Patent ID: 7470088

Claim:
A method for laying an underwater pipeline comprising the steps of: (i) constructing lengths of pipeline by endwise connection of a plurality of pipe segments; (ii) securing bend restriction means to said lengths of pipeline, said bend restriction means comprising a plurality of bend restrictor segments, each bend restrictor segment being connected to an adjacent bend restrictor segment by a flexible elongate member so that the length of pipeline is prevented from bending by more than a predetermined maximum amount; (iii) securing flotation means to the lengths of pipeline such that the lengths of pipeline are held adjacent to the surface of the ocean; (iv) towing the lengths of pipeline to a desired location; and (v) connecting each length of pipeline to an adjacent length of pipeline and altering the buoyancy of the flotation means or releasing the flotation means from each length of pipeline so that the length of pipeline sinks to the ocean floor.