Oceanic Exploration Feasibility Study for the East Timor Pipeline

• Pipelay

  As noted in Appendix 3, Heerema has confirmed that the MSV Balder is capable of installing a 28-inch outside diameter pipeline in 3,000m.

  Construction companies such as Allseas and Saipem also have deep water pipeline installation capability, such as J lay rigs.

• Maintenance and Installation

  One of the main differences between shallow water (less than 200m) and deepwater pipelines is the use of divers to maintain and install the pipeline. The maximum water depth that an unprotected diver can survive is less than 800m. The current allowable maximum water depth that divers are allowed to work in the North Sea is less than 200m.

  The pipelines that have been laid in the Gulf of Mexico are in excess of 1,500m (ref appendix 2). All these pipelines have been laid, installed and maintained using Remote Operated Vehicle technology. Maintenance includes equipment for Pipeline Repair, intelligent inspection and inspection.

  The same technology that has been used to install these pipelines can be used to install pipelines in a water depth of 3,000m.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Laying a pipeline in a water depth of 2,500m to 3,000m is not a significant problem with current technology. Pipelines are being designed for installation in a water depth greater than 3,000m.

Similar pipelines have been laid in the world in similar coastal environments and deepwater.

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