IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LAYING OFFSHORE PIPELINES

摘要

An apparatus for laying pipe from a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a traveling working table that can be lowered to allow clearance for horizontal movement of a tensioner over an in-line structure. Another embodiment employs a main working table, a tensioner positioned above the main working table, and an auxiliary working table positioned below the main working table. The auxiliary working table can be lowered to accommodate an in-line structure, which lies in a gap extending from the tensioner through the level of the main working table to the level of the auxiliary working table. The apparatus enables the tensioner to be mounted lower on the vessel to benefit stability and cost and to facilitate retrofit of the apparatus to existing vessels.