OFFSHORE VESSEL FOR LAYING A PIPELINE ON THE SEABED, AND A METHOD FOR HANDLING PIPE SECTIONS

摘要

The invention relates to an offshore pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on a seabed, comprising a pipeline-laying installation having: - a preassembly line with a joining station to form multi length pipe sections by joining single length pipe sections end to end, - an inspection station associated with said preassembly line for inspecting joints made by the joining station of the preassembly line; - an assembly line with a pipeline assembly station to assemble a pipeline to be launched from the vessel by joining multi and/or single length pipe sections end to end; and - a conveyor system for transporting multi and single length pipe sections, said conveyor system comprising an entry-and-exit location; characterized in that the conveyor system is configured to allow transportation of multi and/or single length pipe sections at least along the following routes: -directly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line; -indirectly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line via the preassembly line and said inspection station; -from the entry-and-exit location to the preassembly line and said inspection station, and after passing said inspection station directly to the entry-and-exit location.