SSM Su 5297 A

SSM-SU-5297-A
Subsea Pipeline Construction
Operating Environment: Subsea
This document is the confidential property of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and its affiliates. When made available to
any contractor providing services to Chevron U.S.A. Inc. or its affiliates, the contractor’s use of this
document shall be governed by the confidentiality provisions of the applicable contract or bid package.
Without limiting the foregoing, neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed by the
contractor to any third party, other than an affiliate of the contractor that requires this information for
purposes of the contract with the Chevron entity, without the prior written consent of the Chevron entity that
has disclosed this document to the contractor. When requested by Chevron U.S.A. Inc. or its disclosing
affiliate, the contractor must return all copies of this document to the Chevron entity requesting such return
and delete any electronic copies from the contractor’s systems.
Any and all modifications (changes, amendments, etc.) to this document must follow approved
Chevron Engineering Standards governance processes.
Rev. Date Description Author Technology Leader

— 08/12 Initial release. S. Mebarkia A. Palisch
A 12/17 General revision. S. Mebarkia A. Critsinelis
December 2017 © 2012–2017 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. All rights reserved. Confidential – Restricted Access 1 of 62
Subsea Pipeline Construction SSM-SU-5297-A
Summary of Changes
Revised technical content may be marked with change bars in the right margin as directed by Author.
The Author denotes the following technical changes to this revision as detailed below:
Author notations regarding this revision
Section 5 – Simplified this section by referencing to the contractual terms between Owner and Supplier and
by referencing QAM-SU-6053.
Section 9 – To avoid duplication, allowable installation strains are now referenced in SSM-DU-5299.
Section 12 – Removed hybrids and flexibles since this specification focuses on rigid pipeline systems.
Section 16 – Pipelay installation analysis was moved to SSM-DU-5299.
General – Several other important changes were incorporated in this document.
Safety Critical Changes (if applicable) are noted below
N/A
Contents
1.0 Scope............................................................................................................................................... 6
2.0 References ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Owner Documents .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ........................................................................................... 7
2.3 Conflict Resolution and Deviations ..................................................................................... 7
3.0 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.0 General Requirements ................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Units of Measure ................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Software .............................................................................................................................. 9
5.0 Project Management ...................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 General ............................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Submittals Before Starting Operations at Site .................................................................. 10
5.3 Installation Manual ............................................................................................................ 10
5.4 Quality Management System ............................................................................................ 11
6.0 Materials ........................................................................................................................................ 12
6.1 Material Provided by Purchaser ........................................................................................ 12
6.2 Material Provided by Supplier ........................................................................................... 12
6.3 Material Control Procedure ............................................................................................... 13
6.4 Storage .............................................................................................................................. 13
6.5 Receipt of Line Pipe .......................................................................................................... 14
6.6 Receipt of Purchaser-Supplied Material ........................................................................... 15
6.7 Handling ............................................................................................................................ 16
6.8 Transportation ................................................................................................................... 18
6.9 Material Traceability .......................................................................................................... 19
6.10 Requirements for Corrosion Resistant Alloy Pipe ............................................................. 19
6.11 Cleanup, Pollution Control, and Damages ........................................................................ 20
7.0 Pipe Joint Fabrication.................................................................................................................. 20
7.1 Multiple Joints ................................................................................................................... 21
7.2 Tie-In Spools ..................................................................................................................... 21
7.3 Additional Pipe Identification after Fabrication .................................................................. 22
8.0 Pipelay Equipment and Required Personnel ............................................................................ 23
8.1 Installation Trials ............................................................................................................... 23
8.2 Pipelay Vessel Pre-Production Trials ................................................................................ 24
8.3 Personnel Transportation .................................................................................................. 24
8.4 Diving Requirements ......................................................................................................... 24
8.5 Remotely Operated Vehicles ............................................................................................ 25
8.6 Positioning System............................................................................................................ 27
8.7 Equipment Control ............................................................................................................ 27
9.0 Pipelay and Construction Operations........................................................................................ 29

9.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 29
9.2 Pre-Construction Survey and Seabed Preparation ........................................................... 30
9.3 Pipelay Initiation ................................................................................................................ 30
9.4 Initiation / Laydown Heads & Abandonment & Recovery Heads ...................................... 31
9.5 Pipeline Monitoring and Control ........................................................................................ 31
9.6 Supplier Anchor Handling, Mooring, and Dynamic Positioning Requirements ................. 34
9.7 Pipeline Abandonment and Recovery............................................................................... 36
9.8 Pipeline Welding ............................................................................................................... 36
9.9 Field Joint Coating ............................................................................................................ 37
10.0 Damage to Pipeline ...................................................................................................................... 37
10.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 37
10.2 Riser Splash Zone Coating Damage and Repair .............................................................. 37
10.3 Concrete Weight Coating .................................................................................................. 38
10.4 Testing and Inspection of Coating .................................................................................... 39
10.5 Pipe Damage .................................................................................................................... 39
10.6 Damage and Repair During Installation ............................................................................ 40
10.7 Weight Coating Damage Detected Below Water .............................................................. 40
11.0 Anode Attachment ....................................................................................................................... 41
11.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 41
11.2 Anode Attachment............................................................................................................. 41
11.3 Corrosion Coat Repair (After Anode Attachment) ............................................................ 41
11.4 Concrete Weight Coating Repair (After Anode Attachment) ............................................ 41
11.5 Inspection and Acceptance ............................................................................................... 41
12.0 Pipeline Riser Installation ........................................................................................................... 42
12.1 Conventional Risers .......................................................................................................... 42
12.2 J-Tube Risers .................................................................................................................... 43
12.3 Pre-Installed Risers ........................................................................................................... 46
12.4 Steel Catenary Risers ....................................................................................................... 47
12.5 Insulating Flanges ............................................................................................................. 47
13.0 Pipeline Burial and Trenching .................................................................................................... 47
14.0 Offshore Installation .................................................................................................................... 48
14.1 Pipeline Alignment and Tolerances .................................................................................. 48
14.2 Installation ......................................................................................................................... 48
14.3 Pull Tube Operation .......................................................................................................... 51
14.4 Abandonment and Recovery ............................................................................................ 53
14.5 Pickup and Laydown ......................................................................................................... 54
14.6 Buckle Initiation ................................................................................................................. 54
14.7 Protection of Nearby Existing Structures .......................................................................... 55
14.8 Pipeline Spanning ............................................................................................................. 55
14.9 Touchdown Monitoring ...................................................................................................... 56
14.10 Subsea Structures Installations ........................................................................................ 57
14.11 Reel-lay ............................................................................................................................. 57

14.12 Buckle During Pipelay ....................................................................................................... 57
14.13 Simultaneous Operations .................................................................................................. 58
14.14 Appurtenances in Firing Line ............................................................................................ 58
15.0 Pre-commissioning and Acceptance Testing ........................................................................... 59
16.0 Installation Analysis .................................................................................................................... 59
17.0 Crossings of Foreign Pipelines .................................................................................................. 59
18.0 Right-of-Way ................................................................................................................................. 60
19.0 As-Built Documentation .............................................................................................................. 61
19.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 61
19.2 Video Requirements.......................................................................................................... 61
1.0 Scope
1. This specification defines the minimum requirements for the construction and installation
of subsea rigid pipelines.
2. The scope of work includes rigid pipelines related fabrication and construction, but
excludes flexibles and hybrid top tension risers.
2.0 References
1. The following documents are referenced herein and are considered part of this
specification.
2. Unless otherwise specified in Section 2.1 or Section 2.2, use the latest edition of the
referenced documents.
2.1 Owner Documents

COM-SU-4042 Single and Dual Layer Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Systems for External
Pipeline Coatings
COM-SU-6095 Three-Layer Polypropylene Coating for Pipelines
COM-SU-6099 Three-Layer Polyethylene Coating for Pipelines
QAM-SU-6053 Quality Assurance Requirements for Equipment and Material
Manufacturers
SSM-SU-5003 Welding and Inspection Requirements for Subsea Pipelines and
Fixed Risers
SSM-DU-5299 Subsea Pipeline Design
SSM-SU-5315 Three-Layer Field Joint Coating
SSM-SU-5406 Work Class ROV Systems
SSM-SU-5419 General Survey and Positioning
SSM-SU-6045 Subsea Installation Vessels
SSM-SU-6069 Steel Catenary Riser Pull-In Operations and Equipment
SSM-SU-6093 Cathodic Protection of Subsea Pipelines
SSM-SU-6188 Subsea Pipeline Pre-Commissioning
SSM-SU-6199 Spoolbase for Reel-Lay Installation Method
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute (API)
RP 5L1 Recommended Practice for Railroad Transportation of Line Pipe
RP 5LW Recommended Practice for Transportation of Line Pipe on Barges and
Marine Vessels
DNVGL Group (DNV GL)

DNV-OS-F101 Submarine Pipeline Systems
2.3 Conflict Resolution and Deviations

1. Conflicts between documents shall be submitted to Purchaser in writing for resolution. If
requirements between different documents are in conflict, the more stringent requirements
shall apply.
2. Deviations and exceptions from codes, standards, and references listed herein shall require
notification and acceptance by Purchaser before they are considered acceptable.
3. This specification shall not conflict with local regulatory requirements. In the event of
conflict, the more stringent requirements shall apply.
4. Supplier shall obtain Purchaser written acceptance for any deviations from the requirements
of this specification or specifications, standards and drawings referenced herein.
3.0 Acronyms
A&R Abandonment and Recovery
AHT Anchor Handling Tug
ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable
CCTV Closed-Circuit Television
CP Cathodic Protection
CRA Corrosion Resistant Alloy
CVA Certifying Verification Authority
DGPS Differential Global Positioning System
DMA Dead Man Anchor
DP Dynamic Positioning
FBE Fusion-Bonded Epoxy
FCGT Flood Clean Gauge Test
FJC Field Joint Coating
GIS Geographic Information System

HES Health, Environment, and Safety
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
MWS Marine Warranty Surveyor
NCR Non-Conformance Report
NDE Nondestructive Examination
NDT Nondestructive Testing
PLET Pipeline End Termination
PMI Positive Material Identification
QC Quality Control
QMS Quality Management System
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
RTJ Ring-Type Joint
SCR Steel Catenary Riser
SDRL Supplier Document Requirement List
SI International System
SIMOPS Simultaneous Operations
SIVAP Subsea Installation Vessel Assurance Program
TDP Touchdown Point
VDC Volts Direct Current
WD Water Depth
WPQ Welding Procedure Qualification
WQT Welding Qualification and Testing
4.0 General Requirements

1. Supplier shall prepare the procedures necessary for pipelay and construction operations and
shall perform engineering analyses (e.g., lay stress analysis and abandonment and recovery
[A&R] analysis) and calculations required to plan and execute the work in compliance with
this specification and the contract Supplier document requirement list (SDRL).
2. Supplier shall provide support for surveying, positioning, communication, and
accommodations associated with the construction and installation of pipeline.
3. Unless specified otherwise, elevations on drawings and sketches shall be referenced to

lowest astronomical tide (LAT), and LAT shall appear as elevation 0.0 feet (0.0 m).
4. Purchaser health, environment, and safety (HES) procedures shall be strictly adhered to by
Supplier and Sub-Suppliers.
5. Supplier shall ensure that pipeline and riser installation complies with current governing
regulations and industry best practices, including this specification and the references listed
herein.
6. Supporting data shall be sufficient to prove validity of Supplier’s proposed specifications
and to show compliance with the codes, standards, recommended practices, and technical
requirements.
7. Supplier shall ensure that the minimum technical requirements for subsea installation
vessels used in subsea construction activities are met in accordance with SSM-SU-6045.
4.1 Units of Measure

1. Unless specified otherwise, the U.S. customary system shall be the preferred dimensional
system in the U.S., and metric or International System (SI) units shall be used outside the
U.S. in design calculations, computer analyses, drawings, and documentation.
2. Where U.S. customary units are preferred, and if metric units provide more conventional or
accurate means of reporting results, metric units may be used for drawings with U.S.
customary units included parenthetically.
4.2 Software
1. Before Supplier commences work, software description, capabilities, verification, and
quality assurance process shall be submitted to Purchaser for review and acceptance.
2. Before Supplier commences work, computer programs used for design and analysis shall be
subject to Purchaser review and acceptance.
3. When computer output is provided, Supplier shall furnish a description of the analytical
methods and parameters employed in the program, and shall identify the basic theory used.
5.0 Project Management

5.1 General
Project management, including pre-construction, kick off safety meetings, line of
communication, reporting, and other related matter shall be in accordance with the contractual
terms between Owner and Supplier.
5.2 Submittals Before Starting Operations at Site

Supplier shall provide the following information before starting operation at site in accordance
with the contractual schedule between Supplier and Owner:
1. Supplier shall prepare installation procedures, including drawings and calculations to

support the operations.
2. Installation procedures shall cover all phases of the pipeline and riser installation work
including loadout, transportation, laying, burial, trenching, crossings, and testing of the
pipeline system.
3. Supplier shall not proceed with installation operations until the Purchaser has reviewed and
accepted the installation procedures in writing.
4. Supplier shall not commence mobilization of installation vessel or equipment or work on
the installation vessel without written Purchaser acceptance.
5. Supplier shall include a project personnel chart proposing construction personnel and their
areas of responsibility, and a project schedule showing work to be done by each marine
vessel.
5.3 Installation Manual

1. Before the scheduled start of mobilization for installation, Supplier shall submit an
installation manual for Purchaser review and acceptance.
2. At a minimum, the installation manual shall include the requirements from DNV-OS-F101
and the following:
a. General procedures including the following:
1) HES procedures for all phases of work.
2) Simultaneous operations (SIMOPs) procedures.
3) Weather condition monitoring procedures.
4) Onshore fabrication procedures.
b. Pipeline construction procedures including the following:
1) Welding procedures, welding procedure qualification (WPQ), and welding
qualification and testing (WQT).
2) Nondestructive testing (NDT) procedures.
3) Pipelay procedures.
4) A&R procedures.
5) Installation procedures.
6) Pipeline ancillary equipment installation procedures (e.g., anode attachment
procedures).
7) Field joint coating (FJC) procedures.
8) Coating inspection and repair procedures.
9) Tension monitoring procedures.

10) Trenching and burial procedures, if applicable.
11) Tow procedures, if applicable.
12) Shore pull.
13) Pipe handling.
14) Pre- and post-survey.
15) Crossing, tie-in, and free span remediation.
c. Inspection procedures including the following:
1) Survey and positioning procedures.
2) Subsea inspection procedure.
3) Diving and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations procedures.
d. Contingency procedures including the following:
1) Emergency flooding and de-watering procedures.
2) Repair procedures.
3) Pipeline pickup, laydown, and repositioning procedures.
4) Spans detection and rectification procedures.
5) Vessel emergency response procedure.
6) Underwater repair procedures.
e. Installation analysis for all activities.
f. Installation equipment specifications including the following:
1) Installation vessel.
2) ROV equipment and spares.
3) Survey equipment.
4) Tensioners, A&R winches, davits, and any other pipelay equipment.
5) Dynamic positioning (DP) system.
6) Mooring system.
g. Pipeline pre-commissioning and drying.
3. Supplier shall provide and maintain a detailed project schedule that includes all aspects of
the project that relate to pipeline construction.
4. Supplier shall obtain Purchaser written acceptance for any deviations from the agreed-upon
procedures.
5.4 Quality Management System

Supplier shall meet the requirements pertaining to the quality management system (QMS) as
specified in QAM-SU-6053.
6.0 Materials
6.1 Material Provided by Purchaser
1. Supplier shall be responsible for Purchaser-supplied material receipt, handling, sorting,
storage, preservation and load-out on offshore installation Supplier-provided transportation.
2. For Purchaser-supplied items, it shall be the responsibility of the Supplier to ensure that
material received matches items purchased from manufacturer.
3. Supplier and Purchaser shall check quantity and condition of any material supplied by
Purchaser on receipt by Supplier at the staging area or designated delivery point.
4. Supplier shall maintain records with identification and serial numbers to properly document
the receipt, issue, return, and disposal of all material supplied by Purchaser. Supplier shall
permit inspection of the records by Purchaser.
5. All damage, flaws, and other defects to material shall be identified and recorded by
Supplier upon receipt.
a. Supplier shall provide written documentation (i.e., non-conformance report [NCR] on
this issue) to Purchaser.
b. Purchaser shall reserve the right to review the extent and type of damage, flaw, or other
defect identified by Supplier.
c. Damage shall be remedied by Supplier where possible with Purchaser written
acceptance.
d. Defective material that cannot be repaired by Supplier in the opinion of Purchaser shall
be removed and stored separately by Supplier until handover back to Purchaser.
6. Material furnished to and accepted by Supplier shall be deemed to be in the custody of
Supplier from time of receipt until used in the work or returned to Purchaser.
a. Materials damaged while in Supplier’s custody shall be replaced by Supplier.
b. Supplier shall be responsible for returning unused material to Purchaser in accordance
with details stipulated in contract.
7. For Purchaser supplied materials accepted by Supplier, Supplier shall be responsible for
preservation, including any preservation activities and consumables of these materials
during possession of Supplier.
6.2 Material Provided by Supplier

1. Supplier shall provide all materials for the work that are not listed as free issue to Supplier
by Purchaser.
a. All material supplied by Supplier that will be part of the permanent works shall adhere
to the same requirements as Purchaser-supplied materials.
b. Supplier shall provide mill certificates for all pipe, forgings, flanges, and fittings
supplied by Supplier.
2. Supplier shall maintain material take-offs and measurements to determine the quantities of
material to be supplied. Due allowance shall be made for any contingencies and other
events.
3. Purchaser may provide the services of a marine warranty surveyor (MWS) for witnessing
all of Supplier's loadout, towing, and installation activities.
4. Material to be provided by Supplier for use in the work scope shall be new, of good quality,
without defect, and shall have relevant certification documents to show conformance with
specifications.
5. When doubt exists regarding the identity of material in the work scope, or the conformance
of a weld with the accepted procedure, at Purchaser’s request Supplier shall cut out and
remove for testing any section of the questioned material or welded area. Testing shall be in
accordance to Purchaser, verification agency, and warranty surveyor requirements.
6. Supplier shall provide full documentation for any material testing, including tensile,
fracture, and hardness testing, where the material is used in pressure-containing
applications.
7. Fabricated items and component material shall be appropriately labeled and stored in
conditions that are not detrimental to their base material or their applied coatings.
8. Stocks of material whose shelf life has expired shall not be used.
9. Each consignment of material shall be checked to conform to the QMS procedures.
6.3 Material Control Procedure

1. Supplier shall submit the material control procedure for Purchaser review and acceptance.
2. At a minimum, material control procedure shall include the following:
a. Procedure for loading and unloading pipe and equipment.
b. Description and specifications for equipment to be used.
c. Description and specifications for modes of transportation.
d. Procedure for control of damaged project material.
e. A logistics plan on how the material will be managed while onsite, coming, and going.
6.4 Storage
1. Supplier shall be responsible for conservation, preservation, and proper storage of all
project materials from the time they are delivered to Supplier’s yard until final load-out.
2. Supplier shall provide a secured staging area with 24-hour surveillance for Purchaser-
supplied material beginning prior to mobilization and until job completion.
3. All project material shall be stored under conditions that do not detrimentally affect
performance characteristics, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation, and
Purchaser specification requirements.
4. At a minimum, the following shall apply:

a. Pipe shall be stacked and protected to prevent damage to pipe and coatings.
b. Protruded bracelet anodes joints shall be stacked at the top layer.
c. Storage areas shall be well drained and free from material likely to cause physical or
chemical damage to pipe or coatings.
d. Pipe racks shall be of sufficient height to prevent pipe surface or uncoated ends of
coated pipe from touching the ground or allowing ground runoff water to enter pipe.
e. Pipes shall be stockpiled on a horizontal surface in a pyramidal shape or between rows
of sufficiently spaced stanchions. Wood or other soft dunnage with plastic covers shall
be used to support the bottom layer and to eliminate contact of the pipe with metallic
surfaces or soil.
f. Pipe ends shall be protected at all times with Purchaser-accepted end caps.
g. Special arrangements shall be made for storage of items that are weather sensitive
(e.g., rain, temperature, sunlight).
h. Pipe shall be angled so that water drains out if it rains or floods.
i. All insulation material shall be stored and installed in clean dry conditions that comply
with insulation manufacturer recommendations.
5. Supplier shall submit a storage plan for single or multi joints with stacking details for
Purchaser review and acceptance.
a. The maximum stacked height shall not exceed the maximum stacking height as
determined in the line pipe stack height calculations from Section 6.7.
b. The bottom layer of pipe shall be adequately supported on sand berms or timbers to
prevent constant contact with standing water.
c. Fatigue-sensitive riser joints shall not be nested.
d. Multiple joint layers shall be separated by an adequate number of appropriately sized
timber stripping (i.e., 4 × 4-inch [100 × 100-mm] timbers), and the total number of
layers shall not exceed six unless accepted by Purchaser.
6.5 Receipt of Line Pipe

1. Pipe joints shall be numbered and Supplier shall record the following items on a tally sheet,
pipe tracking software, or both, at a minimum:
a. Pipe manufacturer’s unique joint number.
b. Heat number.
c. Purchase order number.
d. Most recent measured length.
e. Date received.
f. Pipe diameter and wall thickness.
g. Material grade.
h. Damage to the pipe.

i. Identification by steel catenary riser (SCR), fatigue sensitive pipeline, and normal
pipeline.
2. Supplier tracking software shall be compatible with Purchaser’s system, such as geographic
information system (GIS).
3. Supplier shall accept receipt of all line pipes when the pipe joint is released from the hook
onto Supplier’s means of transport at Purchaser-designated location.
a. Pipe shall be loaded on the Supplier’s transportation.
b. Supplier shall be responsible for securing line pipe and material onto transportation.
4. Supplier shall witness loadout tally and sign for receipt of all pipe at that time.
a. Supplier shall inspect pipes for damage (e.g., steel damage or coating damage) at the
time of loadout, and any damage observed shall be noted on the loadout tally.
b. At Supplier’s option, pipe may be re-measured by Supplier to verify footage, but
Purchaser shall witness all measurements.
5. Pipe storage/stacks (including onshore) on transportation vessel(s) and on the lay
barge/vessel, shall be in accordance with accepted pipe stacking calculations.
6. Stacking calculations shall be developed by Supplier and accepted by Purchaser prior to
stacking of pipe.
6.6 Receipt of Purchaser-Supplied Material

1. Supplier shall receive, check, visually inspect, and accept free-issue items and supporting
documentation. Supplier shall notify Purchaser of discrepancies or damage to any free-
issue items in writing.
2. Purchaser shall be present at all times during the unloading of Purchaser-supplied material.
3. In a form agreed by Purchaser, Supplier shall maintain adequate records for free-issue
items and shall provide a regular weekly inventory to Purchaser to show the use of items
received and the balance of material unused. Supplier shall identify location(s) where pipe
and other materials are stored.
4. Supplier shall provide suitable and safe storage for free-issue items and shall make good
any loss, damage, or deterioration that may occur to items while in the possession or
control of Supplier.
a. Supplier shall be solely responsible for the material after receipt, and pipe or material
lost, stolen, or damaged while in possession of Supplier, shall be charged to or replaced
by Supplier.
b. Supplier shall ensure that before incorporation into the work scope, the free-issue items
carry clear identification that they belong to Purchaser.
5. Supplier shall clarify special delivery instructions in writing, including the following as an
example:
a. Required notice before delivery (i.e., 24 hours).
b. Delivery hours (i.e., 7:00 am–5:00 pm).
c. Delivery days (i.e., Monday–Friday).
d. Shipping/receiving coordinator’s information (i.e., phone, fax, and email).
6. Supplier shipping/receiving coordinator shall be responsible for reporting the arrival and
off-loading of material to Purchaser. Supplier shall provide the following information at a
minimum:
a. Date of delivery.
b. Item description (include dimensions and grade).
c. Quantity.
d. Purchase order number (if applicable).
e. Sub-Supplier name.
6.7 Handling
1. Pipe damaged during handling, storage, or transportation shall be identified and disposition
shall be obtained from Purchaser. Supplier shall provide detailed NCR to document the
issue and resolution.
2. Supplier shall handle the pipe and other free-issue material so as not to damage the pipe,
material, or coatings. Handling shall meet the requirements of API 5LW.
3. Supplier shall provide calculations and drawings for proposed stacking heights and support
system, showing that static load stress does not exceed the limits established in API 5LW,
and coatings are not loaded beyond the allowable stress stated in the insulation/coating
design report.
4. Supplier shall provide calculations for lifting pipe joints to confirm that maximum
combined (axial plus bending) strain of 0.1 percent is not exceeded.
a. A dynamic load factor of 1.50 shall be considered when calculating stress.
b. For lifting from a pipe transportation barge to the installation vessel, the dynamic load
factor shall be 2.0.
5. Supplier shall provide lifting calculations and drawings, including rigging drawing, for all
loads greater than 5 U.S. tons (4.5 metric tons) or critical in nature. These calculations shall
include determination of center of gravity and sling loads, sling and shackle specifications,
lifting eye checks, and crane ratings.
6. To prevent damage during handling of pipe, all possible precautions shall be taken,
including the following:
a. Pipe shall not be dropped.
b. Pipe shall not be rolled on a surface that can damage pipe or coating.
c. Pipe shall not be stored or handled in such a manner as to distort the round form of the
ends or damage the bevels.
d. Other than specially accepted lifting tools, only wide non-abrasive canvas or leather
belts shall be used to prevent damage to pipes and components.
e. Acceptable end hooks may also be used for handling pipe.
1) When end hooks are used, they shall be designed to prevent damage to pipe ends.
2) End hooks shall have sufficient width and depth to fit the pipe inside diameter.
f. Use of tongs, bar pinch bars, chain or rope slings without canvas covers, slings with
protruding rivets, pipe hooks without proper padding, or any other handling equipment
found to be injurious to the coating shall not be permitted.
g. Joints and sections of coated and wrapped pipe shall be picked up clear of the ground
and not dragged over the ground. In the handling of coated pipe, impact shall be
minimized and skids used to support coated pipe shall be adequately padded.
h. Insulated, concrete-coated, or corrosion-coated pipe shall be handled with special care
to avoid damage.
i. Supplier shall verify that handling equipment and stacking design does not damage or
compress the insulation.
j. Handling shall be carried out in such a manner that impact loads sufficient to cause
local denting or out-of-roundness of pipe body or pipe ends do not occur.
k. Pipes shall be picked up clear of the ground or deck of the barge and moved bodily, not
dragged over the ground or the barge deck. Pipe shall not be subjected to jars or
impacts.
l. Skids used to support coated line pipe shall be of sufficient width so as not to damage
the coating.
m. Coated and uncoated pipe shall not be subject to jars or impacts, but shall be lifted or
lowered from one level to another by suitable equipment.
In loading pipe on trucks, rail cars, and barges, each length shall be lowered to
position without dropping, and each succeeding length shall rest evenly with other
lengths.
2) For pipe loaded on trucks, suitable chains with padding shall be used to tie the load
securely to each bolster.
n. Bolsters of trucks, rail cars, and barges used for coated pipe transportation shall have a
bearing surface of not less than 12 inches (300 mm) to give necessary support to the
padding that protects the coating.
1) Sacks partially filled with sand or sawdust shall be placed on the bolsters and
between the outside bottom pipes and bolster stakes.
2) In general, maximum piling height on trucks, rail cars, and barges shall be limited
to the maximum height recommended by the coating manufacturer.
3) Chains, cable, and other equipment used for fastening the load shall be carefully
padded to prevent damage to the coating.
7. Purchaser shall have the right to inspect pipe handling. If, in the opinion of Purchaser, pipe
is being handled improperly or proper precautions are not being taken, the handling of the
pipe shall stop until the problem is corrected.
8. Racks (e.g., storage and welding) shall be fabricated to support the weight of insulation
coated pipe without damaging the insulation. Supplier shall provide written documentation
that demonstrates adherence to this requirement.
9. Supplier shall handle and store flanges and connectors, fittings, valves, insulating flanges,
and other material in a manner to preserve their condition, prevent loss, and protect against
damage and theft.
a. Flanges and connectors, fittings, valves and hubs, insulating flanges, and other material
with finished surfaces shall be elevated to prevent contact with the ground or other
corrosive surfaces.
b. Valves, hubs, flanges, and connectors shall be stored with temporary closures over
the ends.
10. Supplier shall pack, handle, and store prefabricated assemblies such as pipeline sleds or
side-tap assemblies in a manner to prevent damage to the assembly and other material.
6.8 Transportation
1. Supplier shall be responsible for transportation of Purchaser free-issue material per the
project-specific contractual requirement. Unless otherwise specified by Purchaser,
transportation shall meet the requirements of API 5L1 or API 5LW, as applicable.
2. Supplier shall meet all requirements of the MWS.
3. Chains, cables, strapping, stanchions, and other material and equipment used for fastening
and tying down the pipe for transportation purposes shall be carefully padded.
a. Dunnage, skids, or padding shall be used to protect the bottom layer of pipe from the
barge deck.
b. Seafastening, including procedures for the line pipe, shall be reviewed and accepted by
Purchaser.
4. Valves, fittings, and other loose material (except pipe) shall be transported offshore on
supply boats or other suitable vessels. Only pipe shall be transported on pipe haul barges,
unless otherwise accepted by Purchaser.
5. Supplier shall secure the required material handling permits and shall perform barging,
hauling, and trucking in accordance with the appropriate laws and regulations of
governmental agencies, other controlling authorities, or both.
6. Supplier shall prepare plans and procedures for loading, hauling, unloading, storing, and
handling pipe. Plans and procedures shall be submitted to and accepted by Purchaser before
Supplier commences work.
7. Supplier shall load out single and multiple joints onto Supplier-provided barge-mounted
storage bins or onto material barges.
a. Once selected, offshore installation Supplier shall provide bin drawings indicating the
location of special single and multiple joints (e.g., bulkhead joints) that are required for
the loadout and installation sequence. Supplier shall group the loadout and staking per
the coating type of the pipe joints.
b. Supplier shall provide a loadout plan for single and multiple joints.
c. Supplier shall have waterfront property with direct access to open water suitable for
navigation with typical material barges. Supplier shall address ability to handle
material barges, and what effort will be required to make this possible.
d. No persons shall assist in the loadout of single or multiple joints unless they have the
necessary experience and qualifications (i.e., a riggers certificate).
6.9 Material Traceability

1. Components, materials, and welds shall be clearly marked in accordance with Supplier’s
procedure for identification. Procedure for identification shall define in detail the
following:
a. How Supplier will control the identification and marking of material and welds.
b. How Supplier will record weld history nondestructive examination (NDE) results and
material placement.
2. Full traceability shall be required for pipe and material components of the permanent
pipeline system. Material assemblies and sub-assemblies, including weld identities, shall be
recorded.
3. For material not required to be fully traceable, Supplier shall ensure by the adoption of a
suitable marking system acceptable to Purchaser, that only specified and certified material
are built into the work.
4. Material not bearing the appropriate material identification marking shall not be built into
the work.
6.10 Requirements for Corrosion Resistant Alloy Pipe

1. All work performed with corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) pipe shall ensure that the pipe at
no time is contaminated with ferrous materials.
a. Equipment and infrastructure that may contact CRA pipe, including vessel holds, pipe
racks, pipe handling systems, and firing line weld and repair stations, shall be cleaned
of all loose ferrous materials prior to use for CRA pipe handling and storage, and
maintained clean during the period of use of CRA pipe.
b. Removal of staining arising from ferrous contamination shall be performed using a
procedure accepted by Purchaser.
2. Supplier shall verify the CRA material in every pipe joint in the ready rack with a positive
material identification (PMI) instrument prior to introduction into the firing line.
a. The PMI instrument shall be capable of identifying the different CRA materials and
shall be subject to Purchaser acceptance.
b. The results of the PMI tests shall be recorded in the pipe tally.
6.11 Cleanup, Pollution Control, and Damages

1. At the completion of the project, Supplier shall provide the handling and transportation
necessary to relocate surplus material to a location designated by Purchaser.
2. Supplier shall provide personnel and equipment necessary to accomplish the following:
a. Disassemble spare fabricated pipe sections into the as-received condition.
b. Load out scrap material, as directed by Purchaser.
3. Salvaged, excess, and waste material shall be disposed of in a manner satisfactory to
Purchaser.
4. During installation, Supplier shall not discard any construction material, scrap, auxiliary
installation equipment, or other objects on the seabed.
5. Temporary installation equipment, anchors, and buoys shall have locations defined during
installation process so they can be easily located and removed at close of project.
6. Vessels under contract to Purchaser shall strictly control the disposal of material on the
vessel from previous work or used during construction.
7. Supplier shall have adequate trash containers on the installation vessel to promote proper
trash disposal. If requested by Purchaser, Supplier shall provide additional trash containers.
8. The negligent throwing of trash (e.g., cans, bottles, rope, cable, welding rods, brushes,
cups, and paper) overboard shall give the Purchaser authority to require that person’s
removal from the vessel.
9. If debris is accidentally placed on the seabed, it shall be recovered by Supplier.
10. Temporary work sites, storage yards, and sites on land, if established solely for this project,
shall be cleaned up and the site shall be returned to a condition acceptable by Purchaser.
7.0 Pipe Joint Fabrication

1. Supplier shall prepare a design assembly and inspection procedure.
2. Supplier shall provide an assembly and test site to perform pipe makeup.
3. Pipe shall be coated with Purchaser-accepted coating specification.
4. Fabrication of joint length shall meet the requirements of offshore Supplier equipment and
methodology.
5. Supplier shall provide a detailed design of fatigue-sensitive pipe sections. Design shall
account for the required fit-up tolerances defined by the project.
a. This design shall be done initially for pipe in the as-received condition and shall not
include end-machined ends.
b. If Supplier can demonstrate that the fatigue-sensitive sections cannot be assembled
without end machining, Supplier shall submit an end machining plan for Purchaser
acceptance before beginning any construction.
6. Equipment used for the assembly of the pipe shall be of proven design and in good
operating condition.
7. Methods employed shall be in accordance with prudent engineering, fabrication, and
construction practice.
7.1 Multiple Joints

Pre-fabrication of multiple joints (i.e., double, quad, or hex joints) shall include the following:
1. Unloading pipes from barges and sorting the pipe by length, as necessary.
2. Transporting and handling of pipes throughout fabrication process.
3. Fabricating single pipe joints (approximately 40 feet [12.2 m]) into multiple joints,
including welding and inspection.
4. Incorporating J-lay collars into multiple joints as necessary (details to be provided by
Supplier) or Supplier-fabricated friction clamps into a predetermined number of multiple
joints as necessary (accepted design and details to be provided by Supplier).
5. Installing a complete field joint including insulation on multiple joint welds.
6. Installing corrosion coating on collars (if applicable) onto multi joints as necessary.
7. Loading out fabricated multiple joints onto Supplier’s transportation.
7.2 Tie-In Spools

1. Tie-in spools shall be required for connection of the risers to the platform piping on a
floating or fixed facility or between subsea structures.
a. Design configuration of the tie-in spools shall be made available after the host platform
and riser approach or subsea connection configuration is selected.
b. Final configuration of the tie-in spools shall be based on a pre-test fitting or Purchaser-
accepted metrology.
2. Onshore fabrication of tie-in spools shall include the following at a minimum:
a. Unloading of pipe and material from barges and trucks, and sorting material as
necessary.
b. Transporting and handling of material throughout the fabrication process.
c. Fabricating tie-in spools or partial spools that are based on precise measurements from
the tie-in.
d. Hydrotest and gauging.
e. Installing complete field joint (including insulation if applicable) on all tie-in welds.
3. Supplier shall perform survey to determine the required lengths and bends for tie-in spools.
4. Onshore fabrication of tie-in spools shall be required, except for the green or field-
adjustable length and green or field-adjustable bends.
5. Supplier shall provide Purchaser with all relevant information, documentation, and as-built
that includes final fabrication of tie-in spool and hydrotest records.
7.3 Additional Pipe Identification after Fabrication

1. Identification in addition to those listed in Section 6.5 shall be required on each joint of
pipe after it has been welded.
a. Joint details shall be clearly marked on the pipe using a suitable quick-curing marine
paint, compatible with the pipe coating and in a color contrasting with the pipe coating.
b. Markings shall be painted on each pipe length near the welded joint, on both sides of
the pipe centered at the 3 o’clock and the 9 o’clock positions.
2. The following minimum information shall be recorded in an electronic computerized
database format:
a. Weld numbers.
b. NDE numbers.
c. FJC type and date of application.
d. Coating damage and repair log reference.
e. Joint numbers.
3. For each assembled joint requiring a cut-out/weld repair, an individual report shall be
generated that provides the following information:
a. Reason for cut-out/weld repair.
b. Cut-out/excavation length and depth.
c. Measured remaining ligament height to bore after back gouging.
d. Measured pipe joint length (as-built) after cut-out.
e. Date and time of cut-out/weld repair.
f. Personnel responsible for cut-out and weld repair.
g. Reference NDT report numbers.
h. Supplier quality control (QC) inspector name and signature.
i. Purchaser QC inspector name and signature.
4. Any joint numbers that are not clearly displayed on the pipe after fabrication shall be
reinstated.
8.0 Pipelay Equipment and Required Personnel

1. Personnel shall be adequately trained, qualified for the tasks to be undertaken, experienced
in these tasks, have completed competency validation, and shall maintain up-to-date
qualifications.
2. The vessel and equipment on board the pipelay installation vessel shall be in acceptable
working condition and accepted by Purchaser via inspections and audits in line with the
Owner’s upstream marine manual, subsea installation vessel assurance program (SIVAP),
and SSM-SU-6045.
3. The requirements of DNV-OS-F101, Section 10-D and SSM-SU-6045 shall be met.
4. Supplier shall have necessary spare equipment available on vessel to replace or repair
defective equipment.
8.1 Installation Trials

1. Installation trials shall encompass operational and load tests of major equipment
(e.g., winches, pipe support rollers, pipe stalking and line-up equipment, tensioners,
cranes, welding machines, and communication equipment) as specified by Purchaser or
Purchaser’s certifying verification authority (CVA) (e.g., CVA or MWS). These tests shall
be performed before barge mobilization in the presence of Purchaser and Purchaser’s
CVAs.
2. Onboard static and dynamic testing of tensioners’ capacities shall be performed with the
coated pipe proposed for the project. The tension capacities of the winches shall be tested
and tension read-outs shall be calibrated.
3. Sufficient notice shall be given to allow Purchaser to witness the trial test.
4. Supplier shall submit installation trial procedures to Purchaser before mobilization for
sea trials.
5. If applicable, stinger equipment shall be checked in the water where possible. Stinger
equipment that cannot be checked in the water shall be tested on the surface before the
stinger is attached to the lay vessel.
6. Supplier shall submit the installation trials data book at the completion of sea trials and
before the start of offshore operations. Data book shall contain results of tests carried out
during installation trials.
7. Trials for DP systems shall be in accordance with the Owner’s upstream marine manual
and SSM-SU-6045, Section 4.8.
8.2 Pipelay Vessel Pre-Production Trials

1. Pre-production trials shall be performed on the pipelay vessel prior to commencement of
production offshore of each pipeline.
2. The pre-production trials shall demonstrate the correct functioning of welding, NDT, repair
and coating equipment, and shall demonstrate reliable and consistent production.
3. A pre-production trial shall only be considered successful if it meets the requirements of
the contract and this specification, and is accepted by Purchaser.
4. Pre-production trials shall include testing for production welding, NDT, FJC, and any other
pipelay production activity identified by Purchaser.
5. For each weld procedure, using the same equipment intended for production welding,
Supplier shall perform a minimum of ten consecutive complete and successful welds.
a. Supplier shall nominate the expected cycle times for the welds, which must be
representative of the weld cycle times expected during production ramp-up.
b. For each weld procedure, one consistency weld shall be cut-out to provide a weld
specimen that shall be subjected to mechanical testing to demonstrate compliance with
the weld acceptance criteria.
6. NDT equipment shall be tested as part of the consistency weld production to demonstrate
that it meets the requirements of accepted NDT procedures.
7. FJC application equipment shall be demonstrated to be functioning correctly and that it
meets the requirements of accepted FJC procedures.
8.3 Personnel Transportation

1. Supplier shall provide transportation to, from, and between Supplier’s vessels, offshore
living quarters or offshore facilities, and the onshore support base for Supplier’s personnel.
2. Supplier’s vessels shall have the capacity to accommodate Purchaser’s personnel associated
with the construction and installation work.
8.4 Diving Requirements

1. Supplier shall furnish required diving services, equipment, and supplies needed to install
pipelines and risers, mark subsea hazards and obstructions, and shall confirm that the
pipeline has been laid in accordance with Purchaser-accepted drawings and this
specification.
a. Supplier equipment shall be in good and serviceable condition, shall be suited to safely
support the diving operations, and shall be maintained in these conditions during work.
b. Equipment and procedures shall meet applicable industry regulations and any
additional Purchaser requirements.
2. A diving report, written in English, shall be submitted to Purchaser for review and
acceptance at the conclusion of each dive.
3. Supplier shall submit procedures to Purchaser that cover types of diving Supplier intends to
employ (including general procedures). Detailed documentation shall be submitted to
Purchaser before commencement of any diving operation.
4. Diving equipment for placement and use on an offshore platform shall be rated for possible
ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids that may be present within
the atmosphere under abnormal operating conditions (i.e., Class 1, Division II compatible).
5. Supplier shall maintain diving logbooks and shall prepare incident reports per local
authority requirements.
a. Individual dive sheets and all records including videos shall be prepared giving details
for each dive.
b. Diving documents shall be signed by the on-duty and any relief diving supervisors.
c. Copies of these documents shall be provided daily to Purchaser.
8.5 Remotely Operated Vehicles

1. Supplier shall furnish remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipment and personnel support
to determine and confirm that the pipelines and risers have been installed in accordance
with Purchaser drawings and specifications.
2. The use of ROV shall adhere to the requirements of the following documents:
a. SSM-SU-5406.
b. Purchaser’s audit report for ROV equipment.
3. At a minimum, Supplier shall provide ROV inspection for certain phases of construction
specified in the scope of work.
a. Inspections detailed in Table 1 shall be required as appropriate.
b. Work shall be suspended if an ROV is not available to perform a specified inspection.
4. Supplier shall meet the following reporting requirements:
a. Supplier shall maintain ROV logbooks and all records including videos and shall
prepare incident reports per local authority requirements.
b. Individual ROV sheets shall be prepared giving details for each ROV dive.
c. ROV documents shall be signed by the on-duty and any relief ROV supervisors.
d. Copies of these documents shall be provided daily to Purchaser.
5. Supplier shall supply and mobilize a minimum of two work class ROVs to site to support
pipelay operations.
Table 1: ROV Inspections

Inspection Description
Pull Tube  ROV shall monitor the progress of the pull tube pulling operation, including stringing of
the pull cable, progress and position of the pipe and pull head, and the pull tube mouth
entrance angle.
Lay Initiation  ROV shall monitor the placement of deadman anchors (if applicable) and initiation sleds,
progress and position of the laydown assembly and pipeline, and the touchdown point (TDP)
of the pipeline.
 Specifically, ROV shall be used to verify the position of the pipeline laydown head relative to
the target area.
 ROV shall also ensure that there is no interference between the pipeline or laydown cable
and any existing facility structures.
 ROV shall be used to provide as-built data.
 ROV shall not be released until the deadman anchors have been retrieved, laydown cables
removed, and span verification has been determined.
Touchdown  ROV shall perform continuous visual touchdown monitoring of the pipeline during the
installation to ensure that the pipeline is properly aligned and positioned within the required
installation tolerances and laydown target areas.
 Another ROV shall be used to monitor lay route ahead at all time during laying.
 ROV shall inspect for damage caused during the pipelay process.
As-Laid  ROV shall be used to ensure that the specified pipeline TDPs coincide with the planned route.
Position  This inspection shall be provided immediately following the pull tube or lay initiation and shall
not be discontinued until after the pipe has touched down beyond specified station number.
 If applicable, ROV shall verify that there is no sliding or dragging of the pipe while laying the
initial pipeline curve.
Crossings and  ROV shall be used to monitor the TDPs of the new pipeline as it is laid across pre-existing
Tie-Ins pipelines.
 Supplier shall ensure that the pipeline settles in the desired location on top of the pre-crossing
protective material that shall have been placed at the crossing location.
As-Built Survey  ROV shall be used to obtain all information necessary to produce certified as-built drawings
as required in this specification.
 ROV survey shall be performed in one continuous pass.
 Supplier shall notify Purchaser of pipeline free spans encountered during the ROV survey,
and shall provide detailed local pipeline and sea floor information for evaluation of the span
within 48 hours of discovery.
Riser  ROV shall be used to monitor the complete platform riser installation and to perform a
Installation complete visual inspection after the riser is installed.
 In conjunction with the ROV riser inspection, a complete inspection shall be performed by
divers to verify integrity of pipe coating.
 Use of an over helmet camera shall be an acceptable alternative to the use of an ROV.
Subsea  ROV shall be used to monitor the installation of all subsea equipment (e.g., pipeline end
Equipment terminations [PLETs] and suction piles) to ensure that all subsea equipment is placed in the
Positioning correct position and in the correct orientation.
8.6 Positioning System

1. Supplier shall provide onboard surveyors to track the barge position and its relationship to
the right-of-way and to locate anchor placements.
2. Pipeline installation manual shall contain a detailed description of the barge positioning
system and the real-time display system that surveyors will use to monitor pipelay and
hazard locations, and support vessel and anchor locations.
3. Pipeline installation manual shall contain a detailed description of the barge mooring
system or DP system.
4. Supplier shall provide, maintain, and operate adequate horizontal positioning systems to
determine the location of construction and survey vessels at all times. The complete system
used, including the locations of reference stations, frequencies, and other local system
characteristics shall be subject to Purchaser review and acceptance.
5. If available, Purchaser may furnish a preliminary map of all existing pipelines, risers,
subsea structures (PLETs), and appurtenances in the area of work.
a. It shall be Supplier’s responsibility to locate all subsea equipment in the installation
area before beginning work in the immediate area.
b. Supplier shall provide other necessary maps, nautical aids, navigational warnings,
transponders, and similar items required to properly and safely conduct work.
c. Additionally, Supplier shall provide position-fixing ancillary equipment such as line of
site, differential global positioning system (DGPS), radio systems, and radar to
complete work.
d. Supplier shall provide detailed survey procedures for Purchaser review and acceptance.
6. Supplier shall be solely responsible for the acceptable positioning and position fixing of the
installation vessel, survey vessels, and other installation spread equipment.
7. DP system shall be adequate for all phases of installation including pipelaying, pipeline
initiation, laydown, and A&R operations.
8. Lay vessel positioning data and as-built survey data shall be accessible to Purchaser on the
lay vessel at all times during the installation. Lay positioning data and as-built survey raw
data shall be made available to Purchaser.
9. Supplier shall provide a positioning system such as fan beam to deliver an alert and prevent
the lay vessel from deviating from its intended position near the host platform while
performing activities such as riser initiation or riser pull in.
8.7 Equipment Control

1. Supplier shall take all necessary steps to ensure that all the pipelaying parameters such as
holdback tension, pipe support heights, installation vessel trim, and stinger configuration,
conform to the Purchaser-accepted procedures at all times.
2. Any departure from the expected behavior of the pipeline during installation as detailed in
the procedures shall be brought to the attention of Purchaser immediately, investigated as to
its cause, and remedial action taken to the satisfaction of Purchaser.
3. The adjustment of the tensioning device and, in particular, the setting of the dead band
control that determines the onset of movement of pipe, shall be such that the variations of
tension remain within safe limits, and that the movements for tension remain smooth and
free from snatch, both at standstill and during pulling of each joint.
4. The tensioners shall have sufficient capacity such that in the event of failure of one
tensioner, the system will have sufficient capacity to hold and not overstress the pipeline.
5. Supplier shall nominate positions/persons to be responsible for the correct regulation of the
tensioning device, the stinger, and for stress control parameters.
a. Such nominated positions/persons shall be identified and documented in the
procedures.
b. Except in an emergency, no other person shall make any change in the laying
parameters.
6. The pipe rollers and A&R cable rollers on the installation vessel and stinger shall be
provided and maintained to prevent damage to the pipe, pipe coating, anodes, and field
joints.
a. All worn and damaged rollers shall be replaced prior to mobilization to the satisfaction
of Purchaser and all rollers shall be monitored for damage during production and
replaced as required.
b. Supplier shall demonstrate that the A&R cable rollers do not damage the pipe coating
for all pipe sizes.
8.7.1 Surface Positioning System

1. Supplier shall use redundant DGPS positioning systems to ensure that the accuracy of the
continuous positioning of the installation vessel and its support vessels (e.g., tugs, survey
boat) is maintained, including during adverse weather or visibility conditions and at night.
2. Supplier shall ensure that all floating craft and equipment exhibit adequate navigation
signals and warning lights.
3. Supplier shall provide real-time satellite positioning onboard the construction vessels.
a. Establishing and marking the route, and locating existing facilities, obstructions,
hazards, and the anchor handling tugs (AHTs) shall be performed from the construction
vessel.
b. Neither marker buoys nor magnetometer searches shall be used to verify existing
facilities, pipelines, or obstructions.
c. Buoys shall not be used during installation to mark anodes, subsea connectors, or
curves.
4. In the event that a support vessel’s survey is different than that used by the Supplier,
Supplier shall ensure that all survey providers actively and openly communicate with each
other for the purpose of survey integration.
5. Unless otherwise agreed with Purchaser, Supplier shall provide remote vessel
instrumentation on all vessels so that every vessel may monitor the movements of other
vessels, as well as ROVs and subsea positioning activities.
8.7.2 Survey
1. All survey and positioning activities shall satisfy the technical requirements of and comply
with SSM-SU-5419.
2. Supplier shall provide survey equipment and personnel necessary to position subsea
equipment in the target boxes at all installation locations.
3. Supplier shall be responsible for installation and calibration of subsea acoustic arrays
required for installation activities.
4. Supplier shall provide a survey or ROV vessel equipped with suitable equipment and
personnel for the installation and maintenance of the survey equipment necessary for the
positioning of subsea equipment in the installation scope.
5. Installation spread shall be equipped with the necessary survey equipment to position the
pipelay vessel for proper installation of the pipeline within the specified tolerances.
6. Supplier shall be responsible for locating, installing, and calibrating required positioning
equipment. Supplier shall also be responsible for the removal of any such positioning
equipment following completion of the pipeline installation and the restoration of the site to
its previous condition.
7. Personnel carrying out positioning shall include at least two qualified and competent
surveyors per shift, acceptable to Purchaser, who shall be available at the location at any
time during the execution of work.
9.0 Pipelay and Construction Operations

9.1 General
1. Pipeline installation shall be by one or more of the following methods:
a. S-lay.
b. J-lay.
c. Reel-lay.
d. Towing.
2. Supplier shall lay the pipeline in its final position on the ocean bottom without damage,
distortion, or overstressing the pipe.
9.2 Pre-Construction Survey and Seabed Preparation

1. Supplier shall perform a pre-construction survey in accordance with DNV-OS-F101,
Section 10-C-100.
2. Pre-construction survey shall be performed prior to installation campaign to provide
sufficient time to act in case obstacles at seabed are located requiring relocation or removal
work.
3. Supplier shall prepare the seabed for pipelay by removing all obstacles and potential
hazards that could interfere with the installation operations or damage coating and anodes
and other attachments to the pipeline.
9.3 Pipelay Initiation

1. Supplier shall ensure a minimum 32-foot (10-m) clearance between dead man anchors
(DMAs), startup piles, pipelay initiation or laydown cables, and any existing seabed
infrastructure.
a. Supplier shall ensure that DMAs will not be pulled towards any existing seabed
infrastructure.
b. Supplier shall produce drawings for Purchaser acceptance showing DMA and cable
layouts, and existing infrastructure.
2. The DMA or pile position shall be monitored by two transponders fixed to the AHT
deployment wire.
3. The DMA or pile position shall be recorded following touchdown to ensure installation
tolerances have been met. The position shall be based on an average of ≥ 30 transponder
fixes.
4. The orientation of the initiation cable shall be calculated from the relative position of two
transponders fixed at appropriate locations along the cable.
5. An ROV shall perform a visual survey of the installed DMA and initiation cable to confirm
that they have been installed as planned.
6. Supplier shall demonstrate that the DMA or pile is engineered for the in-situ soil conditions
by verifying its bearing capacity and sliding resistance against the installation initiation
loads. Before attaching the initiation cable to the initiation head/PLET, the start-up
configuration shall be tested to 150 percent of the maximum anticipated dynamic start-up
cable tension and held for a 30-minute period.
7. After start-up configuration load testing, Supplier shall attach the cable to locate the
pipeline end in the target box. Supplier may use a swivel fitting at the cable attachment to
limit cable twisting loads.
8. Supplier shall position the initiation head of the pipeline within the initiation target box.
a. Supplier shall provide all equipment required, including initiation and laydown heads,
for the pipeline.
b. Supplier shall submit the details and proposed locations of all start-up equipment,
rigging, messenger wires and the like in the installation manual for Purchaser review
and acceptance.
9.4 Initiation / Laydown Heads & Abandonment & Recovery Heads

1. Supplier shall submit the design of the heads (design manual with calculations and detailed
drawings) for Purchaser review and acceptance prior to commencement of fabrication.
2. All initiation and laydown heads shall be protected from snagging cables after pipelay
operations are completed and prior to tie-in to spool pieces or continuance of laying.
Protection methods shall be accepted by Purchaser.
3. Prior to overboarding a head, Purchaser shall review and accept the positions of all valves.
9.5 Pipeline Monitoring and Control
9.5.1 Monitoring
1. Supplier shall calculate the location of the pipe TDP using Purchaser-accepted pipelay
analysis software to ensure that adequate separation is maintained between the pipeline and
other seabed features, obstructions, and facilities. This information shall be provided to the
surveyors for inclusion in their visual display.
2. Supplier shall monitor the pipeline touchdown point in accordance with Table 1.
3. The pipelay control room shall be able to monitor and control all pipelay equipment
(e.g., winches and tensioners).
4. Supplier shall continuously monitor and record the applied tension by each tension machine
during pipelay.
5. In addition, Supplier shall continuously monitor the pipe with adequate video cameras and
lights at suitable locations near the last support assembly as additional means to verify pipe
integrity for Purchaser acceptance.
6. Video images shall be available in pipelay control room and Purchaser office as well as
other critical locations on the vessel at all times.
7. Supplier shall monitor and record the tension applied by each tensioning unit and their sum
on a continuous basis.
a. A chart recorder (or similar recording mechanism) shall be used.
b. Tensioner gauge readings shall be observed by Supplier in the control room each time
the vessel moves.
8. Supplier shall monitor and record water depth (WD) every two hours.
9. Supplier shall monitor and record the stinger, using all available instrumentation, on a
continuous basis as follows:
a. Stinger configuration, including the depth of the stinger tail and all intermediate
sections, and pipeline clearance from stinger tip.
b. Pipeline and attached equipment (i.e., laydown/initiation head, connector, or PLET)

clearance through the tower/stinger.
c. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) of the pipe on the stinger.
d. Visual and sonar indication of stinger tip clearance.
e. Hinge forces.
f. Roller loads.
g. Stinger tip loads.
h. Camera and sonar imaging monitored and recorded for a 48-hour duration (on circular
over-write basis).
10. For A&R operations, Supplier shall monitor and record the following:
a. Tension in the A&R winch line, on a continuous basis when in use.
b. Wire pay-out/pay-in for the A&R winch line, on a continuous basis when in use.
c. Wind speed and direction, and wave height, direction, and period, at least every
six hours.
d. Current profile (surface to seabed) once per shift, using Purchaser-accepted method
from main pipelay vessel.
e. Wire pay-out/pay-in and line tension on each mooring line winch.
f. Pipe support forces.
g. Stinger roller/support loads.
11. Supplier shall record the following for each joint pull:
a. Time, in local time zone.
b. Joint number.
c. Joint length.
d. Tension.
e. Barge heading.
f. Water depth.
g. Touchdown coordinate.
9.5.2 Stress and Strain Control

1. Sufficient stinger support and tensioning devices shall be used during the various
operations to ensure that stresses and strain along the pipeline are within the stated
allowable tolerances given in SSM-DU-5299.
2. No permanent deformation shall be introduced in the pipe during the welding or the pipelay
operations. The process shall be controlled to minimize pipeline ovalization.
3. The minimum allowable radius to which the pipe may be bent during pipelay operations
shall be such as to allow the pipe to be laid without exceeding the stress and strain
limitations specified in SSM-DU-5299. In no instance shall a bend be made that exceeds
the allowable stress/strain limitations.
4. Maximum tension variation during move-up shall be limited to less than 10 percent of the
nominal tension.
5. Stinger attitude variation shall be limited to that established by the stress analysis studies.
9.5.3 Buckle Detection

1. Supplier shall use a buckle detector during pipelay upon review and acceptance by
Purchaser. If the pipelay analysis shows that the pipeline can be laid fully flooded, then
Purchaser may accept not using a buckle detector at Purchaser’s sole discretion.
2. The diameter of the buckle detector gauge plate shall be 95 percent of the minimum
internal diameter of the pipe. Supplier shall propose a diameter for Purchaser review and
acceptance.
3. Buckle detector gauge plates shall be aluminum with a minimum thickness of 0.4 inch
(10 mm).
4. Buckle detector gauge plates shall be slotted at 30 degree increments.
5. Buckle detectors used in CRA clad pipelines shall be designed to contain no carbon steel or
ferrous components, and shall have stainless steel pulling cables.
6. Buckle detector trolley wheels shall be designed such that wear cannot lead to metal-to-
metal contact between the buckle detector trolley and the pipe inside surface.
a. Wheels shall be made from a material that is compatible with the pipeline inside
surface (e.g., hard-wearing polymer).
b. All small or loose components, including fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers), shall be
secured in place by tack welding or glue (e.g., Loctite).
7. Prior to inserting the buckle detector, the cable length shall be witnessed by Purchaser.
8. The buckle detector shall be withdrawn before abandonment and re-run before
recommencement of pipelay.
a. The buckle detector shall be installed and removed from the pipeline in the presence of
the Purchaser.
b. Supplier shall ensure that the buckle detector cable is not damaged by welding
operations.
c. Gauge plate condition shall be recorded by photo each time it is removed from the
pipeline.
9. Supplier shall submit procedures that include a method for controlling the location of the
buckle detector, monitoring its passage through the pipe, and the method of indicating a
possible obstruction to its movement.
a. The buckle detector trolley shall be fitted with an electromagnetic pinger to allow the
buckle detector to be located in the pipeline.
b. The battery status of the electromagnetic pinger shall be verified prior to insertion of
the buckle detector into the pipeline.
10. Supplier shall monitor and record the tension in the pulling cable of the detector at all
times.
a. Operation of the recording facility and overload alarm system shall be demonstrated to
Purchaser’s satisfaction prior to start of pipelay.
b. Load-bearing components (e.g., padeyes) shall be designed and load tested to
demonstrate they have sufficient capacity plus margin for normal operating and
accidental conditions.
11. The effect of the pulling cable on NDT operations shall be documented as part of the
NDT qualification.
12. Supplier shall immediately notify Purchaser when the buckle detector system fails, is
suspected to have failed, or when readings indicate that the pipeline on-bottom condition
may be suspect.
13. Supplier shall remove the buckle detector for examination if, in the opinion of the
Purchaser, the buckle detector readings indicate that the condition of the pipeline is suspect.
14. Any method for the recovery of the buckle detector, except via the pulling cable, shall be
subject to acceptance by Purchaser. All expenses associated with the recovery of the buckle
detector shall be per Supplier’s account.
15. Where the buckle detector fails or is suspected of failure, Supplier shall carry out an
underwater video survey to check the integrity of the installed pipeline. This survey shall be
carried out immediately by the survey vessel unless directed otherwise by Purchaser.
9.6 Supplier Anchor Handling, Mooring, and Dynamic Positioning

Requirements
1. Supplier shall provide vessel mooring drawings of the following for Purchaser review and
acceptance:
a. Pipeline initiation.
b. Pipeline laydown.
c. Riser installation.
d. Burial and trenching.
e. Pipeline crossings.
f. Curved route.
2. Drawings provided by Supplier shall show all existing pipelines as dotted lines and lines to
be installed as solid lines.
3. Anchor drag monitoring program shall be used.
a. Anchor lines shall be buoyed off when an anchor line crosses the existing pipeline.
b. Catenary calculations shall be provided.
c. Mooring analysis shall be submitted.
4. Supplier shall take all necessary precautions to prevent pipeline damage from anchor
spread.
a. Anchor handling vessel shall be equipped with a radio positioning system.
b. Before dropping an anchor, the vessel captain shall obtain acceptance of his location
from Supplier’s authorized representative onboard the lay barge.
5. No anchors or anchor cables shall be placed within 500 feet (152 m) of a chemosynthetic
community.
6. Any anchor that will be located using the minimum horizontal distances shall require
acceptance of Purchaser before dropping. The minimum horizontal final set distances shall
be as follows:
a. ~150 feet (~50 m) for pulling on an anchor away from or parallel to a pipeline.
b. ~300 feet (~100 m) for anchors pulled toward a pipeline.
7. All anchor locations shall be reported.

a. Any anchor dragging shall be reported immediately to Purchaser.
b. If an anchor is suspected to have been dragged, the position of the anchor shall be
investigated and the pertinent mooring parameters (time, anchor position, pipelay
vessel position) shall be recorded in the anchor log.
8. Purchaser shall not allow anchors or cables to be dragged along bottom.
a. Anchors shall be picked up vertically so as not to damage pipelines and structures.
b. Supplier shall present procedures to assure Purchaser of compliance with the minimum
vertical distances between the cable and pipelines and the minimum horizontal
distances between an anchor and a pipeline.
c. Mooring drawings shall show lightening buoys, where required.
9. Supplier shall indicate in pipeline installation manual whether the plan is to moor to
Purchaser’s platform(s) for riser installation. If so, Supplier shall identify line attachment
location(s) on the construction drawing(s).
10. Supplier shall indicate in the schedule those activities to be performed at night and shall
submit night activities safety plan and schedule for review and acceptance by Purchaser.
11. If Supplier installation vessel uses a DP system, Supplier shall provide details on the
following:
a. DP system capabilities.
b. Station keeping ability.
c. Possible drift of vessel.
d. Emergency procedures for DP system malfunction.
9.7 Pipeline Abandonment and Recovery

1. Supplier shall safely abandon pipeline if weather, seas, or malfunction of laying equipment
are of sufficient magnitude to endanger the pipeline.
a. Pipeline recovery shall be initiated with the return of favorable environmental or
operating conditions.
b. During pipeline A&R phase, allowable stresses and strain shall not exceed limits in
SSM-DU-5299.
2. In abandonment, Supplier shall securely seal the pipe end with a welded pipe cap, and
lower the pipe from the lay barge to the seafloor with a holdback cable to maintain tension
in the pipeline.
a. Supplier shall properly mark the abandoned line with a buoy in the event of leaving
the site.
b. An acoustic pinger shall also be used to mark the end of the pipeline.
3. Pipelaying operation shall be suspended if major equipment malfunction or failure occurs
that endangers the safety of personnel or of the pipeline and associated facilities.
4. Purchaser shall be consulted before suspension or resumption of the laying operation.
9.8 Pipeline Welding

1. All pipeline welding, testing, and inspection activities shall be in accordance with
SSM-SU-5003.
2. Weld repair calculation shall be provided to determine allowable weld flaw size (length and
depth) along the circumference of the pipeline at each weld repair station, based on
maximum lay tension expected at different segments and WDs along the pipeline. Supplier
shall not perform repairs on any flaws larger than this allowable flaw size at the identified
weld station.
3. To account for vessel movement, a minimum of three fill passes shall be deposited before a
safe pipe pull can be performed.
a. Supplier may, for Purchaser review and acceptance, perform pipe pulling stress
analysis to document the weld deposit height required before a safe pipe pull can be
performed.
b. The pipe pulling stress analysis shall also calculate the maximum excavation length
allowed for weld repairs based on stress at the repair location during pipe pull.
9.9 Field Joint Coating

Supplier shall perform all field joint coating (FJC) in accordance with the requirements in
COM-SU-4042, COM-SU-6095, COM-SU-6099, or SSM-SU-5315, that match the parent pipe
coating system.
10.0 Damage to Pipeline

10.1 General
1. Purchaser shall make the final decision as to what qualifies as damage, or to what extent
damage has occurred to the pipe.
2. Supplier shall make no welding repairs on dents, grooves, deep scratches, gouges, major
arc burns, or other defects that may affect the integrity of the parent metal of the pipe.
These types of defects shall be cut out from the pipe.
3. Supplier shall repair any pipe coating damage in accordance with appropriate industry
standards and Purchaser specifications, based on accepted procedures. All repairs shall be
in accordance with the requirements given in COM-SU-4042, COM-SU-6095,
COM-SU-6099, or SSM-SU-5315, that match the parent pipe coating system.
4. Purchaser acceptance of a repaired length of pipe shall be required before Supplier may
incorporate it into the pipeline.
5. In the case of damage that is beyond the repair level deemed permissible by Purchaser,
damaged pipe joint shall be replaced.
10.2 Riser Splash Zone Coating Damage and Repair

1. Pipe cleaning and repair of riser splash zone coating shall be performed by Supplier per
manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. If coating damage is too substantial to be repaired with the neoprene material in one split
sleeve, the joint shall be rejected.
Note: For small holidays or damaged areas, a patch may be cut from the sleeve to fit the
cleaned area rather than removing a strip around the entire circumference of the
pipe.
3. All repairs shall be covered completely with a shrink sleeve. Adequate time shall be
allowed for epoxy bond material to cure to a degree suitable for handling before passing the
repair over rollers.
4. Additional heating of the shrink sleeve may be employed to accelerate curing; however,
temperatures shall be kept within the manufacturer’s recommended limits for all
components.
10.3 Concrete Weight Coating

1. Before loading each joint of pipe onto the lay barge, Supplier shall inspect for damage to
the weight coating.
a. Should damage be discovered before loading, Supplier shall make all necessary repairs.
b. Any repairs to concrete coating shall be made a minimum of 36 hours before further
handling.
2. The following criteria shall be used by Supplier for repairing hardened concrete weight
coating that has spalled due to compression or shearing caused by impact against other
objects:
a. Damage caused by local spalling (a loss in concrete of more than 15 percent of the total
thickness of the coating at the point of damage) of an area less than 1 square foot
(300 square mm) where the remaining concrete is sound shall be accepted without
repairs, as long as Supplier demonstrates to Purchaser that the coated pipeline can be
installed safely.
b. Damage caused by spalling of an area more than 1 and less than 3 square feet (more
than 300 and less than 900 square mm) shall have the remaining concrete in the
damaged area removed as necessary to expose the reinforcing steel throughout the
damaged area.
1) Edges of the spalled area shall be undercut so as to provide a keylock for the repair
material.
2) A stiff mixture of grout or cement, water, and aggregate shall be troweled into and
through the reinforcement and built up until the surface is level with the coating
around the repair.
3) The coating shall be moist-cured for a minimum of 36 hours before further
handling of the pipe.
4) Pipe shall then be carefully laid with the repaired area topmost.
c. Damage caused by spalling of an area of more than 3 square feet (900 square mm) shall
have the coating removed around the entire periphery of the pipe throughout the
damaged area.
1) A repair shall be made by restoring the reinforcement with a metal form and
pouring a complete replacement of concrete or grout.
2) The mixture shall be 1 part cement to 3 parts of aggregate and the necessary water
to produce a slump not to exceed 4 inches (102 mm).
3) Resulting coating shall be equal in weight, density, uniformity, thickness, strength,
and characteristics to the originally applied coating.
4) Pipe shall then be carefully laid in a position where it shall be allowed to remain a
minimum of 36 hours before further handling.
d. If the concrete weight coating is damaged to the extent that it is loose from the pipe and
subject to spalling, it shall be repaired by removing loose material and replacing it with
Purchaser-accepted concrete infill product. Purchaser’s decision concerning the
determination of what is loose weight coating and subject to spalling shall be final.
3. For damage to both concrete weight and corrosion coatings, Supplier shall remove all
concrete weight coating material within 3 inches (75 mm) in all directions of a defect. The
area shall be tapered to the outside on a slope of approximately 2 parts vertical to 1 part
horizontal.
a. Supplier shall remove any intermediate and corrosion coatings within 2 inches (50 mm)
of the defect.
b. Supplier shall then wire brush the defect area, taking care to feather into the undamaged
corrosion coating surrounding the defect.
c. Immediately following, Supplier shall patch the corrosion coating using a 2-part epoxy
patch coating system recommended by the corrosion coating manufacturer.
d. Remainder of the patch shall be of Purchaser-accepted concrete infill product.
e. Supplier shall place a permanent metal or polyurethane protective form covering all
repaired areas on the pipeline.
10.4 Testing and Inspection of Coating

1. All of the pipeline corrosion coating shall be continuously electrically inspected for
holidays using a calibrated, Purchaser-accepted holiday detector that employs both audible
and visual signaling devices.
2. Before submersion of the pipe, Supplier shall subject all field repairs to coatings to a
continuous electric holiday detector test or jeep test to check for holidays, pinholes, and
discontinuities. This test shall be conducted to the satisfaction of Purchaser.
3. Detector shall be an agreed-upon circular ring with indicator.
4. Test voltage shall be between 100 and 150 volts direct current (VDC) per nominal mil of
coating. Inspection voltage shall be 125 volts per mil (volts/mil) based on the nominal
coating thickness.
5. Defects shall be repaired, re-tested, and reported to Purchaser.
6. Holiday detector calibration shall be checked and the output calibrated to the proper test
voltage once per 12-hour shift.
10.5 Pipe Damage

1. Damaged pipe, including pipe with dents and buckles, shall be quarantined.
a. Supplier shall provide details of the extent of the damage to the pipe to Purchaser.
b. Purchaser shall advise Supplier of the remediation required for the damaged pipe
(e.g., cut-out and weld).
2. Dents that affect the curvature of the pipe at the circumferential weld shall be removed.
3. Pounding out or jacking out of dents or of out-of-round pipe shall be strictly prohibited.
10.6 Damage and Repair During Installation

1. Supplier shall repair or replace any damaged pipe, weld, anode, FJC, or yard-applied
coating that affects the useful life or mechanical integrity of the pipeline.
2. Supplier shall be responsible for all damages that occur during the time from Supplier’s
pipe acceptance until the time of acceptance of any section of the pipeline by Purchaser.
3. When damage has occurred to the pipeline, Supplier shall immediately notify Purchaser.
4. Supplier shall submit written procedures on the proposed method of rigid pipeline repair to
Purchaser as part of installation manual. These procedures shall include damage resulting
from pipe dry buckle during installation, pipe wet buckle during installation, and on-bottom
damage at a minimum.
5. Supplier shall provide repair procedures for pipe damage, including underwater damage to
coatings and anodes, to Purchaser as part of installation manual. These procedures shall
include damage that is detected after the pipe has been laid in the water.
6. Repair procedures shall also include all WDs encountered along the pipeline route and shall
cover different quantities of pipeline damage. In addition, the procedures shall include at
least the following:
a. Details of method to abandon or recover a flooded pipeline.
b. Details of the equipment that will be used to recover and repair the damaged pipeline.
c. Details on dewatering the pipeline, if necessary.
7. Repair procedure shall fully describe the connection methods used for subsea repairs of the
pipeline along all WDs of the route.
8. If moving, lifting, and aligning of the pipeline end is required, the provisions of this
specification shall be followed with respect to procedures, pipe stress, and all other aspects
of installation.
9. Supplier shall describe in the repair procedure how they propose to remove the damaged
section of pipe from the sea floor. Purchaser shall make the final decision as to which repair
method will be used.
10.7 Weight Coating Damage Detected Below Water

1. Acceptance criteria for weight coating after laying the pipeline on the sea floor shall be as
follows:
a. Cracking shall not be cause for rejection.
b. Loose or spalled concrete up to 10 percent of the surface area of individual joints shall
be allowed with no requirement to restore nominal design negative buoyancy.
c. Spalling in excess of 10 percent of the surface area of a joint or areas of spalling on
adjacent joints shall be reviewed by Purchaser on a case-by-case basis to determine the
need to restore nominal design negative buoyancy.
2. Repairs to damaged coating shall be as follows:

a. Procedures to repair damage shall be accepted by Purchaser before start of repair
activity.
b. Loose or partially spalled concrete shall be removed if necessary to ensure concrete
wire reinforcement does not touch the pipe and to allow visual inspection of corrosion
coating.
c. Corrosion coating shall be repaired as necessary in accordance with an accepted
underwater procedure.
d. If repairs are required to restore negative buoyancy, concrete mattresses shall be placed
over the pipeline.
11.0 Anode Attachment

11.1 General
1. Aluminum-zinc-indium alloy anode bracelets shall be provided by Supplier in accordance
with SSM-SU-6093.
2. Anode shall not contact any protective metal banding integral to wire mesh reinforcement
required for concrete weight coating.
11.2 Anode Attachment

Anodes shall be attached in accordance with SSM-SU-6093.
11.3 Corrosion Coat Repair (After Anode Attachment)

1. After the anode has been installed, the weld area shall be thoroughly cleaned with a
wire brush.
2. The corrosion coat on all steel surfaces shall be repaired, including the pipe bonding plates
that have been exposed for welding purposes.
3. Care shall be exercised to prevent the coating from touching the outer face of the anode.
4. Damage to the pipe corrosion coat shall be repaired as specified in Section 10.0.
11.4 Concrete Weight Coating Repair (After Anode Attachment)

For field-installed anodes, the concrete weight coating repairs around anodes shall be applied
by Supplier as specified in Section 10.3.
11.5 Inspection and Acceptance

1. During installation of the anodes, all aspects of the installation process shall be made
available for inspection by Purchaser.
2. Any anode assembly not meeting the requirements of Purchaser drawings, SSM-SU-6093,
manufacturer’s recommendations, and referenced documents shall be rejected.
3. Rejected assemblies shall be dismantled and reassembled in compliance with the

requirements of this specification.
4. Supplier shall provide anode manufacturer mill certificates for all galvanic anodes installed
on subsea pipeline for Purchaser review and acceptance.
12.0 Pipeline Riser Installation

12.1 Conventional Risers
12.1.1 Clamps
1. Bolted clamps shall be used to attach the riser to the fixed platform structure below the
waterline.
a. Clamps welded to the jacket shall be used above the waterline.
b. The clamp on the pipeline riser shall be bolted.
c. Bolting shall be studded with double nuts with washers on each end.
d. Bolting and nuts shall be Teflon-coated or Purchaser-accepted equal.
2. Riser clamps shall have a 1/2-inch (12.5-mm) thick neoprene or vulcanized rubber liner or
equivalent installed between the clamp and the pipeline riser.
12.1.2 Anodes
1. Supplier’s cathodic protection (CP) design shall be submitted for review and acceptance by
Purchaser.
2. Anodes shall not be placed closer than 5 feet (1.5 m) from a riser clamp.
12.1.3 Pipeline Repositioning

1. Davit lifts and any other procedures for pipeline repositioning shall be planned and
executed to avoid over-stressing or buckling the pipeline.
2. Supplier’s procedure shall be submitted for review and acceptance by Purchaser.
12.1.4 Riser Fabrication

1. Risers shall be fabricated with an extension of 30 inches (762 mm) at the riser bend when
the pipeline is required to be buried for the first 200 feet (61 m) plus from the riser bend,
and shall taper to the seafloor as described in the project technical requirements.
2. When required, diagonal bracing shall be attached to the riser bends in the plane of the
bend. The bracing shall be welded to the welding sleeves provided on the riser bends.
12.1.5 Riser Coating

1. Riser assembly above the splash zone shall be coated as required by project technical
requirements.
2. Splash zone shall be coated with a layer of 1/2-inch (12.5-mm) minimum thickness of
Splashtron® or Purchaser-accepted equivalent.
a. Application shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Minimum coated length shall be one 30-foot (9.1-m) continuous section.
c. Coated joint shall be installed in the riser equidistant above and below the LAT.
3. Below the splash zone, the riser shall be coated with the same corrosion coating or
insulation as the pipeline.
4. If the risers are coated onshore, any damage received during installation shall be repaired
per Section 10.2.
12.1.6 Fixed Risers

1. Supplier shall include a procedure that includes a description of the equipment to be used
for boat landing and riser protector removal and reinstallation.
2. Riser clamps shall be attached to the platform jacket before riser installation.
a. Riser clamps shall fit loosely around the riser during riser installation to permit the riser
to sink to its designed elevation.
b. Riser clamps shall be tightened after flooding and before final pigging has been
completed.
c. Cables or clamps shall not be attached to the riser assembly below the minus ~20-foot
(~6.1-m) elevation.
3. Unless agreed to otherwise by Purchaser, welded connections between the pipeline and
risers or flanged pre-installed risers shall be used in WDs less than ~305 feet (~100 m). For
WDs in excess of ~305 feet (~100 m), pre-installed risers, SCRs, or J-tubes shall be used.
12.2 J-Tube Risers
12.2.1 General
1. Each J-tube riser pull procedure shall be supported by design and installation calculations
accepted by Purchaser.
2. Supplier shall submit certificates for the chemicals to be used during J-tube installation for
Purchaser’s review and acceptance.
3. Supplier shall submit written procedures on the proposed methods of inspection of the
J-tube riser for Purchaser’s review and acceptance.
12.2.2 J-Tube Riser Coatings

1. J-Tube riser shall be coated along its full length with accepted 1/2-inch (12.5-mm)
minimum thickness polychloroprene or equivalent, or a Purchaser-accepted insulation
coating, with the exception of the first 15–20 feet (4.5–6.1 m) of pipe, which shall be
coated with fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) and shall be cut off after riser installation.
2. Each joint of riser-coated pipe shall be aligned on the pipe string so that the direction of the
radial ridges on the surface of the riser coating will be with the J-tube pull, and not against
it. Arrows in the direction of the pull shall be painted on each joint by the coating
manufacturer.
12.2.3 Field Joints

1. All surface preparations for the J-tube riser field joint shall be carried out when the pipe
is dry.
a. After the field welds have been examined and accepted by Purchaser, the uncoated
portion of the pipe at the field joints shall be thoroughly cleaned by use of accepted
abrasive wheels until a uniform grey-white metallic color is obtained.
b. Supplier shall remove any coating not firmly bonded to the pipe, and the field joint
surface shall be free of grease, moisture, dirt, rust, weld spatter, and other foreign
material that may impair the proper bonding of the neoprene or equivalent split sleeve.
2. A quick-setting, two-part epoxy, 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ 2216 B/A structural adhesive shall be
applied to the field joint area and edges of plant-applied polychloroprene coating. Epoxy
shall be applied per manufacturer recommendations.
3. Polychloroprene or equivalent split sleeve shall be fitted around the joint with a 2-inch
(51-mm) overlap at the longitudinal seam.
a. Bottom layer of the polychloroprene, where it overlaps at the sleeve’s longitudinal
seam, shall also be coated with two-part epoxy.
b. Sleeve shall be temporarily held in place with tape while a shrink sleeve is installed
over it.
c. Shrink sleeve shall be installed per the shrink sleeve manufacturer’s instructions.
Sleeve shall be heated for a minimum of 3 minutes to promote curing of the neoprene
bonding epoxy.
4. The field joint area shall be visually inspected after cleaning and after coating to confirm
that it meets the requirements of this specification.
a. Supplier shall inspect the field joint with a full circle electronic holiday detector.
b. No holidays shall be acceptable.
c. Spot checks by sounding shall be performed at Purchaser’s request.
d. Purchaser shall accept, reject, or request repairs to a Purchaser-accepted procedure
for all flaws. Rejected coating shall be removed and the field joint area cleaned and
re-coated per requirements of this specification.
12.2.4 Installation Procedure

1. Prior to starting the J-tube pull-in procedure, a gauging plate or solid body drift shall be run
through the J-tube to ensure that no obstructions exist inside the J-tube.
2. Riser installation procedure shall produce the minimum possible pull tension and ensure
that the maximum tension is within the capability of the equipment and the design of the
J-tube.
a. Supplier shall continually determine by visual means (cameras) that no obstructions to
pipe entering the J-tube exist and that the pipe is in line with the J-tube until the pull
head has entered and traveled at least 40 feet (12.2 m).
b. Supplier shall remove obstructions to the entrance of the J-tube.
c. Cable tension shall be applied smoothly without tension surges.
3. A joint of pipe with a J-tube stopper shall be installed in the line so that after the J-tube has
been pulled, the stopper is firmly lodged inside the J-tube, sealing the bottom of the J-tube
annulus from the external seawater.
4. Once the riser has entered the J-tube, a minimum length of 500 feet (152 m) of the pipeline
shall be in contact with the seafloor between the J-tube entrance and the installation vessel.
Supplier shall ensure that, except for pipe inside the J-tube, the stress during installation
shall not exceed 80 percent of the yield strength.
5. After the riser has been pulled through the J-tube, Supplier shall treat the water in the J-tube
annulus with chemicals providing bactericide, corrosion inhibitor, and oxygen scavenger
functions.
a. Concentrations used shall be sufficient to protect the J-tube annulus for the specified
design life.
b. A J-tube stopper shall be placed in the top of the J-tube after introduction of the
chemicals to seal the J-tube annulus.
c. Supplier shall provide stopper design for review and acceptance by Purchaser.
6. All chemicals shall be used and disposed of per manufacturer recommendations and local
regulatory requirements in a way that does not harm the environment.
a. Technical data on any chemicals and manufacturer’s recommended dosage for use shall
be submitted with the pipeline installation procedures.
b. Supplier shall also provide material certificates for each chemical used to treat the
seawater.
7. Supplier shall secure the top of the J-tube riser pipe to the J-tube with an anchor support
clamp.
12.2.5 Installation Monitoring

1. During J-tube installation, Supplier shall monitor the installation equipment to determine
that the installation work is performed in accordance with the procedure.
2. Supplier shall monitor the pull winch and tensioners during J-tube riser pull operations.
3. Supplier shall provide instrumentation to measure J-tube riser pull winch tension
(continuously recorded on a strip chart or equivalent) and to ensure that the measured
tension does not exceed the maximum value determined by design and installation
engineering.
12.2.6 Subsea Inspection and Survey

1. Supplier shall provide the diving and ROV services needed to install and inspect the riser.
2. As part of the subsea inspection surveys, Supplier shall provide videos of the following:
a. Completed installation of the riser, including the pipeline as it leaves the bottom of the
J-tube.
b. Pipe pull into the J-tube bell mouth, as well as the seating of the J-tube stopper.
3. Supplier shall inspect the messenger cable before the J-tube riser installation to ensure that
the messenger line has not been fouled and that it can be retrieved without difficulty.
4. The pipe pull into the J-tube bell mouth shall be inspected, as well as the seating of the
J-tube stopper.
12.3 Pre-Installed Risers
12.3.1 Riser Fabrication

1. Risers shall be fabricated and tested before installation. Testing shall include pigging with a
gauging pig and a hydrostatic pressure test.
2. Supplier shall ensure that any required venting is performed to relieve pressure before
removal of flanges.
3. Risers shall be equipped with ring-type joint (RTJ) flanges at top and bottom. Additional
flanges or connections along the length of the riser shall not be installed without prior
Purchaser review and acceptance.
4. Pre-installed risers shall be pressurized with air before transportation and launch of the
jacket structure. Blind flanges shall be installed on the top and bottom flanges to seal
the riser.
12.3.2 Riser and Pipeline Tie-in

1. Where WDs, constructability, and design permit, the pipeline shall be tied into the riser
without a flanged spool piece.
a. Where WD limitations require the use of a flanged spool piece, the spool piece shall be
constructed out of line pipe with swivel flanges on each end.
b. Flanged spool piece shall be coated as required by the project technical requirements.
c. Misalignment ball joint flanges may also be used, but Supplier should attempt
to minimize their use if possible. Supplier shall provide the misalignment ball joint
flange specifications and qualifications for Purchaser review and acceptance.
d. Riser pipeline flanges shall be standard RTJ flanges.
2. Supplier shall adjust the pre-installed riser to meet burial requirements. When burial is not a
requirement, the pipeline and riser shall rest on the seafloor.
12.4 Steel Catenary Risers

1. Steel catenary riser (SCR) pipe fabrication, assembly, and installation shall use the same
requirement with allowable strain for pipeline installation as given in SSM-DU-5299 at a
minimum.
2. SCR pulling through pull tube shall be in accordance with Section 12.2.
3. SCR installation and hang-off shall be as per SSM-SU-6069.
12.5 Insulating Flanges

1. Insulating flanges shall be installed at the riser-to-platform piping connection.
2. Insulating flanges shall be designed to prevent electrical current flow by using non-
metallic, non-conducting gaskets, sleeves, and washers.
3. Insulating flanges shall be suitable for oil and gas service at the pipeline design pressure
and temperature and at the hydrostatic test pressure.
4. Flanges shall be installed on pipelines near or at platform cellar deck level as accepted by
Purchaser. Insulating flange kits manufactured by accepted vendors shall be used.
5. The complete flange and insulating gasket assembly shall be covered with a removable
fireproof insulating cover or blanket.
13.0 Pipeline Burial and Trenching

1. Minimum trenching or burial depth shall be 30 inches (762 mm) above top of pipe unless
otherwise stated in the project technical requirements.
2. Supplier shall select trenching equipment and shall design trenching operations to meet the
following requirements:
a. Avoid damage to coatings or pipeline.
b. Ensure that stress levels do not exceed 85 percent of yield.
3. Supplier shall backfill on top of the pipe to a depth required by the local regulatory
authority and the project technical requirements, but in no case shall the depth be less than
1.5 feet (0.5 m).
14.0 Offshore Installation

14.1 Pipeline Alignment and Tolerances
1. Supplier shall install the pipelines along the routes and within the pipelay corridor
tolerances specified on the project alignment drawings.
2. The lines shall be installed in a lane of ± 50 feet (15 m) maximum width, centered on the
designed pipeline alignments, except where noted on the alignment sheets.
3. Supplier shall manage pipelay—including pipeline initiation/laydown, pipeline length,
PLET location, PLET foundation location, and pipeline stroking into PLET—to ensure that
the pipeline end connector hubs are located at the coordinates given in the contract
drawings and within the installation tolerances given in Table 2.
Table 2: Pipeline End Connector Hub Installation Tolerances

Lateral Axial
(Across Pipe Heading) (Along Pipe Heading) Heading Vertical
Location
(°) (°)
Ft (m) Ft (m)
PLET ±6.6 (2) ±6.6 (2) ±0.5 ±1.0 (1)
Riser to Pipeline
± 20 (6) ± 20 (6) ±0.5 N/A
Transition
Manifold ±6.6 (2) ±6.6 (2) ±1.0 ±1.0 (1)
Inline Structures ±6.6 (2) ±6.6 (2) ±1.0 ±1.0 (1)
Suction Pile ± 3 (1) ± 3 (1) ±1.0 ±1.0
Note:
1. Vertical tolerance at the hub shall be a maximum of ±1° from vertical, or as determined by
connector manufacturer.
14.2 Installation
1. Mobilization shall include the assembly and transportation to the job site by Supplier of the
necessary construction personnel, equipment, machinery, tool supplies, and material.
2. Demobilization shall include disbanding and removal of personnel, equipment, machinery,
tools, supplies, and material from the offshore construction location after entire work scope
is completed.
14.2.1 Pipe Joint Recording

1. Supplier shall maintain a continuous record of each pipe joint incorporated into the pipeline
and shall log the following:
a. Manufacturer’s unique joint number.
b. Joint updated length.
c. Date when the joint is welded and laid.
2. Supplier shall maintain a record of cut-outs and weld repairs, and shall amend joint lengths
accordingly in the records. All cut-outs, weld repairs, and tie-ins shall be documented
offshore on individual sheets that provide information on revised joint length, placement,
repairs, etc.
3. Joints of the pipeline shall be sequentially numbered using a suitable quick-curing marine
paint, compatible with the pipe coating and in a color contrasting with the pipe coating.
a. Numerals shall be painted on each pipe length near the welded joint, on both sides of
the pipe centered at the 3 o’clock and the 9 o’clock positions.
b. For 10-inch (250-mm) and smaller pipelines, the numerals shall be 4 inches (100 mm)
tall by 3/4 inches (15 mm) thickness.
c. For larger pipelines, the numerals shall be 8 inches (200 mm) tall by 1 inch (25 mm)
thickness.
4. Supplier shall maintain a pipelay tracking system that shall be subject to review and
acceptance by Purchaser prior to mobilization and monitored daily during installation.
a. The pipelay tracking system shall also be used for any onshore fabrication of multiple
joints and/or onshore fabrication of Reel-lay stalks.
b. The pipelay tracking system log shall include the following information as a minimum
for each joint laid:
1) Field joint number (with anode attachment and identification as applicable).
2) Pipe number.
3) Heat number.
4) Mill certificate number.
5) Details of any repairs.
6) CRA clad material PMI record.
7) Weld number.
8) Joint lengths.
9) Cumulative length.
10) Pipeline mile/kilometer post co-ordinates.
11) Buckle arrestor locations.
5. The system shall be capable of rapid identification of duplicate records.

6. There shall be real time means for correlation between this data and the general
documentary records of the work.
7. Vertical stripes visible by the ROV shall be applied periodically to pipeline at specified
spacing dictated by Purchaser, to help determine the rotation of the pipeline during
installation.
14.2.2 Anodes Sleds
Note: This section defines the minimum requirements in the event that the CP design dictates
that the pipeline be cathodically protected by using a few strategically placed anode
‘sleds’ rather than the more traditional ‘bracelet’ anodes.
1. When required, the installed pipeline shall be fitted with two sets of three CP bonding
cables during installation.
a. Cables shall be approximately 50 feet (15 m) long.
b. Each set of cables shall be positioned around the pipeline at approximately 120-degree
spacing to ensure that, regardless of the orientation of the pipeline after installation, at
least two of the cables shall be accessible at all times.
c. Cables shall be secured along the pipeline in a manner that prevents them from being
disconnected during installation. However, the cables shall be attached so that a ROV
can disconnect them from the pipeline and transfer the free end to the anode sled for
connection.
d. Cables shall be fitted with a connector that is proven ROV friendly and that provides a
secure and reliable electrical connection between the pipeline and the anode sled.
e. A minimum of two cables shall be successfully connected between the pipeline and the
anode sled. (To be successful, the cables shall be securely fastened to both the sled and
the pipeline, and there shall be electrical continuity between the pipeline and the anode
sled along each cable.)
2. After installation, the continuity of each connection shall be confirmed by Supplier to
satisfaction of Purchaser.
14.2.3 Installation Operations

1. Supplier shall take adequate precautions and shall provide the means to install the pipeline
on the seabed without damaging the pipe or its coating, or any other structures or devices.
2. Supplier shall obtain current profiles specific to the location of the entire water column
every 12 hours and shall provide copies to Purchaser.
3. Within the procedure, a tension range shall be specified that will be adhered to during all
phases of pipeline installation. Tension range shall be accepted by Purchaser before issuing
Supplier authorization to mobilize to work site.
4. Operation outside of the accepted tension range shall not be allowed and shall be grounds
for Purchaser to demand suspension of installation operations until tension can be brought
within the accepted range.
5. During installation, fatigue damage to the pipe shall be minimized to 10 percent of the
allowable fatigue damage unless specified otherwise in the project technical requirements.
a. If pipelay is halted for an extended time period, the pipeline shall be paid out or
brought in periodically to eliminate excessive fatigue damage at a point on the pipe.
b. The calculated fatigue allowable standby time for the prevailing seastate shall not be
exceeded.
1) The fatigue design basis shall be in accordance with the project technical
requirements.
2) The pipelay analysis shall determine the fatigue ‘hot spots’ in the catenary and
procedures shall be developed to allow fatigue management during standby.
c. Details regarding possible fatigue damage to the pipeline shall be investigated during
up-front engineering, and guidelines shall be set forth in the contingency procedures
regarding how to handle high fatigue situations.
6. Purchaser shall reserve the right to suspend pipelaying if malfunction or breakdown of
Supplier’s equipment occurs persistently. Pipelaying shall resume when equipment has
been adequately repaired or modified to the satisfaction of Purchaser.
7. Just before welding, lengths of pipe shall be internally cleaned by a method accepted by
Purchaser to remove dirt and loose rust. Just before alignment for welding, beveled surfaces
shall be cleaned by methods submitted to and accepted by Purchaser.
8. Open ends of the pipe shall be securely closed if work is interrupted, and shall not be
opened until work is resumed.
9. At all times, pipeline payout shall be synchronized with vessel movement.

10. Supplier shall ensure that the tensioner dead band settings correctly match the installation
analysis performed.
11. Supplier shall ensure that the stinger configuration/J-lay tower configuration correctly
matches the installation analysis performed, and as detailed on Supplier’s drawings.
Supplier shall provide Purchaser with the opportunity to verify the roller box settings at
mobilization.
14.3 Pull Tube Operation

1. Supplier shall provide properly sized equipment for pull-in operations. Tensile forces in the
cable and chain shall be monitored and continuously recorded, using a Purchaser-accepted
load cell (with up to date calibration and certifications).
2. Before pull-in operation, Supplier shall perform function test and load test for all pull-in
equipment.
3. Purchaser shall specify the maximum force allowed for pull tube, based on platform
limitations. Supplier shall not exceed force specified by Purchaser.
4. The pulling location shall be selected to prevent the pull tube cable and chain from
contacting any member of the platform or other foreign items, except for the designated
sheaves. The location of sheaves and stringing of cable shall be accepted by
Purchaser.
5. Upon completion of the riser installation, electrical isolation (0.010 volts) shall be
confirmed between the riser and platform or structure by Supplier using Purchaser-accepted
equipment and procedures.
6. All records of the riser and platform or structure potential measurements shall be provided
by Supplier.
14.3.1 Planning
1. Installation procedures shall be submitted for Purchaser review and acceptance and shall
thoroughly describe the following aspects of the pull tube pull operation:
a. Barge position.
b. Anchor spread.
c. Barge and stinger configuration.
d. Rigging.
e. Pull tube plug removal.
f. Pull cable threading.
g. Platform protective measure.
h. Detailed stress calculations and pull force calculations.
2. Supplier’s project engineer, barge superintendent, or rigging foreman shall accompany
Purchaser inspector in surveying the platform structure and pull tube orientation before
mobilization of the lay barge.
a. This visit shall establish the safest and most effective means of rigging up for the pull
tube, including attachment of blocks, cable routing, and hold-back cables.
b. Supplier shall provide all rigging material necessary for the performance of the pull
tube pull, including steel plate skids and other protective measures placed on the
platform.
3. Pull tube pull may be made using either platform-mounted or barge-mounted pull winch or
chain jack. In either case, the pull winch shall be capable of providing a pull equal to at
least 150 percent of the anticipated maximum pull force.
4. Pull tube pull shall be monitored by Supplier to provide the following:
a. Pull tube pull force during the entire pull tube pull.
b. Visual monitoring of the pull tube pull head by ROV as it enters the bellmouth of the
pull tube conduit.
c. Visual monitoring of the pipe string by ROV as it enters the bellmouth of the pull tube
conduit.
d. Visual monitoring of the pull tube seating plug as it is seated in the pull tube bellmouth.
14.3.2 Pull Tube Conduit Plugs and Messenger Cables

1. The pull tube may be sealed and void of seawater. If sealed, the following shall apply:
a. Supplier shall flood the pull tube with seawater before removing the pull tube plug.
b. After flooding, Supplier shall pressurize the pull tube with water, nitrogen, or
compressed air in accordance with the pull tube pump-out-plug manufacturer’s
recommendations.
c. It is possible that the pull tube plug will not be unseated at the anticipated pressure; if
so, Supplier shall use rigging and pressurization equipment capable of pressurizing the
pull tube to a minimum of 300 psig (20 barg).
2. If a messenger cable is used to thread the pull cable through the pull tube, Supplier shall
ensure that excessive tension is not applied to the messenger cable to avoid severing the
cable.
14.3.3 Pull Tube Appurtenances

1. Supplier shall fabricate a two-piece upper pull tube clamp and shall provide attachment
material. The clamp shall be installed around the pipeline, flexible, or riser at the top of the
pull tube before the pull cable tension is released.
2. Purchaser, as an option, may require that a special Splashtron elastomer-coated pipe joint
that incorporates a pull tube annulus plug be installed at the end of the riser pipe string. If it
is required, Purchaser and Supplier shall agree on the tension that will be applied to seat the
plug and on the amount of lead pipe to be placed in front of the plug.
14.4 Abandonment and Recovery

1. The weather criteria for abandonment shall be determined by dynamic analysis and clearly
defined and documented in the installation procedure.
a. This shall include sea state and direction, vessel (and associated stinger) pitch,
roll and heave.
b. If a separate vessel is used to perform touch-down monitoring, Supplier shall provide
the limiting sea states for the touch-down monitoring operations.
c. Supplier’s senior representative on the pipelay vessel shall be solely responsible for the
decision to abandon or recover the pipeline.
d. The procedure shall include information on relative installation vessel and stinger
configurations, tensioners, distance to touchdown, and A&R winch tension.
2. Supplier may elect to partially abandon or completely abandon the pipeline at its discretion;
however, any partial abandonment procedure shall be designed so the pipeline can be
completely abandoned as a continuation of the partial abandonment operation.
3. Abandonment procedures shall identify the circumstances under which Supplier intends to
completely or partially abandon the pipeline or riser to avoid high lay stresses, while
keeping the vessel connected to the pipeline with the abandonment cable.
4. Supplier shall mark the abandoned lines with transponders or other means in the event that
the abandonment or recovery cable is released from the installation vessel.
5. Immediately following the return of favorable weather conditions or satisfactory equipment
repairs, recovery operations shall be executed using procedures accepted by Purchaser.
a. Purchaser’s representative aboard the installation vessel shall be notified before the
beginning of any abandonment or recovery operations.
b. Pipe stress or strain limits as defined in DNV-OS-F101 shall not be exceeded during
abandonment or recovery, and shall be verified by proper analysis during procedure
development.
6. Laydown heads shall be hydrotested to 1.25 times the maximum external pressure expected
to ensure there is no unexpected leak path.
7. Supplier shall provide flooding and dewatering procedures and the abandonment/recovery
head shall be provided with facilities to flood and dewater the pipeline.
8. During A&R operations, the buckle detector shall be secured to the A&R head and remain
in the pipeline.
a. Before recommencement of pipelay, Supplier shall check the buckle detector.
b. If the buckle detector is undamaged after reaching the required distance behind
touchdown, pipelay operations may recommence.
9. Supplier shall prepare specific procedures for abandonment operations in the event of a
tropical storm or hurricane.
a. These procedures shall be subject to Purchaser review and acceptance.
b. Supplier shall develop a check list for A&R activities.
14.5 Pickup and Laydown

1. During any lifting or laydown of the pipeline ends, pipe stress and strain limits as defined
in SSM-DU-5299 shall not be exceeded.
2. Any pipeline, riser pickups, or laydowns for alignment purposes shall be performed before
the hydrotesting of the pipeline, and shall not be done without authorization from
Purchaser.
14.6 Buckle Initiation
14.6.1 Sleepers
1. If sleepers are needed to provide buckle initiation points along the pipeline route, Supplier
shall be aware of the additional requirement to position the pipeline during pipelay to an
accuracy that ensures that the pipeline passes over the pre-installed sleepers.
2. Sleepers shall be positioned approximately perpendicular to the pipeline route. Supplier
shall provide all necessary equipment to ensure that the pipeline is placed in the center of
the sleeper.
3. Visual monitoring of the sleepers shall be conducted until the pipeline installation has
extended to a position where there is sufficient anchor length of pipe on the seabed.
14.6.2 Buoyancy
1. If buoyancy devices are attached to the pipeline to provide buckle initiation points along
the pipeline route, Supplier shall attach sufficient buoyancy modules over sections of the
pipeline to ensure the pipeline section is buoyant.
2. Supplier shall provide all necessary equipment and personnel to ensure that buoyancy
modules can be attached to the pipeline and that the installed pipeline is using Supplier’s
proposed installation method.
3. Supplier shall use calibrated tools to properly secure the buoyancy modules to the pipeline.
4. Supplier shall provide buoyancy calculations and analyses for Purchaser review and
acceptance.
14.7 Protection of Nearby Existing Structures

1. Supplier shall take all necessary precautions, including the installation of temporary
underpinnings, supports, and other protective devices, to minimize the possibility of
damage to structures and pipelines in the vicinity of the installation area.
2. A detailed report of damages and other incidents relating to structures, pipelines, umbilical,
and any part of the subsea architecture shall be prepared immediately for Purchaser.
3. If damage occurs during construction, repairs to the facilities shall be made at Supplier’s
expense, under the direction and to the satisfaction of Purchaser and the third-party whose
equipment was damaged.
14.8 Pipeline Spanning

1. Supplier shall develop installation procedures and shall control installation operations
(pipelay tension) to minimize possible on-bottom spanning.
2. The pipeline installation manual shall detail how unsupported spans are to be located,
measured, and remediated.
3. For the proposed alignment, Supplier shall identify areas of potential pipeline spanning and
shall perform pipeline spanning analysis for the area where pipeline spans could occur.
a. Supplier shall identify those areas to Purchaser with proposed means to minimize or
eliminate the spans by controlling installation.
b. Liquid traps or low spots on the final pipeline configuration shall be minimized.
4. After installation, but before flooding, the pipeline shall be surveyed for on-bottom spans.
For those spans that exceed the allowable lengths, Supplier shall perform span rectification,
as directed by Purchaser.
5. If the pipe span length exceeds the allowable free span length, appropriate measures shall
be taken to rectify the problem (e.g., the use of sand/cement bags, grout bags, soil, or gravel
backfill before flooding).
6. If an unsupported span exists, visual evidence of it, such as video recordings, shall be made
both before and after remedial action has been taken by Supplier.
7. No span rectification shall be done without notification to and acceptance from Purchaser.
8. After the span rectification has been completed, the pipeline and supports (if applicable)
shall be inspected for damage and surveyed to see if they have been properly installed to
the satisfaction of Purchaser.
9. Supplier shall provide detailed drawings of all spans. Each drawing shall include the
following information at a minimum:
a. Pipeline name and dimension.
b. Number of joints or partial joints suspended.
c. Joint number(s).
d. Date survey was conducted.
e. Location (area, block number, coordinates).
f. Reference video number.
g. Record of depth at pipeline TDP at each end of suspension.
h. Record of total distance of suspended pipeline between TDPs.
i. Record of depth from top of pipeline to bottom at critical locations or at intervals
specified by Purchaser.
j. Horizontal distance of suspended pipeline between TDPs.
k. Maximum vertical distance measured between the top of the pipeline and the bottom.
l. Minimum vertical distance measured between the top of the pipeline and the bottom.
m. Record of the general visibility conditions in the area.
n. Record of the speed (estimated) and direction of bottom current in the area of the
suspension.
o. Record of a description of the bottom (i.e., hard or soft, clay, or sand).
14.9 Touchdown Monitoring

1. During pipelay, Supplier shall visually monitor touchdown at all times using an ROV.
a. If the ROV is unable to monitor touchdown, Supplier shall halt the pipelay operation.
b. Supplier shall continue only if Purchaser provides written authorization to continue
operations.
2. If the ROV is working from a vessel other than the main pipelay vessel, a video telemetry
system shall be installed to transmit the ROV video signal to the pipelay vessel. This
system shall be capable of transmitting a clear continuous video signal.
14.10 Subsea Structures Installations

1. During installation of subsea structures, Supplier shall monitor the position of the structure
at all times using an ROV.
2. Positioning equipment shall be provided by Supplier as necessary to ensure correct and
precise positioning of the subsea equipment.
14.11 Reel-lay
1. Spooling operations shall meet the requirements of SSM-SU-6199.
2. The curvature of the pipe, as well as peaking and sagging between the point of departure
from the reel and entry into the straighteners, shall not exceed the maximum values
assumed in the design and included in the fracture assessment of the girth welds.
3. Anodes shall be installed after the pipe has passed through the straightener and tensioner.
14.12 Buckle During Pipelay

1. Supplier shall prepare contingency procedures to be followed in the event of a buckle
occurring during pipelaying and shall submit these for Purchaser’s review and acceptance.
2. Procedures shall include methods for identification and rectification of both dry and wet
buckles (i.e., when ingress of seawater into a pipeline has occurred).
3. Procedures shall include methods for the safe abandonment of the pipeline to the seabed in
the event of a wet buckle occurrence.
4. Procedures shall include both dewatering and cleaning, such that seawater and associated
loose debris are removed from the affected pipeline to ensure that corrosion is minimized in
the bore of the pipeline.
5. Specific requirements for contingency dewatering and conditioning facilities for CRA clad
pipelines shall be as follows:
a. Supplier shall provide a contingency pipeline flooding and flushing spread, chemical
injection/water treatment spread, potable water, treatment chemicals, and all other
equipment necessary for pipeline flushing with treated potable water, dewatering, and
drying.
b. Supplier shall ensure that all untreated seawater that has entered a CRA clad pipeline is
displaced with a chemically treated and inhibited potable water flooding medium,
accepted by Purchaser, within less than 7 days. Supplier’s contingency flooding spread
shall be maintained in a state of readiness during all facets of pipelay to ensure that the
7-day requirement can be achieved.
c. Prior to re-commencing pipelay operations, Supplier shall dewater and dry the CRA
clad pipeline to an inside dew point of at least 41ºF (5ºC) below the minimum annual
ambient seabed temperature. Supplier shall only re-commence pipelay once completion
of dewatering and drying has been accepted by Purchaser.
6. Specific requirements for contingency dewatering facilities for a carbon steel pipeline shall
be as follows:
a. Supplier shall provide a contingency pipeline flushing spread, chemical injection/water
treatment spread, seawater, treatment chemicals, and all other equipment necessary for
pipeline flushing with treated seawater, desalination, dewatering, and drying.
b. Supplier shall ensure that all untreated seawater that has entered a carbon steel pipeline
is displaced with a chemically treated and inhibited sea water flooding medium,
accepted by Purchaser, within less than 7 days.
c. Supplier’s contingency flooding spread shall be maintained in a state of readiness
during all facets of pipelay to ensure that the 7-day requirement can be achieved.
d. Prior to re-commencing pipelay operations, Supplier shall dewater and dry the carbon
steel pipeline to an inside dew point of at least 41ºF (5ºC) below the minimum annual
ambient seabed temperature.
e. Supplier shall only re-commence pipelay once completion of dewatering and drying
has been accepted by Purchaser.
14.13 Simultaneous Operations

1. All operations within 1,500 feet (500 m) of existing subsea infrastructure shall be classified
as simultaneous operations (SIMOPS).
2. SIMOPS operations shall be performed in accordance with the safe lifting area
requirements as defined by Purchaser.
3. No lifting or traversing over existing subsea infrastructure shall be performed.
4. SIMOPS lifts shall be formally risk assessed, and lifting procedures developed with as low
as reasonably practicable (ALARP) risk levels for Purchaser review and acceptance.
5. No line pipe shall be loaded or offloaded within the 1,500 feet (500 m) safety zone.
14.14 Appurtenances in Firing Line

1. Appurtenances at pipeline ends, such as PLETs, initiation/termination heads, and connector
hubs, shall have adequate protection fitted (e.g., shrouds), where required, to ensure that
they will not be damaged as they pass through the firing line including the stinger or J-lay
tower.
2. Fitted protection shall be ROV recoverable and shall be recovered prior to commencement
of flood clean gauge test (FCGT).
3. Design calculations and drawings for all fitted protection shall be submitted to Purchaser
for review and acceptance.
15.0 Pre-commissioning and Acceptance Testing

1. The pipeline and riser system shall be flooded, cleaned, gauged, and hydrotested in
accordance with SSM-SU-6188 and the project technical requirements.
2. Final hydrotesting shall be done after the pipeline is installed, spans have been rectified,
and any other works required by this specification prior to pipe flooding have been
completed.
3. If the pipeline is picked up and moved for any reason before operation, acceptance testing
shall be performed again.
4. If the pipeline fails hydrostatic testing, Supplier, with Purchaser’s concurrence on
procedure, shall conduct search, find, and repair operations. Upon completion of the repair,
the line shall be re-hydrotested.
5. The pipeline inspection tools shall be qualified by testing to ensure that the piggability and
inspection performance is verified and meets Supplier tool specification.
16.0 Installation Analysis

1. Pipeline installation analysis shall be in accordance with the requirements of
SSM-DU-5299, Section 8.0.
2. Pipelay tables (including A&R) for multiple WDs shall be provided by Supplier to
Purchaser in a format that is usable by the vessel.
a. The information monitored on the vessel shall be included in a table for reference
(i.e., layback touchdown distance, tensions, etc.).
b. Tables shall be in a format that allows installation superintendent to use them without
modifications.
c. A sketch shall be included with pipelay tables that clearly defines the variables and
terms.
17.0 Crossings of Foreign Pipelines

Supplier shall comply with the requirements of the crossing agreement negotiated by the
Purchaser with the crossed pipeline/cable owner. The requirements of this agreement may
typically include the following:
1. Purchaser shall provide the locations of known structures and foreign pipelines along the
proposed pipeline route, as determined by the route and hazard survey.
a. Responsibility for locating these structures, foreign pipelines, and cables shall rest
with Supplier.
b. Supplier shall use real-time positioning to locate each underwater facility to
Purchaser’s satisfaction before the pipelay vessel approaches such facility.
2. Where the pipeline route intersects other subsea pipelines, cables, or unavoidable
underwater geophysical structures, Supplier shall install specified support above the
existing facility to permit installation of the proposed line above the facility. Supplier shall
use a Purchaser-accepted procedure to execute the crossing installation.
3. Supplier shall allow a minimum of 3 hours bottom time to locate existing pipelines at
crossings based on Purchaser-furnished approximate coordinates. Supplier shall provide a
magnetometer and shall perform an on-bottom circle-search of the proposed crossing area.
4. Supplier shall include a sufficient quantity of concrete mattresses, sand/cement bags, or
other support structures for installation at each crossing in accordance with the contract
drawings. For concrete mattresses, non-abrasive pads that are not CP shielding shall be
placed on surfaces that may contact new or existing pipelines.
5. The lowering, dredging, and installation of supports, if required, shall be performed in
accordance with procedures prepared by Supplier and accepted by Purchaser.
6. Supplier shall provide suitable underwater video cameras to inspect the completed
crossings.
7. Inspection shall be made in the presence of Purchaser and other interested parties.
8. Supplier shall not lower existing pipelines without written authorization from both
Purchaser and owners/operators of existing pipelines.
9. Minimum clearance between existing and proposed lines shall be 18 inches (457 mm).
Sand/cement bags (3 parts sand to 1 part cement) or concrete mats shall be placed between
the two lines to maintain the separation.
10. Supplier shall provide the necessary facilities onboard the pipelay vessel for third-party
crossing representatives for whatever duration is required to complete the crossing(s).
11. Pipeline routing shall be in accordance to SSM-DU-5299.
18.0 Right-of-Way
1. Purchaser shall obtain necessary right-of-way easements and shall secure work permits
pertaining to the right-of-way from governmental agencies involved.
2. Supplier shall comply with all government permits and permissions obtained by the
Purchaser for the completion of this work.
3. Supplier shall adhere to said right-of-way, as shown on drawings, and no changes or
adjustments shall be made by Supplier without prior acceptance of Purchaser.
4. Purchaser shall obtain right of ingress and egress to the right-of-way.
5. Supplier shall be responsible for all other permits necessary for the performance of the
work, including the following at a minimum:
a. Permits for moving of vehicles and equipment.
b. Interruptions to navigation.
c. Additional work or storage space.

d. Work performed outside of right-of-way permit limits.
19.0 As-Built Documentation

19.1 General
1. Supplier shall provide a complete as-built report for Purchaser review and acceptance with
format and quantities specified by Purchaser’s project team.
2. The as-built report shall contain the information specified in DNV-OS-F101.

3. In addition to the DNV-OS-F101 documentation requirements, the as-built alignment
sheets shall show top of pipe, bottom of pipe, and adjacent seabed in the drawing.
4. The as-built alignment sheet XYZ data shall be provided in Microsoft Excel format.
19.2 Video Requirements

1. The quality of the video survey shall be sufficient to allow conclusions to be drawn
regarding the structural integrity of the pipeline(s), coatings, and CP systems.
2. Supplier shall make every effort to produce high resolution, properly focused video
documentation. The quality of each video shall be checked regularly.
3. Legible characters describing the pipeline attributes (e.g., size and location) shall be
displayed as a video overlay and recorded on video tape.
4. If, during the as-built ROV survey, any data acquisition equipment fails, survey operations
shall cease until all equipment is repaired and fully functional. The survey shall be resumed
from the last recorded position fix with allowance for sufficient survey overlap.
5. Videos shall be numbered consecutively starting with number 1, shall be labeled ‘AS-
BUILT SURVEY’, and shall include pipeline designation and size, video number, and date.
6. The video portion of the survey shall include the following at a minimum:
a. Fix position number.
b. Each exposed anode cable and general condition.
c. All locations with complete pipeline burial.
d. All pipeline crossings.
e. All pipeline spans (with details of start/stop, etc.).
f. All subsea equipment related to the pipeline (e.g., PLETs).
g. All anomalies in close proximity to the pipeline.
h. Areas of unusual bottom topography.
i. All damage to pipeline components.
j. Description and location of debris or other objects that may affect the pipeline.
7. Verbal introduction at the beginning of each video and periodically during each video shall
include the following:
a. Date.
b. Video number.
c. Brief subject of video.
d. Pipeline attributes (e.g., size and location).
e. Direction of travel.
f. Start point (fix number or physical location on pipeline).
8. A brief verbal description of general condition of the pipeline, coating system, anodes,
spans, crossings, and PLETs shall be included with particular attention given to any
damage or anything unusual.
9. Each position fix number shall be verbally recorded at each fix location.
10. Time shall be recorded using real local time as displayed on the video monitor.
11. A summary video log sheet shall be maintained that lists all video concerned with each
segment of the project.
12. All video logs shall be reviewed and signed by Purchaser for compliance with the
requirements.
13. A concise summary video showing events or details of major importance shall be edited
from the project videos, either during or immediately following conclusion of the work.

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SSM-SU-5297-A

Subsea Pipeline Construction

Operating Environment: Subsea

Rev. Date Description Author Technology Leader

Author notations regarding this revision

Safety Critical Changes (if applicable) are noted below

9.0 Pipelay and Construction Operations........................................................................................ 29

14.11 Reel-lay ............................................................................................................................. 57

2.1 Owner Documents

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

DNVGL Group (DNV GL)

2.3 Conflict Resolution and Deviations

GIS Geographic Information System

4.0 General Requirements

3. Unless specified otherwise, elevations on drawings and sketches shall be referenced to

4.1 Units of Measure

5.0 Project Management

5.2 Submittals Before Starting Operations at Site

1. Supplier shall prepare installation procedures, including drawings and calculations to

5.3 Installation Manual

9) Tension monitoring procedures.

5.4 Quality Management System

6.2 Material Provided by Supplier

9. Each consignment of material shall be checked to conform to the QMS procedures.

6.3 Material Control Procedure

4. At a minimum, the following shall apply:

6.5 Receipt of Line Pipe

h. Damage to the pipe.

6.6 Receipt of Purchaser-Supplied Material

6.9 Material Traceability

6.10 Requirements for Corrosion Resistant Alloy Pipe

6.11 Cleanup, Pollution Control, and Damages

7.0 Pipe Joint Fabrication

7.1 Multiple Joints

7.2 Tie-In Spools

7.3 Additional Pipe Identification after Fabrication

8.0 Pipelay Equipment and Required Personnel

8.1 Installation Trials

8.2 Pipelay Vessel Pre-Production Trials

8.3 Personnel Transportation

8.4 Diving Requirements

8.5 Remotely Operated Vehicles

Table 1: ROV Inspections

8.6 Positioning System

8.7 Equipment Control

8.7.1 Surface Positioning System

9.0 Pipelay and Construction Operations

9.2 Pre-Construction Survey and Seabed Preparation

9.3 Pipelay Initiation

9.4 Initiation / Laydown Heads & Abandonment & Recovery Heads

9.5 Pipeline Monitoring and Control

b. Pipeline and attached equipment (i.e., laydown/initiation head, connector, or PLET)

9.5.2 Stress and Strain Control

9.5.3 Buckle Detection

9.6 Supplier Anchor Handling, Mooring, and Dynamic Positioning

7. All anchor locations shall be reported.

9.7 Pipeline Abandonment and Recovery

9.8 Pipeline Welding

9.9 Field Joint Coating