Apparatus and method for installing a pipeline structure at sea

摘要

Methods and apparatus for deploying pipeline from a vessel are described in relation to pipelines with installed accessories. One or more accessory support structures are installed at appropriate bedding locations on the seabed. In deploying pipeline from a vessel, an accessory is then attached at a position along the pipeline to correspond with the pre-installed accessory support structure bedding location. The pipeline and attached accessory are deployed and guided into engagement with the pre-installed accessory support structure on the seabed such that the pipeline is deployed substantially horizontally through the accessory support structure, and the accessory is supported by the pre-installed accessory support structure at the bedding location.

主权项

1. A method of deploying pipeline from a vessel having pipelaying equipment, the method comprising:
installing an accessory support structure at a bedding location on a seabed; on the vessel, attaching an accessory at a position along the pipeline and between a first end of the pipeline and a second end of the pipeline such that, when the pipeline is deployed from the vessel, the position of the accessory along the pipeline corresponds with the bedding location at which the accessory support structure is installed; deploying the pipeline and the attached accessory into water through the pipelaying equipment; and before deploying the second end of the pipeline from the vessel, guiding the attached accessory under water into engagement with the accessory support structure installed at the bedding location on the seabed such that the pipeline is deployed substantially horizontally through the accessory support structure and the accessory is supported at a position intermediate along the length of the pipeline by the accessory support structure installed at the bedding location.