The paper identifies the problems associated with the design and construction of pipeline systems in deep water and describes how they are being resolved in the present development areas of the northern waters of the North Sea.
Particular areas of interest are highlighted and suggestions are made for improvements of technical and economic results in the light of present-day performances.
Alternative methods of pipelaying are envisaged, and consideration is given to relations between the Industry and Governmental Organisations to provide for effective relationship.
Cette communication expose les problèmes liés à la conception et à la réalisation de conduites en eaux profondes et indique comment ils sont résolus dans les zones actuelles de développement dans la partie septentrionale de la mer du Nord.
On attire l'attention sur certains domaines d'intérêt, et on suggère des améliorations techniques et économiques à la lumière des performances actuelles.
On envisage d'autres méthodes de pose des conduites. On s'intéresse aux relations entre l'industrie et les organismes gouvernementaux, afin de les rendre efficaces.
Deep sea pipelaying is the inevitable step that follows deep sea exploration and production of oil and gas. In terms of capital investments, it will be a most expensive one to match the recent challenge of deep sea production, and it will also be demanding in terms of qualified manpower and equipment requirements.
Submarine pipeline work began in the Gulf of Mexico in 1946. The first barge, utilising what was then new construction for the then considered deep waters, was built in 1957. Most of these pipelines were built a few miles offshore, 30 to 40 miles in most cases.
The deepest pipeline today in the Gulf of Mexico is a 26 in line extending 25 miles offshore in 340 ft of water.
The development of equipment followed a pattern very similar to the one known for offshore exploration and production activities. Each laying season and each new set of conditions led to some improvement and to further developments of the surface vessels. They were made slightly larger, with more tensioning and heavier anchors, and with some improvements in stinger design and utilisation.
As the search for oil increased worldwide and as by A. DURAND de BOUSINGEN Compagnie Française des Pétroles, France more and more offshore locations were developed, new equipment and methods were again required to deal with the special sea conditions involved. Pipelaying at sea however remained largely inspired by Gulf of Mexico experience for the following reasons: Methods used were largely adequate for Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Mexico developments which were the most active markets for pipelaying contractors.
Oil companies relied largely on their traditional pipelaying contractors who had good