Abstract: A device for providing pipelaying guidance is disclosed. The device may determine an original shape of a pipeline that comprises a plurality of pipeline segments. The device may obtain current location data concerning a respective position of each pipeline segment of the plurality of pipeline segments, and may determine a current shape of the pipeline based on the current location data. The device may calculate, based on the original shape of the pipeline and the current shape of the pipeline, stress information concerning the pipeline, and may perform one or more actions based on the stress information.

Abstract: A system for measuring the attitude of an object in a fixed frame of reference from a moving frame of reference, comprising a first imaging device for producing image data for the object from a first direction, a second imaging device for producing image data for the object from a second direction having a component perpendicular to the first direction and an attitude sensing arrangement for determining an attitude of the first and second imaging devices with respect to the fixed frame of reference at the time the respective images are taken and for generating attitude data. An image processing system analyses and combines the respective image data and attitude data to determine the attitude of the object. The system is particularly useful for determining attitude of offshore piles during piling operations or for monitoring the departure angles of pipes and cables during laying thereof.

Abstract: A supporting device configured to support a pipeline on the bed of a body of water having a frame connectable in a sliding manner to a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis between a laying vessel and the bed of a body of water; at least one floating body connected to the frame; and at least one connecting mechanism connecting the frame to the floating body and configured to define a distance between the axis of the pipeline and the floating body, so as to apply a torque to the portion of pipeline at the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an underwater pipe includes a plurality of fixing members for disposing on an outer circumferential surface of the underwater pipe in a spaced apart manner, a submersible unit connected to one of the fixing members, and a counterweight unit. The submersible unit is configured to float the underwater pipe on a water surface and submerge the underwater pipe. The counterweight unit is connected to the other one of the fixing members when the underwater pipe is submerged for positioning the underwater pipe on a bottom of a body of water.

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

Abstract: A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of ramps in the region of the first end of the vessel. The plurality of ramps includes a first ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end, and a second ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path downstream of the first ramp, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end. The downstream end of the first ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel and the upstream end of the second ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel.

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: 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 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 laying pipeline from a vessel. The vessel has pipelaying equipment including apparatus for fabricating pipeline along a fabrication axis, a stinger pivotable between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration, and a tower pivotable between a lowered configuration and an elevated configuration. The method includes a) pivoting the stinger away from the deployed configuration and into the retracted configuration when it is desired to attach a module to the pipeline, b) before or after step a) attaching a module to the pipeline. Further, c) lowering the section of pipeline from the tower along the departure axis until the attached module is below the retracted stinger, and d) pivoting the stinger away from the retracted configuration and into the deployed configuration to allow continued laying of fabricated pipeline.

Abstract: A flowline for hydrocarbon which is capable of being reeled and which is unreeled for being laid on the seabed using the reeled lay method is comprised of successive pipe sections having opposing ends which are joined by an anchor collar that is butt welded to the opposing ends. The pipe sections have a jacket on the exterior of the pipe sections, but the pipe sections are able to be reeled. Anchor collars are affixed by butt welding between the ends of adjacent pipe sections. Each anchor collar has a fixture or protrusion radially outward which has an outer diameter less than or at least not more than the outer diameter of the pipe section jacket. The flowline has the same inner diameter at the pipe sections and the collar, and the pipe has the same outer diameter as the collar, while the protrusion protrudes outward from the exterior of the collar.

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 vessel has a substantially vertical frame attached to a vessel support structure, an upper clamping element vertically displaceable along the frame via a displacement member, a lower clamping element aligned with the upper clamping element, a loading device for supplying a pipe segment to the upper clamping element, and a control device adapted to control the displacement member and the upper and lower clamping elements for lowering the pipe segment by the displacement member along a pipe trajectory, with the upper clamping element being engaged on the pipe segment, while the lower clamping element is disengaged, with the lower clamping element being situated on the vessel support structure, with a transverse track extending from a side position on the vessel to a position alongside the pipe trajectory, and a support member which is displaceable along the track to be situated in the pipe trajectory.

Abstract: A method including providing a first umbilical, coupling an end of the first umbilical to a first end of a compliant splice system, providing a second umbilical, and coupling an end to the second umbilical to a second end of the compliant splice system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-joint installation configured to join two or more pipe sections. The multi-joint installation is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical position. The multi-joint installation includes two or more holding devices for holding two or more pipe sections, and at least one joining device for joining the two or more pipe sections to each other.

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: An apparatus designed for installing anode bracelets upon pipes used in cathodic protection systems. The apparatus includes a pair of grasp booms which hold the anode bracelet during installation of the bracelet around the pipe to be cathodically protected. The grasp booms can be rotated for the installation of the anode bracelet and can be opened to receive each half of the bracelet and closed to mount the bracelet around the pipe.

Abstract: A multi-gimbal configured transition protectively interfaces a mooring and communication cable to a communication ocean buoy. The transition interface contains a segmented, flexible sheath formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected gimbal rings having mutually adjacent interior apertures through which one or more communication link members pass. Successive gimbal rings are orthogonally pivotally interconnected with one another so as to make the flexible sheath flexible in three dimensions. Upper ends of one or more communication link members are connectable with a communication cable connection fixture of the buoy. Lower ends of the communication link members are connectable to communication cable terminal connectors of a terminal end of the mooring cable.

Abstract: In order to solve problems in the art, the present invention has been devised to bundle underwater tubing, hoses, cables, lines and other similar structures. The invention includes the use of an ambient temperature shrink device requiring no external heat source, temperature modification, change, or external devices or influence to install the bands. It is well known to unite several underwater hoses, tubes and cables by simply taping them together with the product commonly called “duct tape.” however the duct tape constantly rips, delaminates, unwraps, wears away, comes off and cannot be decontaminated easily. Furthermore, its leaves an adhesive residue and is unprofessional looking. Finally, it requires excessive effort to remove.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to underwater pipe-laying. A method of welding together the ends of outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) of pipe-in-pipe pipeline to be laid on a seabed employs an annular member (5) interposed between adjacent lengths of pipe. The annular member comprises a first axial part (11) which fits within the end of the first outer pipe section, and a flange part (12) which is interposed between the adjacent ends of the two lengths of outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) to be joined. The flange part (12) of the annular member (5) projects radially outwardly beyond the inside of the outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) and terminates radially inwardly of the outside of the outer pipe sections (16A, 16B), and provides some of the welding material for the joint.

Abstract: In order to solve problems in the art, the present invention has been devised to bundle underwater tubing, hoses, cables, lines and other similar structures. The invention includes the use of an ambient temperature shrink device requiring no external heat source, temperature modification, change, or external devices or influence to install the bands.

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 method and vehicle to deploy and retrieve seismic apparatus to and from the ocean bottom and to acquire data from the seismic apparatus. Submersible robotic vessels deploy and retrieve the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom to depths of up to 5,000 meters. The vessel can separate from the seismic apparatus and return to resume seismic operations. A robotic arm manipulates the seismic apparatus and attaches them to the ocean bottom utilizing fasteners to actively couple the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A system for controlled lowering of an elongated body such as a tube or cable, from a relatively high level, especially the water level to a relatively low level, especially the (sea) bottom. The system includes an elongated tubular guide that is connected to one or more buoyancy bodies. The system also includes a braking device for braking the movement of the elongated body through the tubular guide. The braking device includes a number of braking units incorporated in the tubular guide and distributed over the length thereof. The braking units are under control of a central control unit which controls the braking force applied by each braking unit.

Abstract: An intervention riser for an oil or gas well, which forms a connection between the well head and a floating surface vessel, is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the relative vertical movement between and the well head and a floating surface vessel, is attached to a compensating deck on the vessel which is free to move vertically relative to the vessel, and has winching means having a winch line attached to the riser such that the winching means may pull upon the riser. The compensating deck comprises a deck surface supported on at least one vertically arranged gantry support. The riser system comprises a lower riser section which extends substantially vertically and is essentially rigid, being maintained under tension, and a flexible upper riser section to accommodate movements in the surface vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of laying a seabed pipeline from a surface vessel (10, 11) in which the vertically oriented lengths of pipe are assembled to form pipe strings suspended vertically from the vessel extending towards the seabed. An end (30) of a previously laid length of pipeline(29) is supported above the seabed by a tether (28) extending to the surface vessel to locate an upwardly facing end of the pipeline at a predetermined level below the vessel corresponding generally to the length of the pre-assembled pipe strings. A further pipe string (31) is then maneuvered from the vessel until the lower end of the string is aligned with the end of the pipeline, after which the pipe string is lowered to engage its lower end with the upwardly facing end of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method is described for controlled bending of a pipeline during the laying thereof in the sea, utilizing bend controlling/stopping means which are mounted on the pipeline as a sleeve and interact with the pipeline. To achieve cold bending under controlled conditions, the pipeline is weight loaded internally at the selected bending zone. The weight loading may be achieved by means of a flexible string of weight elements and/or by introducing into the pipe a suitable heavy, readily flowable weight mass, for example, drilling fluid.

Abstract: A cable burying device (3) comprises several heavy hollow tapered elements (7, 8) coupled to each other (7A, 7B, 8A, 8B) to provide limited flexibility, which is towed along the seabed and which digs a trench, the cable (1) passing through the length of the device to become buried in the trench. A guide tube (2) to guide the cable (1) from the ship to the burying device (3) has a flexible lattice construction (FIGS. 6, 7, 8) which can be folded flat for ease of storage on the ship.

Abstract: An articulated stinger attachable to a pipelaying vessel and constructed of a plurality of elongated multi-leg segments arranged in end-to-end relationship and interconnected by flexible joints. Each flexible joint is comprised of at least three components: two sockets, each in abutting ends of the multi-leg segments, and a socket-filling member. The stinger may be arranged inclined to the horizontal as in conventional pipelaying practice, or vertically for J-method pipelaying. A resilient element may be carried within the sockets to yieldably restrain relative movement between the socket and the socket-filling member.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing sliding of a weight jacket on a pipe during tensioning of the pipe by disposing at least one spiral gripping means about the pipe, attaching at least one end of the gripping means to the pipe, and applying the weight jacket about the pipe and gripping means.

Abstract: A semi-submersible pipelaying watercraft is disclosed, which is particularly suitable for operating under particularly hostile marine environments, said watercraft comprising a composite ramp of special construction for launching the pipe to be laid, a system for determining the craft's position and a control system, governed by electronic computers for automatically positioning the craft.An internal inclinable ramp is coactively combined with an external ramp and the internal ramp is equipped with a locking system and with a displacing system, hydraulic controls being provided for moving both the internal and external ramps. The electronic computers are two and one of them makes the calculations for determining the design parameters, whereas the other computer receives the actual data provided by the several sensors mounted aboard and processes them.

Abstract: A system for measuring and displaying the side and top profiles of an underwater pipeline as the pipeline is being laid on the sea floor by a pipe laying vessel. The profiles are determined by sequentially measuring the position of points spaced apart along the pipeline with respect to a point on the vessel. The measurements are accomplished by sequentially transmitting an acoustic signal from three, non-colinear transducers. The acoustic signals from each transmission is detected by a plurality of receivers spaced apart along the pipeline. As each receiver detects a transmission it produces an indicating signal on a pair of electrical conductors which are connected to the vessel and all of the receivers on the pipeline. The elapsed time between a transmission from a given transducer and detection of that transmission by each receiver is an indication of the distance between the transducer and each receiver.

Abstract: An improved articulated stinger for laying pipe at the bottom of a body of water is disclosed. The first structural support for the pipe, after it leaves the vessel, is provided at a substantial distance from the vessel. A long, nonarticulated stinger link, attached to the vessel, does not engage the pipe and serves to position a buoyant stinger means beneath an effective wave action water depth. In addition, the long length of the stinger link separates the buoyant stinger means (and first pipeline support) from the vessel by a distance sufficient to substantially decouple vessel motion from the buoyant stinger means. There results through this arrangement significantly less banging between the pipe and the stinger assembly.