Landing mechanism for lifted pipe reel

An arrangement for lifting and landing a pipe reel on a reeled pipe lay vessel, comprising:

• a. a pipe reel with a central shaft that extends beyond both sides of the pipe reel;
• b. a landing mechanism that absorbs the landing load of the pipe reel, comprising
• i. a bearing cup sized to receive the shaft of the pipe reel;
• ii. a foundation attached to the bearing cup and having elastomers designed to absorb the landing load of the pipe reel;
• iii. releasable locking means attached to the foundation for selectively limiting the vertical motion of the bearing cup, foundation, and pipe reel;
• and
• iv. means for selectively moving the bearing cup, foundation, and reel vertically;
• c. means for selective vertical motion of the landing mechanism during lifting or landing of the pipe reel;
• and
• d. a reel bearing support apparatus for supporting the pipe reel during pipe laying operations.

An arrangement for lifting and landing a pipe reel on a reeled pipe lay vessel, comprising:

• a. a pipe reel with a central shaft that extends beyond both sides of the pipe reel;
• b. a landing mechanism that absorbs the landing load of the pipe reel, comprising;
• i. a bearing cup sized to receive the shaft of the pipe reel;
• ii. a foundation attached to the bearing cup and having elastomers designed to absorb the landing load of the pipe reel;
• iii. releasable locking means attached to the foundation for selectively limiting the vertical motion of the bearing cup, foundation, and pipe reel;
• and
• iv. means for selectively moving the bearing cup, foundation, and reel vertically;
• c. means for selective vertical motion of the landing mechanism during lifting or landing of the pipe reel;
• d. a reel bearing support apparatus for supporting the pipe reel during pipe laying operations;
• and
• e. a reel drive mechanism selectively retractable during lifting and landing operation of a pipe reel.