The technology, a collaboration between Cortez Subsea and NOV Tuboscope Zap-Lok, is the culmination of three years of research and development. The Modular Pipelay System allows the use of the Zap-Lok connected pipeline to be installed from a suitable DP vessel.
“This is a significant step in the development of our company towards advancing technology and maximising value for the subsea market,” said Cortez Subsea managing director, Alasdair Cowie.

“The Zap-Lok connection, which has been used onshore and offshore for over 40 years, has gone through significant testing and is now approved by a number of major and independent oil and gas companies who see the advantage of the Zap-Lok technology. We are now progressing towards fabrication and trials of the first of the units for operations at the beginning of 2015,” he added.

The Modular Pipelay System is designed to facilitate the storage, handling, connection and deployment of the pipeline in an S-lay configuration onto the seabed at a speed of three to five minutes per joint – a daily installation rate of up to five kilometres.

“The market for shallow water and replacement pipelines is significant and expected to continue growing as operators increasingly look to maximise the return on their investments,” said Mr Cowie.