Allseas / Activities / Pipelines and subsea / Pipeline protection Pipeline protection In most parts of the world where oil and gas production takes place, there are many existing pipelines and cables on the seabed that must be crossed when installing a new pipeline. To prevent any damage to these existing pipelines and cables, crossing preparations must be performed before a new pipeline is installed. Pipeline protection with mattresses Protection is provided by mattresses, consisting of concrete blocks connected by steel or synthetic material. The concrete blocks are covered with special pads to prevent the pipeline from being damaged. Since the crossing protrudes above the level of the seabed, it is covered either by rocks (rock dumping) or by additional mattresses for protection. Allseas’ support vessels are able to install concrete mattresses using their remotely controlled subsea installation frame and her ROV-operated mattress installation frame. Trenching underneath pipelines Additionally, in some areas pipelines must be buried to protect them from near-shore wave forces, ship anchors and commercial fishing activities. Specialised equipment is used to dig a trench and then cover the pipeline. Allseas’ mechanical trencher Digging Donald creates a V-shaped trench underneath the pipeline using mechanical digging arms. The pipeline gradually sinks into the trench behind the machine. Remedial passes clear soil that has fallen back into the trench by means of strong jets of water. Read more about pipeline design and engineering, pipeline installation, subsea installation, specialised pipelay operations and survey and subsea operations. Learn more about Allseas’ equipment and projects. Photo gallery Pipeline protection – Mattress installation Pipeline protection – Mattress installation Pipeline protection – Mattress installation Pipeline protection – Mattress installation Allseas Homepage Company Sustainability Projects Careers Contact Equipment Pioneering Spirit Solitaire Audacia Lorelay Tog Mor Fortitude Oceanic Pipe supply vessels Welding equipment Small equipment Subsea equipment Activities Pipelines and subsea Heavy lifting Innovations Fabrication Deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection River plastics removal Careers Onshore Offshore Students Our stories Vacancies Job mail How to apply Meet us © 2021 Allseas | Disclaimer | Privacy policy