Optimization of the pipelaying process

We developed a methodology to optimize the pipelaying process of the Amazon vessel.
Ceona Amazon vessel in operation
Project overview

The Amazon vessel is a multifunctional construction and pipelay vessel. Amazon is used in offshore construction for installing flexible, rigid pipelines to the seabed. To this end, pipe segments are welded together on the vessel deck. In the process of welding, the pipes are pulled through a number of workstations located on the deck with a certain pull length. For efficient uninterrupted operation, it is important that the joints of the pipe segments subsequently land within the working space of each workstation. If a pipe segment joint does not land within a workstation, the pipelaying process is interrupted and operation is delayed.

pipe sorting into four batches and pipe selection sequence
Illustration of pipe sorting into four batches and pipe selection sequence
Eracons deliverables

We developed a methodology to optimize the pipelaying process of the Amazon vessel accounting for uncertainties in the length of pipe segments. To methodology is implemented in a software tool that is capable of determining failure rates for this kind of operations. To minimize the failure rate, the pipes are sorted into batches of similar length. The software tool is able to determine optimal sequences for selecting the pipes from the batches during operation.

Year
2015
Client
Ceona Offshore, UK