Abstract: Marine pipe laying systems and methods including a hoisting device for laying an offshore pipeline are disclosed. The hoisting device includes a tower with a tower top side provided with cable pulleys and a moveable traveling block displaceably attached to the tower. The traveling block includes first and second blocks with cable pulleys. A clamp attaches to the first block for holding pipe sections and lowering pipelines after the pipe section connects to the pipeline. The hoisting device includes a hoisting means including hoisting cable and a winch. The hoisting cable can be guided over the cable pulleys on the tower and the traveling block. The first and second blocks are adapted to be releasably coupled for traveling along the tower as a unit and for supporting greater pipeline weights. The second block can be locked to the tower to remain stationary while the first block travels along the tower.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing a wound rigid tubular pipe intended to be installed by a laying ship. An assembly unit for assembling a plurality of rigid tubes end to end to obtain lengths and for assembling the lengths to form the rigid tubular pipe which is intended to be wound onto a storage reel situated on the laying ship. An intermediate winding and deforming apparatus arranged on a first float distinct from the laying ship in order to plastically deform the rigid tubular pipe and wind it onto the intermediate winding apparatus after the rigid tubular pipe has been formed. A connector connecting together the first float and the assembly unit.

Abstract: A device for laying pipes from a laying vessel. The pipes convey a fluid within. The device comprises a lower retaining device to retain a pipe and a lower securing device to support the lower retaining device. An upper retaining device retains the pipe and is able to move translationally with respect to the lower retaining device. Both retaining devices retain the pipe from the inside. An upper securing device to which the lower retaining device can be coupled through a pipe section to be connected in order to release the lower securing device and in order to secure thereto the said upper retaining device after the then lower pipe section has been connected and submerged.

Abstract: A bottom-surface connection installation for at least two undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom, the installation comprising: a first hybrid tower having a vertical riser anchored to a first base and connected to an undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom and having its top end connected to a first float below the surface, and a first connection pipe, preferably a flexible pipe, providing a connection between a floating support and the top end of said riser; and at least one second rigid pipe rising from the sea bottom where it rests or from a second undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom and to which its bottom end that is not anchored to said first base is connected, up to below the surface, where its top end is connected to a second float situated at substantially the same depth as said first float, and fastened to said first float to at least one respective said connection pipe that is flexible and serves to connect it to the same said floating support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for laying a pipeline using a vessel (1) comprising a crane (2) comprising the following steps lifting a new pipe section (8) using the crane, placing a new pipe section on an existing pipeline (9), lining up the new pipe section with respect to the existing pipeline, welding the new section to the existing section, lowering the joined new section and the existing pipe, supporting the joined new section so that the crane is free to lift another new section. The invention further relates to a pipe-laying vessel for carrying out such method.

Abstract: An installation apparatus comprises a coupling member, a guide member, and a securing member operable to secure a termination system to the coupling member.

Abstract: A single-module deployable bolted flange connection apparatus (10) makes up standard flange joints (24, 32) for various pipeline tie-in situations, such as spool piece connection and flowline-tree connections, without the use of divers and auxiliary multiple pieces of equipment. An outer Flange Alignment Frame (FAF) (14), carries one or more claws (38) for grabbing the pipe/spool to provide flange alignment. The claws are suspended and driven by a novel arrangement of five hydraulic rams (412-420) A crash-resistant inner frame (148) houses complete connection tooling (150, 152 etc.) The tooling performs the final alignment steps, inserts the gasket and studs, applies the required tension, and connects the nuts. Studs and nuts are stored separately from the tooling in an indexed carousel, to permit multiple operations, reverse operations (disconnection), and re-work of failed steps, all without external intervention.

Abstract: An offshore riser is made up of riser segments connected together. Each riser segment has a central pipe with a box on one end and a pin on the other end. The pin has two grooved profiles extending circumferentially around it. The box has a first tier of connectors mounted to and spaced circumferentially around the box. The box also has a second tier of connectors mounted to and spaced circumferentially around the box, but at a different elevation. The first and second tier connectors alternate with each other. Each of the connectors includes a dog and a screw for moving the dog into engagement with one of the profiles when the screw is rotated.

Abstract: A spool piece termination structure to be mounted to a spool piece so as to support a spool piece hub during the connection of the spool piece hub to a corresponding pipeline hub. The termination structure includes a clamping device for clamping together the spool piece hub and pipeline hub, and a base frame openly shaped downwards so as to allow the termination structure to receive a pipeline end section provided with the pipeline hub by lowering the termination structure downwards onto the pipeline end section. A connection arrangement includes such a spool piece termination structure and a method for subsea connection of a pipeline to a spool piece.

Abstract: A pipe string (44) is pulled out by a tug boat (30) from a floating structure (12) such as a production vessel, as pipe sections (54, 56) are connected in series on the vessel, to eventually lay the pipe string in a catenary curve from the vessel to the sea floor and then along the sea floor to a distant subsea well head (86). To save time and cost in coupling the pipe sections, lower fatigue resistant pipe couplings, such as non weld-on couplings (120) that include a threaded sleeve (134), are used to connect pipe sections that will lie in a quiescent zone such as on the sea floor (zone Az), and in a zone (Cz) lying along the middle of the catenary curve. Higher fatigue resistant pipe couplings such as weld-on couplings (150) are used along active zones such as top and bottom zones (Dz, Bz) of the catenary curve.

Abstract: The marine pipelaying system for vertical or near vertical laying of an offshore pipeline includes a main supporting structure; a pipe connecting station, wherein a pipe section is connected to an uppermost end of a previously launched pipeline; a static clamp adapted for releasably securing the uppermost end of the previously launched pipeline, wherein the static clamp is adapted to support the weight of the previously launched pipeline; a mobile clamp adapted for releasably securing the previously launched pipeline at a position below the static clamp, wherein the mobile clamp is adapted to support the weight of the offshore pipeline as the offshore pipeline is released from the static clamp; and a mobile clamp hoist connected to the mobile clamp.

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: Arrangement at a plug for sealing liquid- or gas-carrying pipes, comprising several slips (15) arranged peripherally on the plug, so as to allow them to be pushed up along a conical force ring (25) by means of a hydraulic cylinder (5), where the slips (15) are provided with a possibly divided sliding surface (19, 19?) and at least one possibly divided sliding surface (20, 23) having an angle that differs from the angle of the sliding surface (19, 19?). The force ring (25) has sliding surfaces (27, 29, 29?, 31) that correspond to the sliding surfaces (19, 19?, 20, 23) of the slips. The first part of the sliding surfaces (20, 23, 27, 31) has a steep gradient and the second part of the sliding surfaces (21, 21?, 29, 29?) has a small gradient.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline (6) underwater includes the steps of holding an end of a pipeline (6), providing a pipe section (5) for extending the pipeline (6), arranging the pipe section (5) adjacent to the end of pipeline (6) thereby defining a circumferential joint (7) to be welded, and welding the pipes (5, 6) together. A plurality of welding torches (8) move along the circumferential joint (7) and are operated simultaneously to weld the pipes together. The pipes (5, 6) are made of TMCP-SC steel. After the root weld is laid, a cooling ring (1) mounted on an internal clamp inside the pipes (5, 6) sprays cooling liquid, for example a fluid spray of atomised water (10) and air, from nozzles (2) onto an interior surface of the pipes (5, 6) in the region of the circumferential joint (7), thereby cooling the pipes (5, 6).

Abstract: An apparatus for substantially horizontal connection of a conduit to a subsea structure: A frame connectable to and supportable by the subsea structure, the frame has a docking device operable to allow a horizontal connection device, including one of a remotely operated vehicle and a toolskid, to dock with the frame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operational load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a conduit to a subsea structure includes a frame connectable to the subsea structure by a docking mechanism, a conduit handling mechanism on the frame to facilitate positioning of the conduit for attachment to the subsea structure and a second docking mechanism for attaching a mobile manipulating device to the frame. In use, the mobile manipulating device connects to the conduit by means of a pull-in rope on a winch, and travels under its own power to the subsea structure while paying out the pull-in rope. There, it docks with the frame and the pull-in rope is reeled in by the winch on the mobile manipulating device. The conduit is then connected to the subsea structure by the conduit handling mechanism on the frame. The invention also includes the method of attaching a conduit to a subsea structure using the described apparatus.

Abstract: The relative position and orientation between two subsea structures (210, 212) are measured by ultra-short baseline acoustic metrology. Dual mode master/slave (220, 222) stations comprising a multi-transducer array are fitted in known position and orientation relative to each structure. The first station (220) is operated in master mode to determine the position and direction of the second structure (222) relative to the first (220). The second station (222) is operated in master mode to determine the position and direction data from both operations the apparatus calculates relative position and orientation between the structures. The dual mode stations can be replaced by a master station and a slave station, swapping places.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.

Abstract: A top tensioned riser extends substantially vertically from a platform hull to the seabottom. The riser includes length adjustment at its upper end and is detachably connected to an anchor pile at its lower end. Riser tension is monitored via load cells incorporated in the riser porch. The riser is connected to one or more import/export flowlines or pipelines.

Abstract: A subsea tool (10) designed to pull pipeline ends (PE1, PE2) towards each other is disclosed. The tool (10) comprises a first and a second main body (1, 2) that are able to be displaced to and from each other and have limited freedom of motion relative to each other. The first main body (1) comprises a frame construction (5) having means (11b) for guiding onto and fixed attachment to one of the pipeline ends (PE1). The second main body (2) comprises a frame structure (6) having means (18) for guiding onto and retaining the other pipeline end (PE2). A number of guiding means (15, 16) are provided on the first main body (1) for co-operation with complementary guiding elements (20, 21) provided on the second main body (2). A pulling device (3) is arranged between the first and second main body (1, 2) and is designed for pulling the main bodies (1, 2) including the respective pipeline ends (PE1, PE2) towards each other.

Abstract: An insertion shoe for retrofitting an undersea pipeline to permit passage therethrough of a scraper includes a plate sized to cover an opening in a branch connection of the pipeline and an inner surface structured to match the inner surface surrounding the opening. The insertion shoe can be installed in the branch connection to protect the opening without lifting the pipeline above water, so that the scraper may pass through without becoming jammed.

Abstract: 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: 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: Apparatus for substantially horizontal connection of a conduit to a subsea structure, the apparatus comprising a frame being connectable to and supportable by the subsea structure, the frame having docking means to allow horizontal connection means including a remotely operated vehicle and/or a toolskid to dock with the frame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operational load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

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: An insertion shoe for retrofitting an undersea pipeline to permit passage therethrough of a scraper includes a plate sized to cover an opening in a branch connection of the pipeline and an inner surface structured to match the inner surface surrounding the opening. The insertion shoe can be installed in the branch connection to protect the opening without lifting the pipeline above water, so that the scraper may pass through without becoming jammed.

Abstract: A rotatable pipeline end termination. A conduit is attached to an end of the pipeline. One or more collars are attached to the conduit. A ring is rotatably received on the collar. A pipeline support structure such as a flat bottom closed skid having the function of a mud mat is attached to the ring. The ring may be free floating for rotation or may be manually activated to rotate the termination to the correct orientation so as to be flat on the sea floor for full bearing contact.

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 connecting underwater conduits by remotely operated devices including a vehicle capable of underwater excursions, and an apparatus and a method for connecting conduits.

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 tool (1′) for pulling an end of a first pipe (102) towards a stationary, second pipe (101) includes gripping devices (47) for holding the first pipe (102), and winch devices (140) for pulling the tool with the pipe towards the stationary pipe (101). A collar (50) which is releasable attached to the stationary pipe, has an anchoring point (60,61) for the pull-in line (141). When the tool with the end of the first pipe approaches the stationary pipe, a moment arm (149) on the tool interfaces with a stop (65,66) on the collar. At the same time, an alignment and stroking actuator (110) grips the collar above the axis of the stationary pipe. The moment arm and alignment actuator cooperate to raise the first pipe into a horizontal position so that it is aligned with the stationary pipe.

Abstract: Methods are provided for installing an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline on the seafloor. Inner and outer pipe segments are formed and the inner pipe is coated and insulated. Coating may include sprayed polyurethane foam and insulating half-shells that are placed around welds. Epoxy is preferably coated on the inner pipe before other coatings. The segments are loaded on a lay barge and water stops are preferably installed in the annulus as the pipeline is formed. Water stops may be formed by placing a liquid polymer in the annulus and allowing it to cure.

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: An improved plug device 10 for sealing an internal tubular passageway in a predetermined location against pressure and flow applied from one side. The plug 10 is selectively inserted and retrieved from the tubular passageway using an installation tool 200. The plug 10 has an elastomeric seal 72 and multiple latch dogs 40 that reciprocate in an axial direction to engage or not engage the tubular passageway. An elastomeric seal 72 of the plug 10 is manipulated to cause it to recess during the installation and retrieval of the plug device 10 to minimize scuffing the seal 72. Multiple latch dogs housed in the plug are radially moved outward to engage a prepared internal groove in the tubular passageway, then the elastomeric seal 72 is relaxed to bias against the interior of the bore of the tubular passageway. The plug is easily installed and removed by robots or remote manipulators.

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: 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 method of laying a pipeline (6) underwater includes the steps of holding an end of a pipeline (6), providing a pipe section (5) for extending the pipeline (6), arranging the pipe section (5) adjacent to the end of pipeline (6) thereby defining a circumferential joint (7) to be welded, and welding the pipes (5, 6) together. A plurality of welding torches (8) move along the circumferential joint (7) and are operated simultaneously to weld the pipes together. The pipes (5, 6) are made of TMCP-SC steel. After the root weld is laid, a cooling ring (1) mounted on an internal clamp inside the pipes (5, 6) sprays cooling liquid, for example a fluid spray of atomised water (10) and air, from nozzles (2) onto an interior surface of the pipes (5, 6) in the region of the circumferential joint (7), thereby cooling the pipes (5, 6).

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: A liquid filled dike is described. The dike is formed of a flexible material selected to contain water. The dike includes at least two bladders which extend at least a portion of the length of the dike. The dike can be transported in empty condition and filled on site. When it is no longer required at a particular site, the dike can be emptied and stored for later use. The dike is self-leveling and may include a leak detection system.

Abstract: A riser pipe construction for a drilling connection from a drilling vessel to a valve previously provided on a sea floor comprises a riser pipe through which drilling means can be passed by means of which an oil well can be drilled as well as pressure pipes extending along the riser pipe to operate the valve, and floating elements disposed around the riser pipe and the pressure pipes to limit the load on the drilling vessel. The riser pipe and the pressure pipes are built up from modules capable of being coupled together, the floating elements are formed by steel tubular chambers closed so as to be gastight, disposed around the relevant modules and firmly connected thereto. The invention also relates to a riser pipe module.

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: An underwater cable branching apparatus has an elongate cable junction housing for positioning in line between two cables for installation underwater. The housing has through bores at each end for receiving the ends of respective first and second cables, and the cables are each terminated at a respective connector in the housing for releasably connecting the two cable ends together. Each connector is pivotally and retractably mounted in the housing by a respective pivotal linkage, such that the connectors can be separated and rotated upwardly out of the housing by an ROV for selective connection to other cables in an underwater network, to permit branching.

Abstract: A tool (1) for pulling an end (102) of a first pipe towards a stationary second pipe (100). The tool comprises gripping devices (46, 47) for securing the second pipe and winch devices (40) for pulling the tool with the pipe end towards the fixed point. A collar (50) which is attached to the stationary pipe (100) provides an anchoring point for the pull-in line. When locating the first pipe (102) directly on the stationary pipe (100), the collar (50) is advantageously equipped with an adaptor (70; 170), which comprises means for releasable attachment to the first pipe (102).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pipeline includes a plurality of vehicles for straddling a ditch. Al of the vehicles are carried by wide, relatively soft tires for minimizing damage to the soil surface. A first vehicle receives, aligns and maintains sections of pipe in position over a trench while effecting a first weld. Additional welding of the joints between pipe sections is effected in successive vehicles, and the weld joint is inspected and then coated with plastic. Finally, the pipeline is deposited in the trench, and the latter is backfilled by the last vehicle in the train of vehicles.

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: Methods are provided for installing an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline on the seafloor. Inner and outer pipe segments are formed and the inner pipe is coated and insulated. Coating may include sprayed polyurethane foam and insulating half-shells that are placed around welds. Epoxy is preferably coated on the inner pipe before other coatings. The segments are loaded on a lay barge and water stops are preferably installed in the annulus as the pipeline is formed. Water stops may be formed by placing a liquid polymer in the annulus and allowing it to cure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting underwater conduits and more specifically, to a method and apparatus which is capable of performing the diverless connection of underwater flowlines and connection of these flowlines to underwater structures such as flowline bases, xmas trees, and templates. The connection of underwater conduits is facilitated by the use of a remotely operated vehicle and connection apparatus both being launchable and recoverable by a support vessel. The connection apparatus adapted to mount on at least one of the underwater conduits and the connection apparatus allowing for docking of the remotely controlled vehicle which then captures and draws a second conduit to form a continuous flowline. Then a connection apparatus is clamped upon the conduits. The apparatus then bolts the conduits together.