Apache: first dynamically positioned, vertical reel pipelay ship

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Ocean Ind.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5597261

Kunzi, R E; Uyeda, S

The Apache, the first self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel designed for laying steel pipeline from a reel, is capable of handling 4 to 16-in. pipe in prewelded strings 7 to 50 miles long. Built by the Galveston Div. of Todd Shipyards Corp. for Sante Fe International Corp., the $30 million vessel has a length of 400 ft and a breadth of 70 ft; a pair of diesel engines with a combined output of 7200 hp powers the vessel's twin-screw drive system. Its 54 x 22-ft pipe reel, turning on a horizontal axis, feeds pipe onto a vertically adjustable ramp that varies the amount of tension on the pipe to duit the pipe's size and sea depth while reducing overbend stresses and eliminating the need for a stinger. With the ramp raised to its maximum position, the ship can lay 16-in. pipe to a depth of 2000 ft and smaller lines to a depth of 3000 ft. The Apache's ability to operate in areas congested with platforms and subsea installations, without needing a conventional anchoring system, led to its first contract work in the North Sea's Buchan field.

• OSTI ID: 5597261
• Journal Information: Ocean Ind.; (United States), Journal Name: Ocean Ind.; (United States) Vol. 14; ISSN OCIDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
423000* -- Engineering-- Marine Engineering-- (1980-)
ATLANTIC OCEAN
DEPTH
DIMENSIONS
INSTALLATION
NORTH SEA
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
PIPELINES
SEAS
SHIPS
SURFACE WATERS
UNDERWATER OPERATIONS