NEW METHODS NEEDED FOR DEEPWATER PIPE-LAYING

Progressive hikes in energy cost have increased efforts to locate new offshore reserves in deeper waters. As a result, capabilities in exploration, drilling, and completion now far exceed the ability of the marine-pipeline industry to install, connect, repair, and maintain pipelines. After a brief review of the present methods of installing pipelines in deep waters, the authors discuss a number of new methods, including the one which involves the makeup of pipe onshore and towing of the line to location. Modifications to existing lay barges are suggested, and the surface-positioning methods for the installation equipment, the pipe and its initiating and terminating points are briefly described.