Pumping system

A header float assembly for a pumping system for use in a body of fluid, comprising:

• a single rigid header float supporting a header pipe, the single rigid header float having:
• an inshore edge and an offshore edge defining a length of the single rigid header float substantially parallel to a segment of a shore of the body of fluid;
• respective end edges separating the inshore edge from the offshore edge and defining a width of the single rigid header float that is smaller than the length;
• first and second floating walkways coupled to the single rigid header float adjacent to respective ones of the end edges and substantially perpendicularly to the length;
• the first and second floating walkways extending toward the segment of the shore to define an inshore area bounded by the segment of the shore, the inshore edge, and the first and second walkways;
• wherein the header pipe includes a plurality of inlets facing the inshore area for connection to respective pumps supported on pump barges.

A method, comprising:

• deploying, in a body of fluid, a single rigid header float supporting a header pipe, the single rigid header float having:
• an inshore edge and an offshore edge defining a length of the single rigid header float substantially parallel to a segment of a shore of the body of fluid;
• respective end edges separating the inshore edge from the offshore edge and defining a width of the single rigid header float that is smaller than the length;
• and
• a mooring element having an extended position for fixing the single rigid header float to a bed of the body of fluid, and a retracted position for permitting movement of the single rigid header float relative to the bed;
• connecting first and second floating walkways to the single rigid header float adjacent to respective ones of the end edges and substantially perpendicularly to the length, such that the first and second floating walkways extend toward the segment of the shore to define an inshore area bounded by the segment of the shore, the inshore edge, and the first and second walkways;
• connecting a plurality of pump barges each coupled to the inshore edge of the single rigid header float within the inshore area;
• and
• transitioning the mooring element between the retracted and extended positions to permit and prevent, respectively, movement of the single rigid header float relative to a bed of the body of fluid.