Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having: a wedge cone; a first plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a second plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a first plurality of studs connected to each of the first plurality of discrete gripping devices, where each of the first plurality of studs define a first stud length; and a second plurality of studs connected to each of the second plurality of discrete gripping devices, wherein each of the second plurality of studs define a second stud length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective connection of a first fluid communication region to a further fluid communication region at a subsea location and a flexible pipe are disclosed.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a pipeline plug includes an actuator plate, bowl, and gripper unit. The actuator plate includes a wedge surface. The bowl includes a bowl expansion face. The bowl expansion face has bowl stairsteps. The gripper unit includes a gripper body. The gripper body is positioned between the actuator plate and the bowl. The gripper body includes an expansion face having gripper stairsteps, the gripper stairsteps corresponding to the bowl stairsteps.

Abstract: A clamp comprises a plurality of pads; a belt for clamping the pads that is maneuverable between an unclamped configuration and a configuration clamping the pads against the production line; a clamping actuator for the clamp, mounted on a first point of the clamp, the clamping actuator having a grasping member for a second point of the clamp, the grasping member being movable between a deployed position and a retracted position moving the second point towards the first point. The spacing-apart mechanism is able to move the grasping member between a spaced-apart configuration of the second point in the deployed position of the grasping member and a grasping configuration in an intermediate position between the deployed position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A method of aligning first and second pipes end-to-end in a position ready for welding. Each pipe has an end bevelled with a shape scanned and stored in memory of a control unit. At least one of the pipes has machine readable codes distributed around their circumference of the pipe. The method includes effecting relative movement of the ends of the first and second pipes towards each other, reading at least one of the codes with a reader, and ascertaining the relative movement required to align the pipes in accordance with a target orientation. The relative movement is ascertained with information provided by the read code and the shapes of the bevelled ends stored in the control unit memory. In other aspects, a closed loop control method and machine-learning may be used to align the pipes. A pipe-laying vessel including pipe handling equipment and the control unit is also provided.

Abstract: A Jack-up drilling rig or land drilling rig riser system with quick connectors that can be used to rapidly install and de-install RCD housings between the BOP and the drill floor. The quick connector design can handle different bore diameters without changing the external design of the connector. The connector assembly may be used to connect a blowout preventer or rotating control device housing to a tubular riser, a blowout preventer housing to an RCD housing, or to join two tubular risers. A connector assembly connects a tubular pin end to a housing has a tubular connector body with a first end to receive the pin end and a second end secured to the housing. The connector assembly also includes a latching mechanism movable between a lock position to prevent the pin end from being removed and an unlock position in which the pin end can be removed.

Abstract: A subsea horizontal tie-in system comprising a porch part (100) with a porch hub (101a), a termination part (200) with a termination hub (201a). The termination part is configured to land on the porch part. The tie-in system further has an alignment system to align the porch hub (101a) and the termination hub (201a) during movement of the termination hub towards the porch hub in a landed state. The alignment system comprises guide arrangements (A1, A2, B1, B2) having porch guide faces (113p, 113q, 113r) on the porch part and termination guide faces (213p, 213q, 213r) on the termination part. The porch guide faces and termination guide faces are configured to slide against each other during said movement. The porch part (100) comprises a base plate (103) on which the porch guide faces are arranged.

Abstract: A method for connecting sections of a multi-bore structure in water comprises connecting the sections to bring corresponding bores of the sections into mutual alignment while those bores are each closed by a plug that excludes the water from the bores. Then, with the sections connected and the corresponding bores sealed together in fluid communication with each other, the plugs are flushed away in a flushing fluid that flows along the communicating bores.

Abstract: A joining device configured to join two facing and aligned pipeline sections presents two coupling members selectively couplable to respective pipeline sections at two respective facing flanges located at the ends of respective pipeline sections; a pulling mechanism suitable to move the coupling members towards each other in abutment against the flanges and to temporarily tighten the flanges by moving the coupling members towards each other; and a tightening mechanism suitable to definitively tighten the coupling members while the pulling mechanism keeps the flanges tight.

Abstract: A pipe pressure testing apparatus for failure testing a section of an elongated pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of spherical bodies disposed within and filling the section of elongated pipe and leaving a void space within the section of elongated pipe. A first end cap is attached to and seals a first end of the elongated pipe. A second end cap is attached to and seals a second of the elongated pipe. And a test fluid line is in fluid communication with the void space to fill the void space with a testing fluid.

Abstract: Method for capturing, organizing and retrieving data for utility assets using RFID tags, including: storing data related to a plurality of utility assets in a database, wherein the stored data include data about type of the utility asset; repair, documentation, testing validation, and inspection of the utility asset; programming a plurality of RFID tags for placement on a utility asset, by one or more processors; placing the programmed RFID tags on the utility asset; linking stored data related to the utility asset with the programmed data for the placed RFID tags, including location data of the placed RFID tags; and querying one or more of the placed RFID tags to retrieve data about the utility asset including data about the location of the utility asset, the specific segment and the specific joint, the type of the utility asset; repair, documentation, testing validation, and inspection of the utility asset, by one or more processors.

Abstract: A vertical connection apparatus for connecting a pipeline to a subsea structure comprises a guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure; a moveable barrier and a attachment region for a drive mechanism; the moveable barrier is operable between an open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel and a closed position in which the barrier prevent the end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel. A tool with a drive mechanism can be attached between the pipeline and guide funnel to manipulate the pipeline into a connectable position. A clamp connector secures the connection between the pipeline and subsea structure conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement system constructed and arranged to measure geometrical data from two pipe end bevels of two pipes that need to be joined. The measurement system being provided with a measuring device, wherein the measurement system is constructed and arranged so that the measuring device is moveable in between the two pipe end bevels and the measuring device has a part of a different one of the two pipe end bevels within its measurement angle.

Abstract: A riser assembly and method for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe; at least one buoyancy element for providing a positive buoyancy to a portion of the riser; and a tethering element for tethering the buoyancy element to a fixed structure and to resist the positive buoyancy of the buoyancy element.

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

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline comprising a plurality of tubular components is disclosed. The method includes depositing a weld material onto a surface of a first tubular component of the plurality of tubular components and machining a profile into the weld material. The profile includes a support shoulder into the weld material. The method further includes suspending the first tubular component in a vertical or near vertical position and supporting the first tubular component by the support shoulder. A further tubular component of the plurality of tubular components is connected to a free end of the first tubular component. The support shoulder is formed at a point spaced from the free end of the first tubular component thereby facilitating connection of the first tubular component to the second tubular component.

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: 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 of joining two portions of an underwater pipeline for conducting fluid and/or gas on the bed of a body of water, the method including the steps of: joining a telescopic sleeve, having a first coupling head, to a first end of a first pipeline portion above the body of water; positioning the first end, the telescopic sleeve, and the first coupling head in a first given position on the bed of the body of water; joining a second coupling head to a second end of a second pipeline portion above the body of water; positioning the second end and the second coupling head in a second given position, close to the first coupling head, below the body of water; and connecting the first and second coupling head hermetically below the body of water.

Abstract: A subsea hanging device comprises a hanging frame 1 adapted to support an assembly (such as a gooseneck 3 and a subsea connector 4 being used to attach a heavy pipe 7 to a pipe hub 11 on the seabed), a hanging eye 8 which slides on said frame when a shaft 10 threaded through it is axially rotated, and a ROV drive bucket 12 attached to one end of the shaft. A guide funnel 13, 16 pivoted to the frame and adapted to fit over a guide post 17 on the seabed actuates a pointer 15 which indicates on a scale 14 whether the hanging angle needs adjustment to enable the connector 4 to be engaged with the hub 11.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a hub of a first pipe to a hub of a second pipe in a subsea environment includes a frame suitable for receiving the hub of the second pipe, a post extending outwardly of the frame, a landing structure slidably positioned on the post, and an actuator for moving the landing structure along the post such that the hub of the first pipe is juxtaposed against the hub of the second pipe. The landing structure includes a receptacle formed thereon. This receptacle is suitable for receiving a slotted portion of an arm extending from a trunnion extending around the first pipe such that the first pipe can pivot from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation. A clamp can extend against the hubs of the first and second pipes so as to join the pipes together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular installation system (10) for J-laying tubulars comprising a J-lay tower structure (100), a tubulars supply system and a loader device (20) comprising tubular grippers (21a-c) and a boom (24) for transporting a tubular, an accessory supply system (200, 201, 202) and accessory handling means (29) for transporting an accessory between the essentially horizontal accessory supply position and the firing line. According to the invention, the accessory handling means (29) are distinct from the tubular grippers (21a-c) and are attached to the boom (24) of the loader device, at a different position than the tubular grippers, such that the loader device can be used as desired for transporting a tubular or an accessory between the respective supply position and the firing line.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method for laying pipelines on the seabed comprising the steps of attaching an end (2) of the pipeline (1) to a structure (10, 20), lowering the structure with the pipeline to the seabed, allowing the pipeline end to pivot relative the structure, measuring the inclination of the pipeline end relative to the seabed, modifying a pipe spool such that one end is given the same inclination of the end as the pipeline and that at least one part of the pipe spool will be resting on the seabed after connection, connecting the pipe spool to the pipeline. The invention also regards a pipeline installation device where at least a one side of a top structure is allowed to move relative a foundation structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling a fluid-tight flange coupling between a first and a second conduit component while maintaining the fluid integrity of the coupling. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and grip both of the first and second conduit components. The gripping mechanism is mounted on a lifting frame able to bear the loadings upon the gripped components during a moving operation. The apparatus includes a base frame with a gripping mechanism to receive the flange coupling. The coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling to maintain the fluid integrity of the flange coupling.

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

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation system is provided for laying a pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser. The system includes a pipeline guide supported at an elevated position by the tower for guiding the pipeline from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the pipeline guide to the firing line along said tower. The pipeline guide is supported by the tower via an associated guide support frame, the support frame being adapted to allow for displacement of the pipeline guide between a pipelaying position, wherein one end of the pipeline guide is positioned in the firing line, and a retracted, non-operable position. The guide support frame allows movement of the pipeline guide in a combined upward direction and direction towards the reel, such that in the retracted position of the guide support frame the length of the first trajectory is essentially the same as in the pipelaying position.

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: 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: A barrier connector arrangement (20) for a multi-pipe pipeline (14) for use in a subsea environment, the pipeline (14) comprising at least one inner pipe (12) and an outer pipe (11) having a dry annulus (13) thereinbetween, and one or more cables (50, 51) extending along the annulus (13), the connector arrangement (20) comprising: an outer housing (21) configured to be joined to the outer pipe (11) to define a dry interior housing with the annulus (13); and one or more dry barrier chambers (26, 27) extending through and welded to the housing (21) for connecting one or more of the cables (50, 51) in the pipeline (14) with one or more external cables in the subsea environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a grouting and welding combined connection joint and an offshore installation method thereof, characterized in that: it comprises a set of grouting systems disposed inside of the annular space formed by an inner shell of the central pore canal of a column with large cross section and an outer wall of a column with small cross section, as well as a group of brackets welded on a top deck of a column with small cross section and an inner shell of the central pore canal of the column with large cross section. The grouting and welding combined connection joint provided by the present disclosure has advantages of being able to adapt to the connection of different dimensions of columns, and having simple offshore installation, highly reliable structural safety and low cost.

Abstract: A method of spooling a marine pipeline (90) including a plurality of bi-metallic pipe sections (10) (66) onto a reel (60) including at least the steps of: (a) filling a first pipe section with a fluid (12); (b) spooling the first pipe section onto the reel; (c) filling a second pipe section with a fluid (78); (d) joining the first pipe section with the second pipe section wherein at least one of the first and second pipe sections maintains the fluid (12,78) therein; and (e) spooling the second pipe section onto the reel.

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 hose splicing system comprises a first clamping tool and a hose fitting adapter. The first clamping tool includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. An inner surface of at least one of the first clamp member and the second clamp member includes a recess configured to receive an end of a hose. In addition, the first clamping tool includes a hinge coupled to the second clamp member. Further, the first clamping tool includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the first clamp member. The hose fitting adapter has a central axis, a first end configured to be inserted into the end of the hose, a second end configured to releasably connect to a rigid hose end connector, and a through bore extending axially from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A pipeline insertion system (100) may include an insertion device (102) outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame (104) and a movable clamp device (106) in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position (108) and a second position (110) along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames (118) remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments (122) mounted in the tunnel. A controller (126) is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water includes constructing, on a laying vessel, a pipeline having pipe sections of a designated or given thickness, and thicker pipe sections distributed along the pipeline; moving the laying vessel forward and laying the pipeline in the body of water as the pipeline is constructed; and propelling a train, configured to plug the pipeline, in steps inside the pipeline laid on the bed of the body of water; the step travel of the train being related to the position of the thicker pipe sections, and to the touchdown point of the pipeline on the bed of the body of water.

Abstract: A method of forming a field joint for a subsea pipeline includes the steps of positioning an end of a first pipe adjacent to an end of a second pipe, welding the end of the first pipe to an end of the second pipe, and applying a coating material over an exterior surface of the first pipe, over the welding, and over an exterior surface of second pipe such that the coating material is in sealing relationship therewith. The coating material has air-filled glass spheres therein. A mold is placed over the adjacent pipe sections and the coating material is injected under pressure into the mold.

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

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

Abstract: A technique is presented for simultaneously releasing a plurality of control lines, and in particular to facilitate an oilfield operation with respect to a subsea wellbore. A hose reel or a plurality of hose reels may be mounted on a skid which, in turn, may be positioned on a vessel that works in cooperation with an offshore platform. Each hose reel is designed to engage a hose bundle via a release mechanism which releasably couples a plurality of control lines carried by the hose bundle. The release mechanism comprises a primary release and a secondary release to selectively enable disconnection of the control lines and release of the hose bundle from the skid.

Abstract: A system is employed for defining a position (location) of a receiving element inside an area surrounded by a wire loop, along the perimeter (a perimeter wire loop), of a work area or other bounded area. In particular, the system can determine whether the receiver is inside or outside the loop, and evaluate its distance from the perimeter wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe section (1) comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) arranged substantially parallel to said tube (2), the ends of the main tube comprising connection means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted and the ends of the auxiliary line element comprising linking means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted, said linking means comprising at least one locking pin (14).

Abstract: A method of joining pipes to produce an underwater pipeline on a firing line includes supplying the firing line with pipes having previously roughened end portions; welding the end portions of adjacent pipes to form cutbacks, each of which is defined by two end portions, and by an annular weld bead between the two end portions; cleaning, by cryogenic blasting, the outer surface of each cutback; and forming a protective joint coating about each cutback.

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: Apparatus and methods for integrating a fiber optic cable (116) with a pipeline (104) are described. An example pipeline having an integrated fiber optic cable includes a plurality of pipe sections (119a, 119b), where each of the pipe sections has a thermally insulating outer layer (200, 202) and ends not covered by the outer layer. The ends of each of the pipe sections are welded to respective ends of other pipe sections to form field joints (111a) at the welded ends. The pipeline also includes a fiber optic cable, where first portions (120) of the fiber optic cable are in contact with some of the pipe sections at some of the field joints and where second portions of the fiber optic cable between the first portions are fixed to the outer layer. A coating is applied to cover each of the first portions of the fiber optic cable to integrate the fiber optic cable with the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of butt welding a first and second tubular to join them together, the tubulars being suitable for use in an underwater environment and normally being made from carbon steel and having a corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) provided on an internal face thereof, the method comprising: depositing from an external side of the first and second tubulars, a weld-filler material onto a butt joint between the first and second tubulars. Preferably the weld filler on the external side is a carbon steel weld filler and for the internal side is a CRA weld filler. In this manner sufficiently strong circumferential welds may be provided especially for CRA clad tubulars. A method of deploying the tubulars underwater and an apparatus comprising tubulars welded together is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating and installing a riser tower structure, preferably in a welding chamber, and a welding chamber suitable for the method. The method includes fabricating sections of the riser tower structure at a site remote from the site of installation; transporting the sections of the riser tower structure to within the vicinity of the installation site; and assembling together the sections of the riser tower structure in the vicinity of the installation site. The welding chamber includes a plurality of guide means, each providing a guide for one of the elongate elements of the riser tower structure, and floats on the sea surface when in use.

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 connection arrangement for subsea connection of at least a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. A supporting unit displaceably supports the connection arrangement against a supporting surface. A coupling device couples and secures the fluid conduits to the connection arrangement thereby interconnecting the fluid conduits to each other. A frame carries the coupling device and is slideably and/or pivotably mounted to the supporting unit so as to allow the frame and the associated coupling device to slide and/or pivot in relation to the supporting unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling a fluid-tight flange coupling between a first and a second conduit component while maintaining the fluid integrity of the coupling. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and grip both of the first and second conduit components. The gripping mechanism is mounted on a lifting frame able to bear the loadings upon the gripped components during a moving operation. The apparatus includes a base frame with a gripping mechanism to receive the flange coupling. The coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling to maintain the fluid integrity of the flange coupling.

Abstract: A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of workstations disposed along a pipelaying path that includes an upstream portion away from a first end of the vessel and 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.