WO2012140447A2

WO2012140447A2 - Hose deployment apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2012140447A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050830
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Hasler; Harald Hufthammer
Original assignee: Ikm Cleandrill As
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2012-04-13
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Also published as: WO2012140447A3; GB2505118A; NO336165B1; GB201320058D0; NO20110567A1; GB2505118B

Abstract

An apparatus and method for deployment and retrieval of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel are described. The apparatus comprises a mechanism configured to receive a hose and a flexible load-bearing element, which are coupled together to form a supported hose assembly as the hose and the load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus. In a launching mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is receives a hose from the first storage device and a flexible load-bearing element from the second storage device, and couples them to form a supported hose assembly. In a retrieval mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus receives a supported hose assembly consisting of a hose and a flexible load-bearing element, and decouples them to separate the hose and the load-bearing element before they are stored.

Description

Hose deployment apparatus and method The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for hose deployment, and in particular to an apparatus and method for deploying a hose from an offshore vessel or structure to the seabed. Background to the invention The background to the invention and its preferred embodiments will be described in relation to offshore and marine operations, although it will be appreciated that invention also has application to freshwater bodies such as lakes and rivers. In the offshore and marine industries, such as the hydrocarbon exploration and production industry, the subsea mining industry, and the dredging industry, it is often necessary to use a hose to transport fluids and/or solid materials between a vessel or structure at surface to the seabed. In this context, a hose is a flexible conduit defining a bore, through which fluids or solids may be conveyed. Flow of the materials may be upwards (i.e. from the seabed to the surface structure) or downwards (i.e. from the surface structure to the seabed) depending on the particular operation. Many hoses used in such applications are required to be deployed significant distances, and have significant weight. This weight, particularly when combined with the weight of a substance being transported inside the hose, may be too great to be supported by the inherent longitudinal strength of the hose. In these situations, it is known to support the hose by a load-bearing element. This may be a nearby structural element, for example a platform leg or a riser pipe, with the hose attached to the load-bearing element at regular intervals along the hose. An alternative known approach is to deploy a load-bearing element in the form of a support wire alongside the hose, and secure the support wire to the hose at regular intervals. The support wire may be a dedicated support wire stored on and deployed from a reel, or alternatively a crane wire which forms part of standard vessel and rig deck equipment may be used to support the hose deployment. Alternatively, an umbilical (which is a wire sheathed bundled cable having additional functionality such as powering and controlling subsea equipment) may be used. Whatever the nature of the load-bearing element, they are tied to the hose by means of bolted clamps, clips, chain or wire straps, rope or webbing straps. These tie-offs are made manually by offshore personnel. Current practices involving the deployment of hoses and load-bearing element have deficiencies and drawbacks. These include health and safety risks to offshore personnel during hose deployment and recovery operations from the hose handling procedures and manual tie-offs on the deck of the vessel or offshore structure. Previously proposed systems also require a significant amount of deck space with a separate wire and hose deployment reels. This is disadvantageous, with space on offshore vessels and structures being at a premium. The existing practices also have a high risk of creating wear and tear on the hose and wire from the tie-offs used. In addition, the manual tying off of the load-bearing element and the hose is labour intensive and may be slow. GB 2265685 discloses a method and apparatus for laying a steel service pipeline and an underwater electrical cable from a vessel. In the described embodiment, the cable is supplied from a carousel, and three service lines are supplied from separate storage reels. The service lines and cable are bundled together by strapping to create a service bundle which may be simultaneous deployed from the vessel. WO01/70564 describes an umbilical line which is bound to a crane winch line to prevent entanglement. Neither system is suitable for the safe and controlled deployment of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel. It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide a hose deployment apparatus and/or method which obviates or at least mitigates one or more of the drawbacks of conventional hose deployment practices. One aim of the invention is to provide a hose deployment apparatus and/or method which reduces the reliance on human intervention and operation, and thereby reduces the health and safety risks associated with hose deployment operations. Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description. Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for deployment and retrieval of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel, the apparatus comprising a mechanism configured to receive a hose and a flexible load-bearing element and couple the hose to the flexible load-bearing element to form a supported hose assembly as the hose and the load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to decouple the hose and the load-bearing element as a supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus. Preferably the hose comprises a flexible conduit defining a bore, which may be collapsible, and through which fluids, solids and/or slurries may be conveyed. Flow of the materials may be upwards (i.e. from the seabed to the surface structure) or downwards (i.e. from the surface structure to the seabed) depending on the particular operation. The hose may form part of a mud return line for a subsea drilling operation, and in particular may be a mud return line used to carry drilling mud and/or cuttings to the surface in a separate path from the drill string, The hose may for example be a mud return line used in a riserless or tophole subsea drilling operation. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for the deployment and/or retrieval of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel, the system comprising: a first storage device for a hose; a second storage device for a flexible load- bearing element; and a coupling-decoupling apparatus;

wherein in a launching mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is configured to receive a hose from the first storage device and a flexible load-bearing element from the second storage device, and couple the hose to the load-bearing element to form a supported hose assembly as the hose and load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus; and wherein in a retrieval mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is configured to receive a supported hose assembly consisting of a hose and a flexible load- bearing element, and decouple the supported hose assembly to separate the hose and the load-bearing element as the supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus. The coupling-decoupling apparatus may therefore be configured to launch a supported hose assembly from the offshore structure or vessel, and to separate a supported hose assembly into constituent elements on its retrieval. In the supported hose assembly, the weight of the hose (and other loads experienced by the hose) may be transferred to the flexible load-bearing element. The flexible load- bearing element may therefore support the weight of the hose and it is not necessary for the hose to be self-supporting. The hose may comprise a hard wall hose or a soft wall hose, and may be assembled from a plurality of hose lengths connected by hose end connectors. Preferably, the load-bearing element is secured to the hose at longitudinal intervals along the hose. The load-bearing element may be maintained in tension and may therefore support the weight of the hose. The hose may comprise a plurality of attachment formations which permit coupling of the hose to the load-bearing element. An attachment formation may comprise fixing means for securing the attachment formation to the hose, and may comprise an engaging formation for engaging with a corresponding formation on the load-bearing element. The fixing means may comprise a sleeve or patch on the outer surface of the hose. The sleeve or patch may for example comprise metal, fabric, rubber, polymer, or webbing materials. The fixing means may be bonded or adhered to the hose, or may be secured to the hose by a clamping or wrapping force. The engaging formation may comprise one or more loops. Alternatively, or in addition, the fixing means may comprise a mechanical fitting which is secured to the hose. The mechanical fitting may penetrate, or partially penetrate, the hose wall. In one example, the mechanical fitting penetrates the hose wall and is secured by an internal member which provides an abutment surface against an interior surface of the hose. In another embodiment, the mechanical fitting is clamped or crimped onto the hose. Where the hose comprises one or more hose end connections, the attachment formations may be connected to or unitarily formed with the end connections. In one embodiment an attachment formation is provided on a sub-assembly which is secured between adjacent hose lengths. In preferred embodiments, the attachment formation of the hose is selected so as not to impede the spooling of the hose and/or the storage of the hose in the storage device. For example, the attachment formation may be selected so that it does not significantly increase the outer diameter of the hose, or so that it is at least partially flexible and/or collapsible against the outer hose wall. The load-bearing element may comprise a wire, cable or umbilical. In alternative embodiment, the load-bearing element is a fibre rope. This is particularly advantageous for deepwater applications, due to the low weight and high strength of the fibre rope. Embodiments of the invention may utilise a plurality of load-bearing elements on a single hose. Thus the supported hose assembly may comprise two or more load-bearing elements, which may be spaced apart. Such a configuration reduces a tendency for the assembly to twist during deployment, operation, and/or recovery. The load-bearing element may comprise a plurality of longitudinally separated fixing points integrally formed with the load-bearing element (for example permanently attached to a wire). In an alternative embodiment, the load-bearing element is coupled to the hose via a connection component which may be removably attached to the load-bearing element. Such a configuration is preferred, as the connection components can be removed from the load-bearing element before it is stored, so as not to impede spooling and/or storage. The connection component may be fixed to the hose, but preferably is a separate component. The system may therefore comprise a plurality of connection components which are operable to be attached to the load-bearing element and the hose to form the supported hose assembly. Preferably, the connection component is attached to the hose and the load-bearing element as the hose and load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a launching mode of operation. The system may be configured to remove the connection component from the load- bearing element as the supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a retrieval mode of operation. Preferably, the system is configured to remove the connection component from the hose and the load-bearing element as a supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a retrieval mode of operation. Preferably, the system comprises one or more clamps which couple the hose to the load- bearing element. Preferably, the clamp transmits a load to the load-bearing element by clamping on to the load-bearing element. Most preferably, the clamp is attached to the load-bearing element temporarily. In one embodiment, the connection component consists of a clamp portion and an engaging portion. Preferably, the clamp is configured to be clamped to the load-bearing element. The engaging portion is preferably configured to couple to the engaging formation of the hose. The engaging portion may comprise a snap hook for coupling with the engaging formation of the hose. The clamp may be biased to a condition (for example by spring-loading) in which it is attached to a load-bearing element. Alternatively, or in addition the clamp may be configured to be mechanically loaded on to the load-bearing element. The system may comprise means for storing one or more connection components, which may be a storage rack or magazine. The storage rack or magazine may store a connection component in a condition in which it is not coupled to a hose or umbilical. The clamp may be attached to the hose. The clamp may be configured such that the weight of the hose mechanically loads the clamp into attachment to the load-bearing element. In alternative embodiments, the hose is coupled to the load-bearing element by friction. The coupling-decoupling device may be configured to apply a band around the hose of the load-bearing element. The band may be sacrificial. During a retrieval mode of operation, the band may be cut or severed. Cutting or severing of the band may be carried out automatically, or may be triggered or otherwise actuated by an operator. Alternatively, or in addition, the hose may be coupled to the load-bearing element by wrapping an elongate member around the hose and the load-bearing element. The element may be rubber, soft webbing or any suitable material which has elastomeric properties sufficient to couple the hose to the load-bearing element. A supplementary fastening means may be provided, for example a hook and loop fastener, or straps. In an alternative embodiment, the hose and the load-bearing element are coupled by wrapping in a net or webbing, which may be tubular. The net or webbing may be configured to radially tighten on longitudinal stretching of the net or webbing, for example in the manner of a Chinese finger trap. The hose may be stored in a reel, or alternatively may be stored in a horizontal or vertical flaked storage system. Where the length of the hose is required to be longer than the length which can be stored on a storage reel, the system may comprise one or more hose cartridges which are added to the system during deployment of the hose. Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of launching a hose from an offshore structure or vessel, the method comprising:

paying out a hose from a first storage device;

paying out a flexible load-bearing element from a second storage device;

receiving the hose and flexible load-bearing element in a coupling-decoupling apparatus; automatically coupling the hose to the flexible load-bearing element to form a supported hose assembly;

deploying the supported hose assembly from the coupling-decoupling apparatus. Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of retrieving a hose onto an offshore structure or vessel, the method comprising:

receiving a supported hose assembly comprising a hose and a flexible load-bearing element in a coupling-decoupling device;

automatically decoupling the hose from the flexible load-bearing element;

winding the hose onto a first storage reel;

winding the flexible load-bearing element onto a second storage reel. Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any of the first to third aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa. Brief description of the drawings There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows schematically a system according to a first embodiment of the invention, applied to an offshore structure; Figure 2 shows schematically a coupling between a hose and a wire according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a hose with a fixing point penetrating the hose wall, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a system according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 5A and 5B are respectively plan and side views of a coupling arrangement used in the embodiment of Figure 4; Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the coupling arrangement of Figure 5 respectively in open and closed configurations; Figure 7 schematically shows the system of Figure 4 in use; and Figures 8A and 8B are respectively a side views and cross-sectional view of a coupling arrangement according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is shown schematically a system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, applied on an offshore structure 102. The system 100 comprises a hose storage reel 104 and a storage reel 106 for a flexible load-bearing element, which in this case is a wire. The system comprises a coupling-decoupling apparatus 108 which is supported beyond the lateral extent of the offshore structure 102. A hose 1 10 paid out from the storage reel 104 is fed to the apparatus 108, and a wire 1 12 is paid out from the reel 106 to the apparatus 108. The apparatus 108 is configured to couple the hose 1 10 and the wire 1 12 together to form a supported hose assembly 1 14. Therefore in a hose launching mode of operation, the hose and wire are fed separately from their respective storage reels to the apparatus 108, and exit the apparatus as a combined assembly 1 14, coupled at longitudinally separated points 1 16. The supported hose assembly 1 14 passes through a guide system 1 18 and is launched to the seabed. The system 100 also operates in a retrieval mode. In this mode, the supported hose assembly 1 14 is withdrawn into the apparatus 108, and the hose and wire forming the assembly are separated into respective hose 1 10 and 1 12 for storage on respective reels 104, 106. By coupling the hose and the load-bearing elements together as they are fed to the apparatus 108, the requirements for manual handling of the hose and load-bearing elements are significantly reduced or avoided entirely. This has benefits for the safety and efficiency of the hose deployment and retrieval operations. In addition, the likelihood of damage to the wires is reduced, when compared with the manual tie-offs used in existing hose deployment practices. Figure 2 shows an example 120 of how the coupling between the hose 1 10 and the load- bearing element 1 12 may be achieved. The hose 1 10 is provided with an attachment comprising a fixing portion 122 and an engaging formation 124. The fixing portion 122 of this embodiment is in the form of a sleeve which is bonded or adhered to the outer surface of the hose 1 10. The engaging formation 124 is in the form of an arrangement of loops 126 which together extend circumferentially around the hose 1 10. The fixing portion 122 has a low profile, and therefore does not significantly increase the outer diameter of the hose 1 10. This minimises the interference with spooling and storage of the hose 1 10. Similarly, the loops 126 are flexible and collapsible, so that the impact on spooling and storage of the hose 1 10 is reduced. The arrangement 120 example includes connection component 130 which is arranged to be temporarily attached to the hose 104 and the wire 106. The connection component 130 includes a clamping portion 132 configured to receive and attach on to the wire 106, and an engaging portion 134, which in this embodiment is in the form of a snap hook. The snap hook engages with the engaging formation (i.e. loop 126) on the hose 1 10. The connection component 130 is mechanically loaded by the weight of the hose (acting in the direction indicated by the arrow W) to clamp on to the wire 1 12. The system 100 includes a magazine of connection components 130 located in the apparatus 108 for attachment to the hose and wire. The connection components 130 are sequentially engaged to the hose and the wire as described below. In use, the hose 1 10 and the wire 1 12 are fed into the apparatus 108 simultaneously, with the wire 1 12 fed between the opposing members of the clamp portion 132 of the connection component 130. As the hose 1 10 passes through the apparatus 108, it with the connection component 130, and the force transferred to the connection component mechanically loads the clamp into attachment with the wire 1 12. The hose 1 10 and wire 1 10 are therefore coupled to form the supported hose assembly 1 14, which is launched from the system 100. During a launching operation, the wire 1 10 is held in tension.

However, the hose 1 10 is not in overall tension, but is suspended from each attachment point 1 16. During a retrieval mode of operation, the wire is spooled in under tension to lift the supported hose assembly back toward the offshore structure, while retaining the mechanical loading on the clamp 132. The assembly 1 14 passes into the apparatus 108. The hose 1 10 and the connection component 130 are disengaged, which releases the mechanical loading on the clamp 132, allowing the clamp to be released from the wire 1 12. Connection components 130 are released from the supported hose assembly sequentially and stored in the magazine in the apparatus 108. In the above-described embodiment, the connection component 130 is a separate component removable from both the hose 1 10 and the wire 1 12. This is advantageous, as it avoids providing permanent fixing points on the wire 1 10, which could interfere with the spooling and/or storage of the wire. Alternative configurations of connection components are within the scope of the invention. For example, alternative designs of clamp which may be a mechanically loaded into engagement with the wire by the weight of the hose may be used. Alternatively, or in addition, clamps may be used which comprise biasing means (such as spring loading mechanisms) which biases the clamp into engagement with the wire. The clamps may be held in the apparatus 108 with the biasing means in an open position. The biasing means may be released as the hose and wire pass through the apparatus, such that the clamp is released into engagement with the wire. A system 400 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The system 400 is similar to the system 100, and will be understood from its corresponding description. The system 400 has particular application to deployment of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel (not shown), and comprises a hose 402 deployed from a hose storage reel 404, which is arranged horizontally on a support platform 406. The support platform 406 is arranged over a frame 408, which accommodates an umbilical 410 on an umbilical storage reel 412. The hose 402 and the umbilical 410 are attached by a fixing portion 442 on the hose, and an engaging portion 444 on a connection component of the umbilical, via a strap 446. The system also comprises an unfolding support member 414 for a guide system 416, over which a supported hose assembly 418 is guided and deployed to the seabed. The system 400 also comprises a rack system 420 for storing, releasing, and recovering connection components in the form of clamps 422, as will be described below. The clamps 422 comprise clamping portions 424 and bearing portions 426, around a pivot 428, and are spring-loaded to bias the bearing portions apart and the clamping portions together. Figures 5A and 5B are respectively plan and side views of the rack system 420. In Figure 5A, the rack system 420 is shown accommodating an array of clamps 422. In Figure 5A, the rack system 420 is shown with the array of clamps and an umbilical 410 extending through clamping portions of the clamps. The rack system 420 comprises a pair of elongate guide members 426 arranged in line with the deployment direction of the umbilical 410 (and the hose 402, not shown). The guide members 430 define a channel for receiving bearing members 426 of the clamp 422. The guide members are shaped to define a restricted channel portion 432, in which the bearing portions of the clamp are pushed together, a first flared portion 434, and a second flared portion 436, each of which widens the channel in a direction moving away from the restricted channel portion 432. Figure 6A and 6B show the interaction of the clamps 422 and the rack system 420 in more detail. Figure 6A shows a cross-section of the guide members 430, the clamp, and the umbilical 410 through the line A-A' in the restricted channel portion 432. In this position, the bearing portions 426 of the clamp 422 are pushed together, which tends to open the clamping members 424 about the pivot. The open clamping members partially surround the umbilical 410. Figure 6B is a cross-section through the clamp 422 and guide members 430 through the flared portion 434, at line B to B'. In this position, the channel defined by the support members is wider, and the biasing means pushed the bearing portion apart and the clamping portion together. Therefore in the flared portion (in the position shown in Figure 6B) the clamp is clamped to the umbilical. Figure 7 shows the system 400 in use. The hose 402 is deployed from the reel and passes over the rack system 420. An operator 450 connects a strap (not shown) which is attached to a clamp in the rack 420, to a loop 448 on a fixing portion 442 on the hose. The strap is for example connected by a snap-connector. As the hose is paid out, the strap pulls out the clamp from the restricted channel portion of the rack. As the clamp enters the flared portion, the bearing portions move apart and the clamping portions attach to the umbilical. This couples the hose to the umbilical to form the supported hose assembly. In a recovery mode of operation, the bearing portions of the clamps enter the flared portion and then enter the restricted channel to release the umbilical from the clamp. In an alternative embodiment, the connection of the hose is fully automated, and does not require the intervention of an operator. A snap connector is arranged to automatically engage with the hose to cause the clamp to be drawn out of the rack system. In alternative embodiments, a clamp or clamps may also be used to attach the hose. For example, the connection component may comprise first and second clamping portions respectively configured to clamp on to the wire and the hose. In a further alternative embodiment, a fixing point may be permanently attached to either the wire or the hose. Figure 3 shows an example 140 of a fixing point 142 integrally formed with the hose 1 10'. The fixing point 142 penetrates the wall 144 of the hose and comprises a backing member 146 including an abutment surface 148 for the interior of the hose wall. In a further alternative embodiment (not shown) the hose is provided with fixing points on sub assemblies located between corresponding hose end couplings which join adjacent hose lengths. The above-described embodiments use clamps and/or fixing points to couple the wire and the hose. In alternative embodiments, the hose and the wire are coupled by friction. In one example, shown in Figures 4A and 4B at 160, a sheet or web material 162 is applied around outside of the hose 1 10 and wire 1 12, to form a sacrificial band around both elements. The sacrificial band may be severed or cut during a retrieval operation to release the hose from the wire. In an alternative arrangement, a soft webbing or rubber sleeve is wrapped around both the hose and the wire, and is fastened to the wire using a hook and loop fastener or straps. A further alternative embodiment uses a tubular net arrangement, through which the hose and the wire extend. The tubular net is formed so that longitudinal stretching of the net tends to cause radial tightening, such as with a "Chinese finger" wrapping-type

arrangement. The invention provides an apparatus and method for deployment and retrieval of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel. The apparatus comprises a mechanism configured to receive a hose and a flexible load-bearing element, which are coupled together to form a supported hose assembly as the hose and the load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus. In a launching mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is receives a hose from the first storage device and a flexible load-bearing element from the second storage device, and couples them to form a supported hose assembly. In a retrieval mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus receives a supported hose assembly consisting of a hose and a flexible load-bearing element, and decouples them to separate the hose and the load-bearing element before they are stored. The invention in its various embodiments provides a hose deployment and retrieval apparatus and method which are improved with respect to conventional systems. In particular, the present invention reduces the requirement for manual handling or a hose and wire, and for manual tie-off of the hose to a wire. This improves the safety and efficiency of hose deployment and retrieval operations. The invention has particular application to the offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production industry, subsea mining, and subsea dredging. The invention also has application to freshwater systems such as in lakes and rivers. Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as herein intended, and embodiments of the invention may include combinations of features other than those expressly claimed.

Claims

Claims: 1 . A system for the deployment and/or retrieval of a hose from an offshore structure or vessel, the system comprising: a first storage device for a hose; a second storage device for a flexible load-bearing element; and a coupling-decoupling apparatus; wherein in a launching mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is configured to receive a hose from the first storage device and a flexible load-bearing element from the second storage device, and couple the hose to the load-bearing element to form a supported hose assembly as the hose and load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus;

and wherein in a retrieval mode of operation, the coupling-decoupling apparatus is configured to receive a supported hose assembly consisting of a hose and a flexible load-bearing element, and decouple the supported hose assembly to separate the hose and the load-bearing element as the supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hose comprises a plurality of

attachment formations which permit coupling of the hose to the load-bearing element, wherein an attachment formation comprises fixing means for securing the attachment formation to the hose, and comprises an engaging formation for engaging with a corresponding formation on the load-bearing element.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the load-bearing element is selected from a wire, cable, umbilical or fibre rope.

4. The system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the load-bearing element is coupled to the hose via a connection component which is removably attached to the load-bearing element.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, configured to attach the connection component to the hose and the load-bearing element as the hose and load-bearing element are fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a launching mode of operation.

6. The system as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, configured to remove the connection component from the load-bearing element as the supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a retrieval mode of operation.

7. The system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, configured to remove the connection component from the hose and the load-bearing element as a supported hose assembly is fed to the apparatus, when the system is in a retrieval mode of operation.

8. The system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising one or more clamps

which couple the hose to the load-bearing element.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein a clamp comprises biasing means for biasing the clamp to a condition in which it is attached to a load-bearing element.

10. The system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, comprising means for storing one or more connection components.

1 1 . The system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the connection components comprise one or more clamps, and further comprising means for storing one or more clamps in a condition in which they are held open.

12. The system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein a clamp is configured such that the weight of the hose mechanically loads the clamp into attachment to the load- bearing element.

13. The system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hose is coupled to the load-bearing element by friction.

14. A method of launching a hose from an offshore structure or vessel, the method

comprising:

paying out a hose from a first storage device;

paying out a flexible load-bearing element from a second storage device;

deploying the supported hose assembly from the coupling-decoupling apparatus.

15. A method of retrieving a hose onto an offshore structure or vessel, the method comprising:

automatically decoupling the hose from the flexible load-bearing element;

winding the hose onto a first storage reel;

winding the flexible load-bearing element onto a second storage reel.