Gripping device for gripping underwater pipelines at the laying stage

摘要

A gripping device for gripping underwater pipelines at the laying stage is provided with jaws (12) configured to be pressed onto a pipeline (2) extending along an axis (A) substantially parallel to a laying direction (D); each jaw (12) being lined with a friction pad (16) configured to be cyclically brought into contact with the outer face of the pipeline (2); and an auxiliary gripping tool (14) having a panel (24) for covering the friction pad (16), and selectively connectable to the jaw (12) to increase grip between the friction pad (16) and the pipeline (2).