Laying pipe on the seafloor can pose a number of challenges, especially if the water is deep. There are three main ways that subsea pipe is laid -- S-lay, J-lay and tow-in -- and the pipelay vessel is integral to the success of the installation.

In shallow-water scenarios, concrete is poured over the pipe to keep it in place, while in deepwater situations, the amount of insulation and the thickness required to ward of hydrostatic pressure is usually enough to keep the line in place.

Pipe laying in shallow water areas, tidal zones, tundra and from land to sea using the hover pipe lay barge.

Constructed of steel and capable of operating in subzero temperatures, the Hoverbarge provides a great platform for pipe laying activities. The main cargo deck area is large and flat enabling easy installation and layout of the pipe laying and welding equipment.

The Hoverbarge is fully amphibious, so unlike conventional vessels it can operate in any water depth, or no water at all. This enables operations to continue unaffected by tidal conditions, marshland or pack ice.

The Hoverbarge only exerts 1 psi ground pressure when on hover, reducing the environmental footprint of your operations. The lift fans and engines are located on the periphery of the Hoverbarge in sound proofed enclosures.

This hover pipe lay barge has enough power and deck area for a standard pipe lay configuration complete with welding, grinding, inspection stations along the entire pipeline alley. The Hoverbarge is capable of holding a stinger when launching the completed pipeline.

Using self propelled Hoverbarges to supply pipes and equipment to the hover pipe lay barge completes the solution.

An alternative solution for using a pipe riser in shallow water or for shallow water pipe repairs is to use two Hoverbarges with a gantry between them as shown below.

The example of pipeline installation in the shallow water can be seen in this video below: