Pipelay

We design and deliver sophisticated flex lay, J-lay, reel lay and S-lay systems with a proven track record and tailored to client requirements.

Flex Lay Systems

Flex lay systems are the quickest way of installing flowlines and risers, and increasingly also used to recover pipe for decommissioning activities.

We have a proven track record of flex lay systems for flexible oil and gas pipelines, cables and umbilicals on the sea bed.

Flexible pipe lines are spooled on to carousels or deck reels in port, before vessel transits to field and lays the pipe, either via a vertical tower (VLS), or a horizontal tensioner and chute arrangement (HLS).

The systems have the ability to deploy end terminations, and accessories such as buoyancy. Capacities range from 50t, up to 600t.

System Features

• vertical axis carousels and associated spooling equipment, typically located under deck
• aligner chutes for guiding the pipe into the tensioners
• tracked tensioners for holding the pipe and lowering to the sea bed
• worktable, for adding accessories to the pipe line, typically with integrated collar clamp
• PLET handling system, for manoeuvring end terminations into position for connection with the pipe line
• abandonment and recovery (A&R) System, for lowering completed pipe line to the sea bed.

J Lay systems

Our J-lay towers are capable of laying rigid pipes of diameters up to 36” on the sea bed. 

They are mainly deployed in deeper water, and more remote locations. We have a track record of J-Lay systems for rigid pipes of diameters up to 36”. We offer fully integrated vessels, or standalone equipment, according to your wishes.

Since the vessel is not required to return to port to resupply, they are often deployed for laying rigid pipe lines in deeper water and  remote locations.

Pipe joints of 12m are pre-assembled in to groups of four (quad) or six (hex) in a multi-joint facility before being upended into the tower and deployed to the sea bed. End terminations and manifolds can be attached to the pipe line using the dedicated handling system, and lowered to the sea bed.

System Features

• multi-joint pipe facility, for pre-assembling pipe joints
• pipelay tower
• loading arm, for elevating the pipe joint into the tower and aligning it with outboard pipe for welding
• workstations, for welding, testing and coating the pipe joint prior to deployment and for attaching pipe line accessories
• friction clamps for holding on to the pipe line and lowering to the sea bed
• PLET handling system, for inserting large structures in to the tower, and aligning with the pipe line for welding
• abandonment and recovery (A&R) System, for lowering completed pipe line to the sea bed
• automated pipe tracking.

Reel lay systems

Reel lay systems are typically the quickest method of deploying rigid pipeline. The variable angle lay tower makes it suitable for operation in shallow to deep water. 

We provide reel lay systems for rigid and flexible pipes of diameters up to 20”, allowing fast operations and suitable for operation in shallow to deep water.

Pipe “stalks” are pre-assembled at a spooling base on land, before being spooled on to the storage reel(s) on the vessel. The vessel then transits to the field and the pipe line is straightened before being lowered to the sea bed. Pipe line end terminations and manifolds can be installed using the dedicated PLET handling system, and piggyback lines installed attached to the main pipeline. 

System Features

• horizontal axis reels, suitable for storing up to 5000t of product
• aligner wheel and tracked straightener for straightening the pipe and guiding into the tensioners
• inclinable lay tower for laying pipe in shallow to deep water 
• tracked tensioners for holding the pipe and lowering to the sea bed, suitable for rigid and flexible pipe
• workstations, for welding, testing and coating the pipe joint prior to deployment and for attaching pipe line accessories 
• PLET handling system, for inserting large structures in to the tower, and aligning with the pipe line for welding
• abandonment and recovery (A&R) System, for lowering completed pipe line to the sea bed
• piggyback system for laying two products simultaneously.

S-Lay systems

We supply S-lay systems for rigid pipe with diameters up to 70”. We design and deliver complete S-lay pipelaying systems for shallow to ultra-deep water.

S-Lay systems are used to lay rigid pipe with diameters up to 70”. Pipe joints are welded together onboard the vessel in a horizontal production line and the pipe is guided to the seabed by means of a stinger attached to  the stern of the vessel or barge. 

Our pipe laying systems include a sophisticated control interface that enables safe and efficient operation.

By creating autonomous pipe movements throughout the system the amount of people on board can be drastically reduced. By using state of the art pipe tracking methods we are able to register and log the pipestring exact assembly sequence and composition.  

Large systems incorporate advanced pipe handling equipment such as line up tools, pipe elevators, transfer vehicles, overhead pipe grabbers. Each with sophisticated controls to allow synchronized movement of up to hex join pipe lengths. 

An S-Lay system normally comprises 2-track tensioners, an A&R (traction) winch system, pipe handling equipment and a stinger.