Underwater oil pipeline heating systems

A system for containing an underwater oil leak, comprising:

• a collection shed having a first opening configured to capture oil leaking from an underwater structure and a second opening opposite the first opening;
• a pipe coupled to the second opening of the collection shed, wherein the pipe is configured to transport the oil away from the collection shed;
• an oxidizer delivery pipe having a plurality of outlet valves, the oxidizer delivery pipe configured to supply an oxidizer to at least one of the pipe and the collection shed via the plurality of outlet valves;
• an ignition mechanism;
• and
• a controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate and deactivate the ignition mechanism;
• wherein individual ones of the plurality of outlet valves are selectively operable to release the oxidizer into at least one of the pipe and the collection shed.

A method of containing an underwater oil leak, comprising:

• positioning a collection shed having a first opening over a leak in an underwater structure;
• coupling a pipe to a second opening of the collection shed, wherein the pipe is configured to transport the oil away from the collection shed;
• providing an oxidizer delivery pipe having a plurality of outlets, the oxidizer delivery pipe configured to supply an oxidizer to at least one of the pipe and to the collection shed;
• and
• independently opening and closing individual outlets of the plurality of outlets such that the oxidizer is selectively released into at least one of the pipe and the collection shed to cause an exothermic reaction between a portion of the oil and the oxidizer.