Abstract: A method of laying conduit at sea from a reel vessel includes the steps of laying conduit, for example pipeline or umbilical, from a first reel which rotates about a first substantially vertical axis. Conduit is laid from a second reel of conduit rotating about a second substantially vertical axis spaced apart from the first axis. A portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the first reel of conduit is substantially the same as a portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the second reel of conduit, for example, the conduit from the second reel may pass around a part of the periphery of the first reel and then follow substantially the same path as previously travelled by the conduit laid from the first reel.

Abstract: An equipment complex for deploying and recovering marine geophysical seismic or electric-survey bottom stations is mounted on a ship. The complex includes—a powered capstan, —rotatable turntables and rolls, —load-bearing units connected to the bottom stations by various fasten means and capable of winding onto the capstan and turntables, a work platform supporting a bottom station placed thereon, —an indicator for registration of the bottom stations' coordinates, mounted on the platform, —a limit switch mounted on the platform, switching ON when the bottom station is placed on the work platform, and OFF when it's removed therefrom providing for operation of the indicator. The complex may include floating buoys, damping loads, and halyards for deploying the stations. Methods for deploying and recovering the bottom stations using the equipment complex are described.

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 method of laying a subsea pipeline from a reel, the pipeline having an in-line first locking member, the method having at least the steps of: (a) laying the pipeline under the water from the reel; (b) cutting the pipeline above the first locking member; (c) coupling the first locking member with a complementary second locking member; and (d) lowering the first and second locking members under the water. In this way, the pipeline already has located within it a suitable locking member for the abandoning operation, avoiding the need for a separate off-shore welding operation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for the installation or removal of buoyancy modules onto or from a submerged conduit are described herein. A system may include a buoyancy module (30), a control panel (76), an actuating means (72), and a clamp tool (40). The buoyancy module may include at least two sections. The clamp tool may hold the sections of the buoyancy module. The clamp tool (40) may include at least two plates (50, 52, 54, 56) that are actuated opened or closed using the control panel (76) and/or the actuating means (72) during attachment or removal of the buoyancy module (30) to the submerged conduit (10).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a marine tensioner (1) for handling an elongated article from an offshore vessel. The tensioner comprises a tensioner frame (11), multiple track units (20), wherein each track unit comprises an elongated chassis (30) and an endless track supported by said chassis, wherein between the chassis of each track unit and the tensioner frame a connecting structure (40,140) is provided that at least allows for lateral motion of the track unit with respect to the passage axis (26) so as to adapt the position of the track unit. For each track unit a group of hydraulic squeeze cylinders (50a, 50b, 50c) is provided between the tensioner frame and the chassis of the track unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine pipelaying system comprising a vessel (1) provided with a pipeline launch tower (6). The tower (6) comprises pipe laying equipment defining a tower firing line, and is adapted for launching a pipeline (20) along the firing line into the sea. The system furthermore comprises a hang off module (15) supported in the lower part of the firing line for clamping and supporting the weight of previously launched pipeline (20) as well as a stinger for guiding the launched pipeline (20). The stinger (10) is supported at its upper end in the lower part of the firing line. The stinger is displaceable from the firing line.

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: There is provided an underwater apparatus that includes a housing including a certain device, a pair of cable couplings including gimbals through which tail cables extends from the device to the outside of the housing pass, and the pair of cable couplings that connect the tail cables passing through the gimbals to a submarine cable, and a connecting holder configured to include gimbal rings fitted to the gimbals and to connect the pair of cable couplings to the housing via the gimbal rings so that the pair of cable coupling is rotatable relative to the housing, the connecting holder including an opening from which the gimbals are introduced toward the gimbal rings, wherein the connecting holder includes notches provided in an edge of the opening and the notches are formed so that the pair of cable coupling is rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method for reel-laying pipelines from a vessel includes reel laying a first pipeline by unwinding a first reel, and guiding the pipeline via a guide wheel through a tensioners and a hang off clamp into the sea; closing the hang off clamp to support the first pipeline; connecting an end portion of the first pipeline to a retaining system; replacing the first reel by a second reel; providing a temporary connection between an end portion of the second pipeline and the end portion of the first pipeline; disconnecting the first pipeline from the retaining system; opening the hang off clamp; continuing reel laying by unwinding the second reel; closing the hang off clamp; removing the temporary connection between the first and second pipeline; and connecting the first and second pipeline end to end between the tensioners and the hang off clamp.

Abstract: A system for continuously laying a pipeline on a floor of a body of water is provided. The system includes at least one interchangeable reel for storing the pipeline to be laid; a pipelaying vessel to receive and support said reel, and to lay the pipeline from said reel into the body of water, an assembly and winding site to receive and support said reel, to assemble the pipeline to be laid, and to wind said pipeline on said reel and a crane to transfer the interchangeable reel from and to the pipelaying vessel.

Abstract: An elongate sling section is disclosed. The elongate sling is cooperable with like sling sections to form a sling for use in abandonment or recovery of a pipeline. The sling section includes end-pieces at five opposite ends and complementary connector formations associated with each respective end-piece. Each connector formation is cooperable, in use when forming a sling, with a complementary connector formation of a neighbouring sling section in the sling. The sling section further includes a tensile load-bearing sling element extending between the end-pieces and a sleeve around the sling element.

Abstract: An electronic control system configured to control a variable-configuration lay ramp of a pipeline laying vessel, to lay a pipeline on the bed of a body of water, is configured to: acquire data including data related to the configuration of the lay ramp, data related to the laying vessel, and data related to the forces transmitted by the lay ramp and the laying vessel to the pipeline; generate a plurality of step sequences to change the configuration of the lay ramp from a first to a second work configuration; and select a best step sequence as a function of the plurality of step sequences and the acquired data, so as to minimize the stress induced in the pipeline at each intermediate configuration between the first and second work configuration.

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 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: Offshore deployment device for an installation vessel (4) with a deck (5) to deploy a hydrocarbon transfer pipe (2) composed of several pipe segments (3), the device including a trolley hoist lifting element (10), installed in a tower (6) to lift a pipe segment from an horizontal position into a vertical position, an assembly platform (8), where a segment is connected to a previously launched transfer pipe string, the assembly platform being provided with a clamping device that is supported on the installation vessel and adapted to support the weight of the previously launched pipe string during assembling, wherein the hydrocarbon transfer pipe is a flexible hose string composed of several flexible hose segments, the flexible hose string being guided from a vertical position into an inclined or a horizontal position via a hose string guide element (15) which is placed under the assembly platform.

Abstract: A multipurpose deepwater vessel equipped with a floating structure having a bow, a stern, a weather deck, a first board, and a second board; a J-lay tower hinged to the floating structure along the second board, and movable about a first axis into a number of work positions to join pipe assemblies into an underwater pipeline, and to lay an underwater pipeline; a heavy-duty crane connected at the bow to the floating structure to rotate about a second axis, and having a boom defining an operating range within which the J-lay tower is located in any one of its work positions; and a preassembly line, below the weather deck, for joining pipes into pipe assemblies for supply to the J-lay tower.

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: The present invention relates to a pipe section (10), constructed to be joined end-to-end to a same pipe section in order to form a pipeline which is laid from a pipeline laying vessel, the pipe section having a pipe has a greater wall thickness than the wall thickness of a main part of the pipe wall (15), the pipe section comprising a thickened gripping zone (20) which section, wherein the thickened gripping zone has a length (22) and a wall thickness which are constructed and arranged to allow a shear clamp (45) having protrusions (48) to grip the thickened gripping zone in order to suspend the pipeline from the pipeline laying vessel via the thickened gripping zone.

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: An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, said vessel comprising: —a hull; —an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, said stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel, wherein the stinger comprises a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections, and wherein—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 pipeline laying vessel (1) for laying a pipeline (2) on a seabed, said vessel (1) comprising a J-lay system (4) defining a firing line (5) along which the pipeline (2) is laid, the J-lay system (4) comprising an alignment device (6) for aligning a pipe section (7) with the pipeline (2) suspended from the J-lay system (4) with a sufficient level of accuracy to allow the pipe section (7) to be welded to the pipeline (2), the alignment device (6) being constructed to maintain the alignment during at least a part of the welding operation of the pipe section (7) to the pipeline (2), wherein the alignment device (6) is movable between a first position (10) in the firing line (5) and a second position (11) outside the firing line (5), and the alignment device (6) is constructed to engage a pipe section (7) in the second position (11) and to be moved into the first position (10) together with the engaged pipe section (7).

Abstract: A method for performing a seismic survey in a water column includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.

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: When laying pipe from a pipelay vessel into the sea, the pipe is subject to torsion. To relieve this torsion an apparatus to perform controlled relative rotation between the pipe and the vessel is proposed, although it is also applicable to performing controlled relative rotation for other purposes, such as joint alignment. The pipe is secured in securing means, such as clamping means, adapted to support the weight of the pipe. The clamping means are mounted to the vessel via a mounting means, adapted to provide the controlled relative rotation and comprising a turntable, a brake assembly, a drive means and a thrust bearing, and a vessel support structure such as a vessel structural support trolley or a Top Hat element gripped by a hold off clamp.

Abstract: An offshore coiled tubing deployment system is provided, wherein the system includes a sea vessel hull configured to include a mounted coiled tubing spool; and a mast configured to guide lengths of coiled tubing received from said mounted coiled tubing spool. Methods, means and locations for the mounted coiled tubing spool are also provided, as well as lubricated coiled tubing riser assemblies which interface with self-standing riser systems. Tractors, swivel plates, buoyancy devices and positioning systems therefor; and a self-standing riser system joined with one or more of a blowout preventer, wellhead, production tree or injection tree are also disclosed.

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 method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is provided. In one embodiment, a marine vessel is provided. The vessel includes a cable storage device disposed on the vessel, a workstation disposed on a deck of the vessel, a ramp at least partially disposed on the deck, and a node storage and handling system disposed on the vessel. The node storage and handling system comprises a cable handler disposed between the cable storage device and the ramp, the cable handler having a cable disposed thereon and the cable defining a cable path passing over the workstation during a node deployment or retrieval operation, a node storage rack positioned between a bow and a stern of the vessel, and at least one conveyor belt to transfer nodes between the workstation and the node storage rack.

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 monohull vessel for laying a pipeline includes tensioners 13 disposed along a Pipelaying path P. The pipelaying path P includes an upstream portion that is substantially horizontal and at least 10 m above the center of rolling R of the vessel and, towards a stern end of the vessel hull, a downstream portion that is downwardly inclined and, in use, enters the water at a location inboard of the stern end of the vessel hull 1.

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: A method for laying cable from a vessel at a near shore location in shallow water to shore. The cable on the vessel is wrapped around a modified roller quadrant on the vessel. The roller quadrant is moved from the vessel into the water. A pulling device is attached by a line to the roller quadrant. The pulling device is used to pull the roller quadrant and cable toward shore. The pulling device may be positioned in the water and moved to shore as required. The pulling device may also be initially positioned on shore. The roller quadrant may include a skid and buoyancy modules to reduce the pulling force required to move the roller quadrant and lay the cable to shore.

Abstract: A J-lay system constructed to be positioned on board a pipeline-laying vessel, comprising a fixed pipeline support (12) and a movable pipeline support (12) configured for supporting a pipeline (10) which is suspended form the pipeline-laying vessel, —the movable pipeline support (12) comprising: —at least a first movable support member (20A) configured for engaging a first collar (16A) on the pipeline (10), —at least a second movable support member (20B) configured for engaging a second collar (16B) on the pipeline (10), —the fixed pipeline support (12) comprising: —at least a first fixed support member (20A) configured for engaging a third collar on the pipeline (10), —at least a second fixed support member (20B) configured for engaging a fourth collar on the pipeline (10), wherein the first (20A) and second fixed support member (20B) configured for engaging a fourth collar on the pipeline (10).

Abstract: A guide device for supporting an underwater pipeline along a feed path as it is being laid. The device is fitted to a laying ramp and has a cradle housing the pipeline; a frame fixed to the laying ramp; and a spacer mechanism located between the frame and the cradle to selectively adjust the distance between the cradle and frame. The device further includes a shock absorber connected to the cradle. The invention includes a method for using the device.

Abstract: A method for laying cable from a vessel at a near shore location in shallow water to shore. The cable on the vessel is wrapped around a modified roller quadrant on the vessel. The roller quadrant is moved from the vessel into the water. A pulling device is attached by a line to the roller quadrant. The pulling device is used to pull the roller quadrant and cable toward shore. The pulling device may be positioned in the water and moved to shore as required. The pulling device may also be initially positioned on shore. The roller quadrant may include a skid and buoyancy modules to reduce the pulling force required to move the roller quadrant and lay the cable to shore.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying conduit from a vessel comprises reel carrier arranged to receive a reel (202) wound with conduit (204) and capable of being reciprocated along the direction of the axis (214) of the reel as the conduit is unwound. The apparatus further comprises a straightener (208), and a control unit arranged to control the reel carrier such that the fleet angle created between the conduit and the straightener is reduced. Such an arrangement ensures that the conduit is not bent past its limit of elastic deformability while allowing the straightener to be situated relatively close to the reel.

Abstract: A freestanding hybrid riser system (FHRS) and a method of installation which makes it possible to use vessels that are more available on the world market. The invention relates to a top riser assembly (TRA) having multiple, offset connection points such that a first bending moment is applied to the TRA by a buoyant unit, and an opposing bending moment is applied to the TRA by a flexible jumper.

Abstract: A clamp assembly, for a laying tower for laying continuous, elongated members in a body of water, has a supporting frame; and three clamping units arranged in series to simultaneously clamp and release a continuous, elongated member extending along a given axis, and each having at least two opposite jaws, and self-adjusting mechanisms, each of which is interposed between a respective jaw and the supporting frame, has a spring, and allows an adjustment movement of the respective jaw with respect to the supporting frame in a direction parallel to the axis, under the weight of the continuous, elongated member, and in opposition to the spring, when the continuous, elongated member is gripped simultaneously by the clamping units.

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 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 to optimize the use of the arrangement as a unit. 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: The present disclosure includes a tower (30) intended to protrude along a tower axis (B-B?) in a floating laying structure (10) and assemblies (34A, 34B) for gripping and moving the pipe (12) in order to guide the movement of the pipe (12) towards the expanse of water (11) along a laying axis (C-C?). Each gripping and moving assembly (34A, 34B) is borne by the tower (30). The tower (30) is formed by a barrel (32) extending along the tower axis (B-B?), said or each gripping assembly transversely protruding from the barrel (32) relatively to the tower axis (B-B?).

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: 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: The present disclosure relates to a device for tensioning and gripping a tubular elongated element (3), designed to be placed on a bottom of an expanse of water from a surface placement installation, characterized in that it includes six tracks (11) uniformly distributed around a circumference and forming a space between them for the passage of the elongated element, each track being rotated by motor means (17, 18) integrated into said track (11) and being supported by a reinforcing chassis that can be moved between a passive retracted position of the track (11) and an active position pressing said track (11) against the elongated element.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding an elongate article (6) from a floating vessel and suspending a first portion (6a) of the elongate article in a body of water below the vessel, comprises a cylindrical body (10) rotatably supported on the vessel and driving means (85, 86) for controlling the rotation of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body (10) further comprises a spooling-on region (P) and a spooling-off region (U) for the elongate article, and a cylindrical contacting surface (18) for interaction with at least a portion of the elongate article (6); the contacting surface (18) being configured so as to support the first portion (6a).

Abstract: A line-handling apparatus for use in assembling a line being deployed from a vessel is disclosed. The line includes at least two sections of, for example, chain and wire in longitudinal sequence. A hang-off carriage has at least one line support adapted to support the line. The line support is capable of supporting a length of line hanging from the carriage via that support. The carriage is movable around a horizontal area located beneath separate line deployment locations on the vessel spaced horizontally from each other, to align the line support with each line deployment location, and to move the supported length of line between the line deployment locations for connection of subsequent sections of the line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline guide assembly for a pipeline laying vessel, the pipeline guide assembly comprising:—a plurality of segments (20) pivotably interconnected via hinges (38) in an end-to-end relationship, each segment comprising at least one pipeline support (34) constructed to support a pipeline, wherein the pipeline supports provide a firing line (24) along which a pipeline can be launched,—a curvature mechanism (32) comprising at least one actuator (68, 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d), the curvature mechanism constructed for pivoting each segment relative to the next segment such that in use the segments provide a curved firing line, wherein the pipeline supports limit the curvature of the pipeline as it is launched along said curved firing line. The present invention also relates to a vessel comprising the stinger. The present invention also relates to a method of laying a pipeline utilizing the stinger of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cable segment and the second cable segment. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.

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 pad having one or more gripping member that is 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 bite into 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 coating a field joint of a pipeline to accelerate the cycle time comprises positioning a mould tool around the field joint to define a mould cavity and injecting plastics material into the mould cavity through a plurality of gates in the mould tool, spaced along the mould cavity. The material is injected through different gates at different times as the mould cavity is filled, specifically through at least one first gate to advance a melt front within the mould cavity, and subsequently through at least one second gate spaced from the first gate, preferably when the melt front passes the second gate. First and second mould tools may be positioned successively around the field joint to create inner and outer coatings on the field joint. An insert may be positioned in the mould cavity to be embedded in the injected plastics material.