Pipe-lay vessel (S-lay / J-lay / reel-lay)

Overview

Specialised vessel for offshore pipeline construction. S-lay: welded pipe segments assembled on the vessel + laid via a stinger over the stern (traditional shallow-water). J-lay: pipe laid nearly vertical for deep water. Reel-lay: pre-fabricated pipeline reeled onto the vessel + reeled out at sea. Owners: Saipem, Subsea 7, Allseas, McDermott, Van Oord. High-value contracts. Rank profile: Master + Chief Officer + DPOs + welders + client project staff (200-400 total).