vessel (15).

Abstract: A stinger extends away from an end of a vessel, and a pipeline passes over the stinger as the pipeline is laid from the vessel. The inclination of the pipeline increases as the pipeline passes along the stinger and after leaving the stinger until the pipeline reaches an inflection point beyond the end of the stinger at which inclination is at a maximum. Inclination of the pipeline thereafter reduces until the pipeline touches down on the seabed. A method of S-laying the pipeline includes providing guides on the stinger that limit lateral movement of the pipeline relative to the stinger and moving the vessel and the stinger during S-laying to an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the stinger is inclined to the path of the pipeline just laid. The vessel and the stinger are rotated about a vertical axis passing through or adjacent to the inflection point.

Abstract: A method of laying an undersea line at the bottom of the sea from the surface to connect the bottom end thereof to a coupling element at the sea bottom by positioning the undersea line suspended from the surface in a substantially vertical position and including a curving device extending between two points and having at least one cable and tensioning means for tensioning the cable suitable for reducing the length of the cable extending between the two fastening or guide points from a maximum length L0 to a given shorter limit value L1; moving the bottom end of the undersea line in such a manner as to move the bottom end of the undersea line away from its initial position through a distance D, if necessary, moving the undersea line closer to the sea bottom while simultaneously lowering the line additionally from the surface, and then finalizing the positioning and connecting of the bottom end of the line to the sea bottom.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle ? with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle ? that differs substantially from angle ?, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system.

Abstract: A marine pipeline-installation tower comprising at least two opposing legs, and one or more tensioning assemblies supported by the opposing legs for surrounding and supporting an intermediate pipeline during installation, at least one of the intermediate tensioning assemblies comprising two or more discrete segments, the segments being moveable between: a closed position wherein the segments are conjoined to form an enclosing pipeline annulus able to support the pipeline between the legs of the tower; and an open position wherein at least two of the segments are disconnected and separate. In this way, a better clearance is achievable between the parts of the segments able to form the enclosing pipeline annulus when the segments are in their open position, because the segments are able to be disconnected and separate despite still being supported within the limited room between the fixed legs of the tower.

Abstract: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, the vessel includes a hull and an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, the stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel. The stinger includes a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections. And, distributed over the length of the stinger, multiple pipeline support assemblies are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.

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 floatable spoolbase for supplying rigid pipe to a reel-lay pipelaying vessel having a storage reel with an upright rotational axis for interim storage of a continuous length of pipe is disclosed. Welding stations upstream of the storage reel add pipe elements to the pipe to be stored on the storage reel. When a pipelaying vessel visits the spoolbase, the pipe is unwound from the storage reel and fed to a pipelay reel of the pipelaying vessel. Where the pipelay reel turns about a substantially horizontal rotational axis, winding the pipe onto the pipelay reel reduces ovalization of the pipe imparted by previously winding the pipe onto the storage reel.

Abstract: A method and connecting apparatus for attaching a pipeline termination assembly to a subsea structure. The pipeline termination assembly has a pivot axis member and the subsea structure has one or more capture slots to receive it. The pivot axis member is captured in the capture slot, the slot allowing vertical movement of the pipeline termination assembly. The pipeline termination assembly is rotated about the pivot axis to assume a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the capture slot permits horizontal movement of the pipeline termination assembly. A capture device mounted on the subsea structure provides the capture slots. At least a part of the capture device is moved with respect to the subsea structure to retain the pivot axis member in the capture slot on rotating the pipeline termination assembly about the pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine pipelaying vessel for S-lay pipelaying an offshore pipeline and integrating one or more accessories into the pipeline, and a method for S-lay pipelaying wherein use is made of such a vessel. The vessel according to the invention comprises a hull (1) having a stinger end and a stinger (20) for guiding the launched pipeline in a curved pipeline trajectory, which stinger is pivotably connected to the hull, and an accessory handling J-lay tower (30) at the stinger end of the hull. The J-lay tower allows the pipeline and connected accessory to be laid in J-lay mode while connecting further pipe sections to the pipeline at least until the accessory has been lowered past below the retracted stinger.

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.