Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector. 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: A device and a method for lowering or raising the end of an undersea pipe between a vessel and the sea bottom by a carriage moving along an inclined J-lay tower and co-operating with chain-locking devices connecting the top end of the pipe to a storage area by passing over a deflector sheave secured to said carriage. A first chain-locking device is secured to said carriage and serves to lock the abandonment chain while lowering said carriage and said top end of the pipe at the end of the chain, said second locking device then being in an open position at the base of said tower. Thereafter, said abandonment chain is locked at the low portion of the tower with the help of said second chain-locking device, with the first chain-locking device being in the open position while the carriage is being raised.

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

Abstract: Method for laying a pipeline onto a seabed from a lay barge, the pipeline having an inner corrosion proof metallic cladding that is closely fitted with metallic contact to an outer pipe material that is less corrosion proof, distinguished in that a) a section of the pipeline is reeled onto a pipe laying drum, whilst an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by means of a pressurised fluid inside the section, b) a further pipeline section is joined to the section already reeled onto the pipe laying drum, whilst the pipeline is motionless without mechanical movement, as the overpressure can be relieved as long as the sections are without mechanical movement, c) an overpressure of 5-25 bar is applied within the sections and the further section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum, d) several sections are joined together and reeled onto one or several pipe laying drums by repeating step b) and c) until the predetermined pipeline length is achieved, e) the pipeline is laid from the lay barge onto

Abstract: Sea water is extracted from a depth in excess of 400 meters below the sea surface and desalinated to produce potable water. A system to extract, desalinate and store the desalinated sea water is mounted aboard a ship.

Abstract: A pipelaying vessel comprises storage (502) for a number of pipe units to be assembled into a pipeline and S-lay apparatus (312, 314, 316) for fabricating and paying out of a pipeline by repeated addition of new sections (506). The end of said pipeline being laid is held aligned with a fabrication axis closer to horizontal than vertical, the S-lay apparatus including a stinger (312) for supporting the pipeline in an arcuate path to a departure axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Auxiliary apparatus (318/810) is provided for use in fitting singular items to one end of the pipeline. The supporting structure (320/802) of said auxiliary apparatus is located above a lower end of the stinger of the S-lay apparatus, substantially aligned with said departure axis, so as to facilitate handing over of the suspended pipeline and singular item from one of said apparatuses to the other. The auxiliary apparatus may be an A-frame (810) or a complete J-Lay apparatus (318-322) for additional laying tasks.

Abstract: An offshore vessel suitable for laying a pipeline on the seabed, having a pipeline-laying installation of the S-lay type. The offshore vessel has one or more connecting stations disposed on a working deck. The connecting stations are for connecting pipeline sections in a substantially horizontal orientation. A stinger engages on a first side of a hull secured to offshore vessel at an engagement point and protrudes outside the hull, and forms a downwardly directed support for pipeline moving towards the seabed. A hoisting crane is disposed on the first side of the hull, comprising a substantially hollow vertical column comprising a top, a foot, and a body disposed between the foot and the body.

Abstract: A marine pipelaying system and method for installing an offshore pipeline that includes one or more accessories. The system comprises a vessel (1), a pipeline launch device (10) for launching the pipeline (2) from the vessel in the direction of the seabed, and a clamping device (30) adapted to support the weight of the previously launched pipeline. The system further includes an accessory handling device, which is adapted to receive and support an accessory (40) and allow displacement thereof between an receiving position, wherein the accessory is received by the handling device and a pipeline connecting position, wherein the accessory can be connected to the pipeline (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular member configured to be supported by a pipe support device on board a pipelay vessel, the tubular member comprising at least one load bearing surface which is formed along the outer side of the tubular member, the at least one load bearing surface being constructed and arranged in order to allow a substantial axial load to be imparted onto said tubular member by the pipe support device, wherein the at least one load bearing surface tapers outwardly with respect to a main longitudinal axis of said tubular member. The present invention also relates to a tubular member comprising a plurality of load bearing surfaces. The present invention also relates to a method of laying a pipeline, to a pipe support device, to a pipelay vessel, to a method of processing a tubular member, to a method of assembling a pipe assembly and to a pipe assembly.

Abstract: A system for abandonment or recovery of a load, e.g., a pipeline or sub-sea structure, includes: at least two cables, each with a length adapted for a certain water depth and with a first end and a second end; a winch system for the at least two cables, the first ends of each cable being connected to the winch system; and a connection device for connecting the second ends of each cable to the load to be abandoned or recovered.

Abstract: A marine pipelaying vessel with a pipeline stinger connected to said vessel, preferably pivotable, and forming a downwardly directed support for pipeline to be laid. The vessel further comprises a stinger suspension assembly between said stinger and said vessel from which said stinger is suspended at least during operation, preferably said stinger suspension assembly allowing to lower and raise said stinger. The stinger suspension assembly includes a sacrificial stinger impact absorber which is adapted to absorb impact energy resulting from a violent stinger motion, e.g. induced by a freak wave. Preferably the impact absorber forms an elongatable structure, e.g. a telescopic structure, which is elongated under impact energy absorption.

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

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for installing subsea equipment, such as a pipeline and equipment associated therewith in a target area, generally having restricted overhead access. An anchor can be installed in the seabed and can include one or more sheaves. A pipeline can be provided, which can include related equipment and/or one or more coupling devices situated remotely from the anchor relative to the target area. A winch wire can be provided and is adapted to be directly or indirectly coupled across at least a portion of the target area to the pipeline. A transfer sling having a pull wire and an initiation wire can be coupled between the winch wire and pipeline to assist the winch wire pulling the pipeline into the target area and transferring a pipeline force from the sheave to the anchor independent of the sheave.

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: A water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser system is provided, wherein the vessel hull is configured to receive, transfer and deploy components of a self-standing riser system. The vessel hull includes at least a landing platform, a component transfer means, and a deployment platform suitable for deploying the riser components into associated surrounding waters. Various means of assisting the process whereby self-standing riser components are loaded onto the vessel and stored; transferred from receiving to deployment platforms; and deployed from the vessel into surrounding waters are also considered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline-laying vessel (1) comprising: a hull assembly (8) for providing buoyancy to the pipeline-laying vessel (1); a tower assembly (2) extending upwardly from the hull assembly (8) for supporting a part of the pipeline (10) which is to be laid; a pipeline guiding assembly (60) provided at a position below the tower assembly (2) and configured to guide the pipeline (10). The pipeline guiding assembly (60) is coupled to the hull assembly (8) for transferring a force exerted by the pipeline (10) on the pipeline guiding assembly (60) to the hull assembly (8).

Abstract: Storage and installation systems used in storage, deployment or retrieval of a seismic cable array include one or more baskets adapted for being stacked. Each basket is dimensioned to allocate, in an ordered arrangement, a number of seismic stations interconnected by sections of seismic cable. Corresponding methods of storing a seismic cable and deploying/retrieving a seismic cable are based on the use of baskets having an ordered arrangement of seismic stations.

Abstract: A marine J-lay pipelaying system for use on a vessel for laying an offshore pipeline has a J-lay tower, a pipe connecting station, wherein said pipe section is connected to the previously launched pipeline, and J-lay tower bearing means which allow for the pivoting of the J-lay tower with respect to the vessel. The J-lay tower has a free-pivotal mode wherein the J-lay tower is freely pivotable with respect to the vessel so that the J-lay tower has an orientation independent from sea-state induced vessel motions.

Abstract: This application describes apparatus (200, 6200, 8200) for laying elongate articles from a vessel (100) at sea. The apparatus comprising tensioning means (204, 6204, 8204) for controlling paying out of said articles along an axis of said tensioning means, and a structure tiltable (202, 6202, 8202) between upright and horizontal states. The apparatus is operable in a first mode, wherein the tensioning means is carried by said structure with its axis at an elevated angle and said structure for example also carries a radius controller (220, 6220, 8220) and a straightener (212, 6212, 8212), and in a second mode wherein the tensioning means is arranged with its axis substantially horizontal. The tiltable structure may be detachable from the tensioning means in the second mode, so as to assist in transferring in-line accessories overboard. Alternatively a separate A-frame may be provided for that purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for constructing a pipeline with an in-line or add-on device from a pipeline laying vessel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) suspending the pipeline from a clamping device on the vessel; (b) connecting an in-line or add-on device to the pipeline above the clamping device; (c) moving at least part of the clamping device away from the pipeline to provide clearance at the pipeline; (d) lowering the pipeline by a pipeline, deployment device until the in-line or add-on device has moved beyond the clamping device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method of deploying a tubular along a predetermined path. The method includes the steps of: coiling a tubular; accommodating the tubular in a deployment unit such that at least a portion of the coiled tubular is biased radially outwardly against the deployment unit; and deploying the tubular from the deployment unit along the predetermined path. The tubular can be deployed in a fluid along a predetermined path by: independently suspending the deployment unit in the fluid; and moving the deployment unit adjacent the predetermined path and simultaneously deploying the tubular along the predetermined path. The apparatus for deploying a tubular can comprise a deployment facilitator for facilitating deployment of the coiled tubular. The tubular can be arranged to feed into the deployment facilitator in use, and the deployment facilitator can be adapted to substantially reverse the coil bend of the tubular.

Abstract: The invention is vessel with a tower adapted to be inclined for handling of tubulars mad of a vessel, a tower with a mast that can be inclined, a pipe reel for storing passing tubulars, a strut with a sleeve for engaging and enabling tower inclination, and a tensioner mounted moveably on the mast for receiving the tubular wherein the tensioner is made of two connectors connected to the mast, a frame that engages the connectors, two track bodies that engage the tensioner frame and the tubular, and an adjustable vertical support adapted to modify the relationship between the force transmitted by the adjustable vertical support onto the tensioner and the motion of the tensioner relative to the mast.

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel includes an upwardly extending tower (14) assembly defining a path down which the pipe passes as a pipeline (40) is being laid by the vessel, and a lower guide arrangement for guiding the pipeline after it has passed down the tower, the lower guide arrangement (61) including a plurality of sets of guide rollers spaced apart along the path of the pipeline and defining the lateral limits of the path, the guide rollers being located such that they allow some bending of the pipeline as it passes through the lower guide arrangement.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height of a boom on a pipe handling apparatus. A cavity is formed in the base between proximal and distal ends. The boom is nestable in said cavity and has a distal end guided along the base. A pivoting member is pivotally coupled to said boom for raising a proximal end for positioned adjacent a work floor for handling of pipe therebetween. A plurality of ports are arranged along the boom at a pre-determined spacing. A plurality of ports are is similarly arranged along the same predetermined spacing along the pivoting member. The spacing of the boom and arm ports is such that a hinge pin can engage any one of corresponding pairs of boom and arm port when the boom is lowered to nestle inside the cavity as each boom port corresponds with an arm port.

Abstract: Method intended for automatic control of an underwater pipe for connecting the lower end of the pipe to a wellhead, wherein the following stages are carried out: Stage 1: determining a mathematical model expressing the position of the lower end of the pipe as a function of the position of the upper end of the pipe, Stage 2: determining a reference path leading to the wellhead, Stage 3: from the mathematical model determined in stage 1, determining control laws allowing to control the path of the lower end of the pipe, Stage 4: applying determined motions to the upper end of the pipe so that the position of the lower end is as close as possible to the reference path determined in stage 2.

Abstract: During recovery of an offshore pipeline, to a floating vessel for repair, for example, the pipeline is secured to a hang-off clamp. Due to the motion of the vessel, oscillating bending moments can be caused in the pipeline below the clamp. To reduce these bending moments an auxiliary member is employed which restricts “radial” movement of the pipeline below the clamp. The auxiliary member comprises an elongate element, such as a pipe, whose upper end is fixed to the vessel and whose lower end carries a member connecting it to the pipeline. Axial movement of the pipeline with respect to the connecting member is permitted. The auxiliary member is designed to have predetermined amount of flexibility, this being provided in particular by flexibility of the pipe, and it thus restricts the amount of radial movement of the pipeline which is permitted below the clamp.

Abstract: A method for laying a pipeline on the sea bed from a lay barge in order to achieve controlled thermal expansion, comprises the following steps: Feeding out of the pipeline having a radius of initial residual curvature from a pipeline reel, preferably via a stinger to a curvature device where a radius of reversal curvature is applied to the opposite side of the pipeline with respect to the radius of initial residual curvature when the pipelines is passing through the curvature device. The curvature device straightens out the pipeline to longer, mainly straight portions with length having a radius of residual curvature which is larger than a desire minimum radius of residual curvature. The curvature device exposes shorter portions of the pipeline with a length for a radius of counter curvature forming the thermal expansion loops having a radius of residual curvature which is less than a desired maximum radius of residual curvature for the thermal expansion loops.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a vehicle-mounted apparatus (30) for laying pipelines in which adjacent pipe (17, 28) are joined by the technique of magnetically impelled arc butt welding (MIAB). A MIAB welding head (13) having a welding axis is mounted on a transportable platform (35). A pipe guide (50) capable of engaging a welded pipe string is located rearwardly of the welding head (45). The pipe guide (50) maintains alignment of the string with the welding axis. The apparatus includes pipe feed means (47, 48, 49) maintaining alignment of a next pipe to be laid with the welding axis and the pipe string (17). The platform (37) is rotatably mounted on the vehicle (30) and tilts around a horizontal axis. The vehicle (300) is provided with pivoting steerable tracks (38).

Abstract: A device for laying submarine pipeline from a vessel at sea. The device has a support or laying tower that can be inclined in a variable manner. The device has a workstation for assembling the successive parts of an offshore pipeline with the workstation attached to the vessel independently of the tower and is displaceable along the vessel to assemble the successive parts of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for j-laying a pipeline from an offshore vessel to the floor of the ocean comprising a multiplicity of winches for supporting the upper end of the pipeline at its natural hanging angle, a mast in a fixed angle to the vessel, holding new pipe section in the mast for welding to the upper end of the pipeline, and flexing the lower end of the new pipe section into alignment with the upper end of the pipeline to allow welding to the pipeline and flexing the remainder of the new pipe section to remain within the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for deployment of an object in a fluid, e.g. the sea, with at least a first (4) and a second cable (5), to be connected to the object, the apparatus comprising winch elements for reeling in and out the cables (4, 5) in order to allow movement of the object with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus is provided with a bundling apparatus (10) for bundling the cables, when reeled out, in order to provide a single cable assembly between the apparatus and the object during deployment. The apparatus and the method are not only adapted for bundling cables when reeling out the cables during deployment, but the apparatus and the method are adapted for removing a bundling element (13) from the cables when reeled in during recovery.

Abstract: A pipe lay vessel with a reel for carrying a length of pipe and first drive part for controlling rotation of the reel. A substantially vertical guide structure includes at its upper end a deflection member for deflecting the pipe from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the guide structure to a second, substantially vertical trajectory. A clamping member carries the vertical pipe section and has second drive for feeding the pipe along the vertical trajectory. A movable tension compensator (7) is provided at the first pipe trajectory for lengthening or shortening the first pipe trajectory to maintain a substantially constant tension of the pipe along the first trajectory during unwinding of the reel.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship has a hull with a deck area and a moon pool that extends through the hull midships. The pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck in between the bow of the hull and the moon pool. A superstructure is positioned in front of the moon pool and extends upwardly from the deck. The superstructure includes a track that is comprised of a plurality of supports for supporting a pipeline to be launched to the seabed. The superstructure has upper and lower sections that are removable with respect to each other. The upper section pivots upon the lower section in the preferred embodiment. The superstructure lower section supports the welded pipeline as it is being fabricated in a first plane that includes a central longitudinal axis for the pipeline. The upper section supports the pipeline on a second plane that forms an acute angle with the first plane.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A clamp system installed on a floating support for holding a pipe under tension, the system comprising a tubular element having a plurality of friction shoes. Each of the shoes is mounted at the end of a piston of a hydraulic actuator. The actuators and shoes are disposed in a plurality of planes. The pistons move in translation in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element. Each actuator includes a mechanical lock for locking the piston in its extended position.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline (2) being laid by a vessel having an A/R system, wherein a sealine (2, 11, 13) is initially held by a pipe laying and tensioning arrangement. The method includes a step of reducing tension at sea level of the sealine (2, 11, 13), by connecting one or more buoyant members (13) to the end of the pipeline (2). The members (13) are then lowered into the sea, using a line (16). At least one member (13) is connected to the pipeline (2) through a connection (12) which allows pivoting of the member (13) so that the end of the member (13) at the end of the pipeline (2) projects upwardly from the seabed (3).

Abstract: A device for laying a pipeline on a seabed. A vessel for laying a pipeline, which is fitted with a stinger for guiding a pipe string descending from the vessel and with a clamping structure for clamping the pipe string to the vessel, and support structure for supporting the part of the pipe string that extends between the surface and the seabed. The support structure includes a cantilever structure, which is fixedly connected to the vessel, and clamping members that mate therewith. The clamping members engage the pipe string and transmit axial stresses from the pipe string to the vessel via the cantilever structure.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A method for launching a steel catenary riser (SCR) from the seabed to the surface comprising three stages. During the first stage, joints are continually welded to the metal pipe resting on the seabed to form the length of the steel catenary riser (SCR) in contact with the seabed. In the second stage a length of pipe previously wound onto a receiving device is welded to the free end of the last joint welded and then it is unwound and launched to form the intermediate length of the steel catenary riser (SCR). In the third stage joints are again welded to the intermediate length of the steel catenary riser (SCR) to form the top length of the said steel catenary riser (SCR).

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel includes a vessel that is propelled during pipe-laying; a tower on the vessel; a device for raising a length of pipe from a deck of the vessel to a position aligned with the tower; a device for joining such a length of pipe to a pipeline being laid; and tensioners arranged to grip such a pipeline and to lower it into the water while maintaining a desired tension in the pipeline as the pipeline passes through the tensioners; and one or more clamps arranged to grip the pipeline below the tensioners.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced flexible adhesive tape is used to bind an elongate article or bundle of articles during subsea laying operations and apparatus for laying the elongate articles. The apparatus includes at least one carrier for a tape spool arranged to rotate while moving bodily around the axis of the article during laying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near vertical laying of a pipeline offshore by a pipe laying vessel includes a tower to which is attached a strongback that load pipe sections from a supply point on the vessel into the tower where the lower end of the pipe section is welded onto the upper end of a pipe line that extends into the sea while the strongback returns to the supply point for a second pipe joint. Where the pipe section includes a bulky item such as a valve assembly box, after the pipe section has been welded to the pipeline the pipe section is moved generally horizontally out of the tower and a hoisting cable lowers the pipe section to a predetermined depth below the tower. The hoisting cable then returns the pipe section and attached pipeline to their original position.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for laying elongate articles in deep waters includes a tiltable pipe handling structure housing a traveling clamp for holding and/or paying out under tension the elongate article and a fixed clamp. The traveling clamp is driven via an articulated rack located by a guide mechanism. The rack driven by a pinion drive mechanism and acts at a lower portion of the rack, such that the center of gravity of the apparatus is lowered, and loading in the structure is reduced.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A pipe-laying vessel comprises: means (2) for propelling the vessel during pipe-laying; means for assembling sections of pipe generally horizontally on the vessel to form longer lengths; a tower (14) at the bow of the vessel, with respect to an intended direction of movement, pivotally mounted so that it can be angled forwards towards the top; means (29) for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower; means (21, 23) for joining such a length of pipe to a pipeline being laid; tensioners (20) arranged to grip such a pipeline and to lower it into the water while maintaining a desired tension in the pipeline; one or more clamps (18) arranged to grip the pipeline below the tensioners; and a lower ramp (17) provided with rollers and arranged to guide the pipeline as it leaves the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near vertical laying of a pipeline offshore by a pipe laying vessel includes a tower to which is attached a strongback that load pipe sections from a supply point on the vessel into the tower where the lower end of the pipe section is welded onto the upper end of a pipe line that extends into the sea while the strongback returns to the supply point for a second pipe joint. Where the pipe section includes a bulky item such as a valve assembly box, after the pipe section has been welded to the pipeline the pipe section is moved generally horizontally out of the tower and a hoisting cable lowers the pipe section to a predetermined depth below the tower. The hoisting cable then returns the pipe section and attached pipeline to their original position.

Abstract: A line up and connection installation comprises an elongated pipe receiving structure, a line up device for lining up double-walled pipes or pipe components and a connection station for connecting the lined up pipes or pipe components. The line up device has at least two gripper means. The gripper means are each movable in translation in a plane which lies substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. At least one of the gripper means is movable in the axial direction of the pipe receiving structure. The line up device positions a first pipe or component in such a manner with respect to a second pipe or component that they can be connected to one another at their ends in a connection station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for laying a pipeline on a seabed, comprising a vessel for laying a pipeline, which is fitted with a stinger for guiding a pipe string descending from the vessel and with clamping means for clamping said pipe string to the vessel, and supporting means for supporting the part of the pipe string that extends between the surface and the seabed, wherein said supporting means comprise a cantilever structure, which is fixedly connected to the vessel, and engaging means that mate therewith, which means engage the pipe string and transmit axial stresses from the pipe string to the vessel via the cantilever structure