Patent ID: 7559721
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of towing of an SCR and a pipeline along a seabed, the SCR including a leading end and the pipeline including a trailing end, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the leading end to a towing vessel; towing the SCR and the pipeline with the towing vessel to a first predetermined site at a first towing speed; upon arrival at the first predetermined site, attaching the trailing end to a cable winched from a trailing vessel so that the trailing end is supported on or near the seabed; resuming the towing of the SCR and pipeline to a second predetermined site at a second towing speed that is less than the first towing speed while the trailing end is supported from the trailing vessel by means of the cable; and while the SCR and pipeline are being towed to the second predetermined site, controlling a hang-off angle of the leading end during towing by selectively raising and lowering the trailing end of the pipeline to control the amount of drag applied by the seabed to the pipeline.