Patent ID: 8708216

Claim:
A system for remotely controlled subsea joining of an end of a first pipeline and an end of a second pipeline, the first pipeline and the second pipeline being aligned and laterally separated, the system comprising: an arrangement for moving the end of the first pipeline toward the end of the second pipeline; a pipe sleeve having a first end, a second end, and internal seals for bearing against an outer surface of each of the first pipeline and the second pipeline when the end of the first pipeline and the end of the second pipeline are located in a mutually facing position within said internal seals; and a welding clamp having seals and an integrated welding tool for remotely welding said first end of said pipe sleeve to the first pipeline and for remotely welding said second end of said pipe sleeve to the second pipeline, wherein said welding clamp can be remotely fastened in a sealing engagement around the end of the first pipeline and the end of the second pipeline such that a welding atmosphere can be established and maintained in a volume delimited by said seals of said welding clamp and said internal seals of said pipe sleeve.