Galveston, USA: Energy and maritime support services company, Bisso Marine, has buried a pipeline 4.8 metres below the hardened seabed of the Gulf of Mexico.
Working in 16.5 metres of water, the crew of the 'DLB Big Chief' installed a hot tap and used one of the company's three super jet pump systems to bury 4,230 metres of pipeline 16km off Galveston Island.
The pipeline burial was especially challenging because of the shear strength of the soil on the seafloor. A vane shear test showed the soil strength at 4,500psf.
"Burying a pipeline in 4,500psf soil is not an easy operation, especially to a depth of 16 feet (4.8 metres)," said President and Chief Executive Officer WA "Beau" Bisso IV.
The installation and burial of the 15.2cm natural gas pipeline was completed on time and under budget for the client.