Radial taper clamp

Abstract

A clamp assembly 200 for clamping pipelines 202 comprises a housing and at least two clamping members 208. The clamping members are unitary and elongate and have a clamping surface 216 configured to e

Description

The present invention relates to a clamp assembly for clamping flexible lines, particularly flexible pipelines, umbilicals or cable lines, and a method of clamping and use thereof. For example, the clamp assembly is suitable for clamping flexible lines in underwater environments, top-side environments, onshore environments and offshore environments. Guides or clamps are needed to control and support subsea flexible lines (such as flexible pipelines, flexible cables and umbilicals), in a variety of subsea engineering scenarios. For instance, clamps can be used to lift and / or position a pipeline with respect to other components such that the lines can be joined or connected with other components. Alternatively, clamps can be used to restrain or strap down a pipeline (e.g. to another line, a riser or a mid-water arch) in order to keep the pipeline out of the way during deployment or repair work of the subsea system. Clamps for use in offshore environments and / or subsea engineering may therefore be considered to provide anchorage points or lifting aids, e.g. for installation or tensioner failure scenarios. Clamps may be a temporary or permanent part of the resulting subsea system. Figures 1 shows an example of a traditional clamp having a two-part (or 2-half) design where the sections of the clamp are connected together around a line by a series of fasteners which are tightened (or fastened) to create a required clamping force along the length of the clamp. These traditional clamps may be provided with different connections to allow the clamp to be used for different purposes in offshore environments, including subsea environments and topside environments proximate to a floating assembly (e.g. a vessel, a barge, a platform, etc.). For example, Figure 2 shows the traditional clamp of Figure 1 with two different attachments. Figure 2a shows the clamp with a Swivel Padeye Attachment to allow the clamp to be used as a tether clamp whereas Figure 2b shows the clamp with a Pulling Head Attachment such that the clamp is useable as an abandonment clamp. Another common use for clamps in subsea environments is for repair work, e.g. a repair clamp. These repair clamps are installed as permanent parts of the pipeline after damage has occurred. Typical repair clamps include a distinct patch member (generally being an elastomer) that is positioned over the damaged part of a pipe section such that the patch member covers the damaged part. As such, when the clamp is fixed in place and exerts a compressive force on the pipe section, the patch member engages and deforms to fit the damage, and thus acts to repair the pipeline such that leakage is prevented. WO 2020 / 162760A discloses a repair clamp which comprises a clamp body that supports a patch member and is able to repair a damaged part of a pipe section (by exerting a compressive force in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline) whilst also preventing crack propagation of the damaged part (by exerting a compressive force in an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section such that parts of the pipe section either side of the damaged part are squeezed together). Furthermore, traditional clamps (such as repair clamps) are usually large, bulky and / or heavy and can be difficult to manipulate, especially in underwater environments. They may also comprise a lot of structural elements that can lead to a complex, e.g. cumbersome storage on vessel, multi-stage, assembly process that can cause particular problems when the clamps are being installed by a Remotely Operated Vehicle in a subsea environment, for example a repair clamp being installed to repair a pipeline. The fastening process of conventional clamps is also a slow process and / or can lead to an uneven compressive (e.g. clamping) force being applied along the length of the pipeline as well as around the circumference of the Pipe. The present invention aims to provide an improved clamp for flexible lines (e.g. for use in underwater environments) which aims to address at least one of the above stated problems associated with traditional clamps. Summary of Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a clamp assembly for clamping pipelines (e.g. in underwater environments) is provided, the clamp comprising: a housing; and at least two clamping members; wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate; wherein the clamping member comprises: a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing; a first surface proximate to a first end; and a second surface proximate a second end; wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; and wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position configured to apply a compressive force on the clamping member. In a second aspect, the present invention provides, a method of clamping a pipeline is provided, the method comprising: providing a clamp assembly around a pipeline, the clamp assembly comprising: a housing; and at least two clamping members; wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate; wherein the clamping member comprises: a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing; a first surface proximate to a first end; and a second surface proximate a second end; wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; and wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position to apply a compressive force on the clamping member; and displacing the first engagement member and the second engagement member from a first position to a second position to compress the clamping members against the pipeline. In a third aspect, the present invention provides use of the clamp assembly as described herein to clamp a pipeline. Description of Figures Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exemplary prior art clamp; Figure 2a shows the clamp of Figure 1 with a Swivel Padeye attachment to form a tether clamp; Figure 2b shows the clamp of Figure 1 with a Pulling Head attachment to form an abandonment clamp; Figure 3 schematically represents an embodiment of the present invention when installed on a pipeline; Figure 4 schematically shows a part view of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 in an open configuration; and Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in a clamped configuration. Detailed description The present invention provides a clamp for clamping a pipeline, especially flexible line (e.g. umbilical, e.g. flexible pipeline, e.g. cable) in an offshore or onshore environment. Preferably, the present invention provides a clamp for clamping a pipeline (e.g. a flexible line such as an umbilical, flexible pipeline and / or a cable) in an underwater (e.g. subsea) environment which has a simplified design with respect to the clamps known in the prior art. The present invention further provides a clamp which can be assembled onto a pipeline more easily than traditional clamps known in the art, improving assembly time and costs. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a clamp assembly for clamping pipelines (e.g. in underwater environments) is provided, the clamp comprising: a housing; and at least two clamping members; wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate; wherein the clamping member comprises: a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing; a first surface proximate to a first end; and a second surface proximate a second end; wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; and wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position configured to apply a compressive force on the clamping member such that the clamping member applies a compressive force on the pipeline. Within the meaning of the present invention, an elongate clamping member is a clamping member that has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension. In particular, the elongate member has a clamping surface that provides a rectangular projection onto the surface of the pipeline with which it engages. For example, the clamping surface is rectangular. Preferably, the length dimension is parallel to the longitudinal axis. Within the meaning of the present invention, the or each clamping member being unitary means that the or each clamping member is formed from or as a single component, such that the clamping surface (i.e. the surface which extends from the first end to the second end) is continuous and provided by a unitary body or unitary material component. Optionally, the pipeline is an underwater pipeline. Optionally, the present invention provides a clamp for clamping a pipeline in an offshore or onshore environment. Optionally, the present invention provides a clamp for clamping an umbilical, flexible pipeline and / or a cable in an underwater or subsea environment. It will be appreciated that a unitary clamping member may further comprise a coating layer to one or more of the surfaces provided by the unitary body. For example, the clamping surface may comprise a coating layer configured to provide a high-friction surface to improve the frictional engagement of the clamping surface with the surface of the pipeline. For example, the first and second surfaces may comprise a coating layer configured to provide a low-friction surface to reduce the friction between the first and second engagement members and the clamping members. The material of the coating layer is for example selected among polymer materials like fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimides (PI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyamides (PA - Nylon), polyacetals such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET-P), polyurethanes (PU), the polyethylenes such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs). In some embodiments, the (e.g. the unitary body of the) clamping member is made from at least one of a metal, an alloy, a composite material or a plastic, and optionally a combination of same. Optionally, the (e.g. the unitary body of the) clamping member is made from a substantially or wholly rigid material, i.e. the clamping member is rigid. Within the meaning of the present invention, a “rigid material” is a material that does not deform (i.e. bend or break) upon engagement with the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the pipeline. In this way, the clamping member retains its shape when the clamp assembly is in use. As such, the clamping member preferably does not partly, substantially or wholly comprise an elastomer (i.e. a non-rigid or elastic material). In some embodiments the (e.g. the unitary body of the) clamping member is made from a partly rigid material. A partly rigid material may be considered to be a material that provides some elastic deformation (without breakage) to allow the clamping member to adapt to the surface of an umbilical or pipeline. It will be appreciated that a partially rigid material is still required to substantially hold its shape upon application of compression force. Examples of partially rigid materials may be natural or synthetic rubber or PU-based materials. As such, the clamping member can adapt to the shape of a pipeline to provide an improved distribution of force across the pipeline. In some embodiments, the at least two clamping members are arranged such that when the clamp is in place around a pipeline, the clamping members form an array of clamping members distributed around the circumference of the pipeline. Preferably, the at least two clamping members are equally distributed around the circumference. Preferably, when the at least two clamping members are arranged around the pipeline, the at least two clamping members do not engage with each other. In other words, the array of clamping members comprises voids between each of the at least two clamping members forming the array. Providing gaps between the clamping members provides the advantage that the same clamp may be used on a range of pipelines having different diameters, improving the versatility of the clamp. In some embodiments, there is only one clamping member located at a given radial position around the pipeline. As such, each of the two or more clamping members are located at different radial positions around the pipeline when the clamp is provided around a pipeline. Optionally, the clamp assembly primarily occupies three configurations: an open configuration where the clamp assembly exerts substantially no clamping force onto the pipeline; a fully clamped configuration whereby the clamp assembly is fixedly attached to the pipeline and exerts the maximum compression force possible on the line for the configuration of the clamp assembly; and one or more partially clamped configurations somewhere between the open and fully clamped configurations. Preferably, when the clamp assembly is in the open configuration, the at least two clamping members do not engage with each other (i.e. there are voids between each of the clamping members in the clamp). It will be appreciated that the size of the voids between the clamping members may decrease as the housing engages with (and exerts a force on) the clamping members. Optionally, when the clamp is in the fully clamped configuration, the voids between clamping members may be smaller than the size of the voids when the clamp is in the open configuration. Optionally, when the clamp is in the fully clamped configuration, the clamping members may be in (temporary) engagement. As such, it may be appreciated that, the point at which the clamping members engage may provide a physical or mechanical stop for the clamp. Optionally, the compressive force exerted by the clamping members onto the pipeline increases, either continuously, discreetly, or both, as the clamp assembly moves from the open configuration to the fully clamped configuration. In some embodiments, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the first position, the clamp is in the open configuration, and when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the second position, the clamp is in the fully clamped configuration, wherein the compressive force applied by the clamping member to the pipeline is greater in the clamped configuration than in the open configuration. In the open configuration (e.g. when the first and second engagement members are in a first position), the clamping surface may be proximate to, but not touching, part of the wall of the pipeline. Similarly, in the open configuration (e.g. when the first and second engagement members are in a first position), one or both of the first engagement member and the second engagement member may not be in engagement with the clamping member (i.e. the first engagement member and the second engagement member do not touch the clamping member). Alternatively, in the open configuration (e.g. when the first and second engagement members are in the first position), the clamping surface may engage part of the outer wall of the pipeline but exerts a minimal compressive force thereon (e.g. the minimal possible compressive force for the given clamp arrangement). Similarly, in the open configuration (e.g. when the first and second engagement members are in the first position), one or both of the first engagement members and the second engagement members engage with the clamping member but exerts a minimal compressive force thereon. Within the meaning of the present invention, a minimal compressive force may mean the minimal possible compressive force for the given clamping arrangement. For example, the clamp assembly will have a maximum distance at which the first engagement member and the second engagement member may be accommodated whilst the clamp is assembled. As such, the minimal possible compressive force may be a non-zero compressive force (i.e. the first and second engagement members may still engage with, and exert a compressive force on the clamping member). Alternatively, the minimal possible compressive force may be a zero compressive force if the clamp assembly can accommodate the arrangement whereby the first and second engagement members do not engage with the clamping member in the first position. As the first and second engagement members are displaced (e.g. moved) towards each other (e.g. towards the second position), there is (increased) engagement between the first surface of the clamping member and the first engagement member and / or engagement between the second surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member, resulting in radial displacement of the clamping member. Thus, in the fully clamped configuration (e.g. when the first and second engagement members are in the second position), the distance between the first and second engagement members reduces, optionally to a minimum possible distance that may be accommodated by the clamp assembly (e.g. the minimum possible distance pre-set for the clamp). This minimum distance may be set by any suitable means and could, for example, be set to be the point at which the first and second engagement members enter into contact with each other. Alternatively, the minimum distance may be set to be a distance whereby the first and second engagement members do not enter into contact with each other (i.e. even in the clamped configuration the first and second engagement members are separated). For example, the minimum distance may be set to be a distance whereby one (or both) of the first and second engagement members enter into contact with another component of the clamping means, such as a securement ring (as discussed below). In some embodiments, the first surface of the clamping member is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface such that at least part of the clamping member is tapered towards the first end. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second surface of the clamping member is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface such that at least part of the clamping member is tapered towards the second end. In a preferred embodiment both the first and second surfaces of the clamping member are arranged such that the clamping member is (at least partially) tapered towards both the first and second ends from a central point or portion, optionally at the middle of the clamping member. Optionally, the clamping member may form a substantially triangular (e.g. isosceles obtuse triangular) shape whereby the vertices are truncated and / or flattened to provide a somewhat flat surface at both the first and second ends (e.g. where the first surface and second surface intersect the clamping surface respectively) as well as at the place where the first and second surfaces intersect. In some embodiments, the first engagement member comprises a first engagement surface, wherein the first engagement surface is parallel to the first surface of the clamping member and engages therewith. Thus, if the first surface is provided at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface, the first engagement surface is provided at substantially the same angle such that the first engagement member is tapered in a complementary manner to correspond to the first surface. Thus, axial movement (i.e. movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline) of the first engagement member towards the second engagement member results in the first engagement surface and the first surface of the clamping member sliding with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the second engagement member comprises a second engagement surface, wherein the second engagement surface is parallel to the second surface of the clamping member and engages therewith. Thus, if the second surface is provided at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface, the second engagement surface is provided at substantially the same angle such that the second engagement member is tapered in a complementary manner to correspond to the second surface. Thus, axial movement (i.e. movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline) of the second engagement member towards the first engagement members results in the second engagement surface and the second surface of the clamping member sliding with respect to each other. By utilising a tapered clamping member(s) as discussed herein, (and optionally, a correspondingly tapered first and second engagement member), axial movement (e.g. in a direction parallel to the pipeline) of the housing components (i.e. the first and second engagement members) may be efficiently converted into radial movement of the clamping member(s) such that a radial compressive (e.g. clamping) force is efficiently applied to the pipeline resulting in the clamp assembly being attached to the pipeline securely. Thus the clamp assembly of the present invention has an improved load transfer efficiency with respect to prior art devices. Moreover, the tapered arrangement as discussed herein allows the compression force to be evenly distributed along and across the clamping surface, such that an increased clamping force can be applied uniformly around the circumference of a pipeline more efficiently. This means that the present invention can utilise shorter clamping members than a conventional clamp, thus allowing the clamp assembly of the present invention to have an improved (e.g. more compact) size and require fewer structural components (i.e. fewer displacement means such as fastener rods). These are clearly significant benefits in use, i.e. when fitting and operating the clamping assembly offshore. As noted above, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the displacement is restricted to being substantially only in an axial direction such that the first and second positions share a common axis (e.g. an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline). Thus, preferably, there is substantially no radial movement (e.g. movement in a direction perpendicular to the pipeline) of the first engagement member or the second engagement member with respect to each other or with respect to the pipeline. In some embodiments the first engagement member and the second engagement member each surround or enclose a part of the pipeline, i.e. they are provided with an opening that can receive the pipeline extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are each provided as unitary components. For example, the first and second engagement members may be formed (i.e. integrally formed) from a single piece of material via any suitable and / or desirable method, including, but not limited to, machining, injection moulding, compression moulding orcasting. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are provided in at least two parts (e.g. halves, e.g. three parts, e.g. four parts, e.g. a plurality of parts) which are then assembled around the flexible pipeline to provide the assembled engagement members. The parts of the first and / or second engagement member may be assembled using any suitable and / or desirable means and method. For example, the engagement members may be assembled from the plurality of parts by keyway, bolting or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and / or the second engagement member are made from at least one of a metal, an alloy, a composite material or a plastic. Preferably, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are made from the same material such that the forces exerted by each engagement member on the respective first and second surfaces of the clamping member is substantially equal or even. The first engagement member and the second engagement member may be displaced by any suitable and / or desirable displacement mechanism. Optionally, the displacement mechanism is activated by one or more (hydraulic) tensioners or (torque) wrenches. Optionally, the displacement mechanism may comprise: a fastener rod comprising two ends, wherein both ends comprise a threaded portion; and two fastener nuts, wherein each nut has a corresponding thread to the threaded portions of the fastener rod such that the fastener nuts are configured to be received (and are thus located in use) at each end of the fastener rod. In other words, the displacement mechanism comprises at least one set of a faster rod and fastener nuts (wherein a set is one rod and two nuts). In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism may comprise a plurality of sets of fastener rods and fastener nuts arranged radially around the clamp. For example, the displacement mechanism may comprise from 2 to 15 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. from 2 to 10 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. from 2 to 8 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. from 2 to 6 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. from 2 to 4 sets of fastener rods and nuts. In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism may comprise at least 2 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 3 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 4 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 5 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 6 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 7 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 8 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 9 sets of fastener rods and nuts, e.g. at least 10 sets of fastener rods and nuts. It may be appreciated that the radial distribution of the plurality of sets of fastener rods and nuts around the clamp allows the force exerted by the first and second engagement members to be evenly applied to all clamping members comprised within the clamp assembly. In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism may further comprise a resiliently biased member such as a spring or elastomeric component. Optionally, the displacement mechanism may comprise a plurality of sets of resiliently biased members (e.g. springs) such that there is a 1:1 relationship between the number of nuts in the displacement mechanism and the number of resiliently biased members. For example, a resiliently biased member (e.g. spring) may be provided around a (e.g. each end of each) fastener rod and positioned between the (e.g. each) nut and the housing (e.g. the first and second engagement members) such that the spring engages with part of the housing proximate to the opening through which the fastener rod is received. As such, when the nut(s) is / are tightened, a force is exerted onto the housing via the resiliently biased member (e.g. spring). The presence of a resiliently biased member in the displacement mechanism provides the advantage of improving the longevity of the clamps life. For example, over time it would be anticipated that the components would relax and thus the force exerted by the clamp onto the pipeline may change / reduce. The presence of a resiliently biased member may help to delay the relaxation effects over time. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member each comprise at least one opening (e.g. a plurality of openings) configured to receive at least one fastener rod per opening. Preferably, the (e.g. plurality of) opening(s) in the first engagement member is aligned with the (e.g. plurality of) opening(s) in the second engagement member such that they are configured to receive the same fastener rod extending through both openings, e.g. the openings on the first and second engagement members form a (e.g. plurality of) pair(s) of openings, one opening of the pair located on each engagement member. In other words, the first engagement member and the second engagement member may be coupled together by at least one fastener rod that is received within an opening on each of the first engagement member and the second engagement member and extends therebetween. In some embodiments, the number of openings in the first engagement member has a 1:1 relationship with the number of sets of fastener rods and nuts. Similarly, the number of openings in the second engagement member has a 1:1 relationship with the number of sets of fastener rods and nuts. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member each comprise a plurality of openings (e.g. a plurality of pairs of openings) arranged radially around the first engagement member and the second engagement member. Preferably, the plurality of openings are provided at a radial position equidistant from a central axis of the clamp, wherein the central axis of the clamp is substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. In some embodiments, the first engagement member comprises at least two (e.g. two, e.g. a plurality) of sets of openings and the second engagement member comprises at least two (e.g. two, e.g. a plurality) of sets of openings, such that the two engagement members together have at least two (e.g. two, e.g. a plurality) of sets of pairs of openings. Within the meaning of the present invention a set of openings is defined to be a plurality of openings which are provided at the same radial position (e.g. from the central axis) on an engagement member. Thus, if the first engagement member and the second engagement member have two sets of (e.g. pairs of) openings, they would have a first plurality of openings provided at a first radial position (e.g. from the central axis) to form a first set of (pairs of) openings, and a second plurality of openings provided at a second radial position (e.g. from the central axis, e.g. further from the central axis than the first radial position) to form a second set of (pairs of) openings. In such embodiments, at least one (e.g. all) of the sets of openings on the first and second engagement means may be arranged to receive a fastener rod. In some embodiments, at least one set of openings forms parts of the displacement means (e.g. receives a fastener rod which functions to displace the first and second engagement members). In some embodiments, at least one set of openings receives an alignment rod and thus functions to align the first and second engagement members with respect to each other prior to the displacement means being activated. Thus in some embodiments, each of the first engagement member and the second engagement member comprise at least two openings (e.g. a plurality of pairs of openings), one (e.g. of the pair) of which is configured to receive at least one fastener rod, and one (e.g. of the pair) of which is configured to receive an alignment rod. Optionally, both openings in the first engagement member are aligned with the openings in the second engagement member such that they are configured to receive the same fastener rod and / or alignment rod extending through the aligned openings. In other words, the first engagement member and the second engagement member may be coupled together by a fastener rod and / or an alignment rod that is received within an opening on each of the first engagement member and the second engagement member and extends therebetween. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are configured to engage with a fastener nut proximate to an opening when a fastener nut is provided at each end of the fastener rod. For example, in an embodiment where a fastener rod is received within a pair of openings (one on each of the first and second engagement members), rotation of a nut at either end of the rod will eventually result in the nuts at both ends engaging with part of the engagement member proximate to the opening. At this point, further rotation of one nut at one end will then exert a compressive force on both of the engagement means such that the first and second displacement means are moved together. In some embodiments, the housing of the clamp assembly and / or the displacement mechanism comprises a displacement stopping means which acts to limit the displacement of the first and second engagement means with respect to each other, i.e. the displacement stopping means sets the minimum possible distance between the first engagement means and the second engagement means (e.g. the distance between the first engagement means and the second engagement means in the second position). Put another way, the displacement stopping means sets the maximum distance (e.g. in a dimension parallel to the elongation axis) over which the first engagement member and the second engagement member may be displaced towards each other. In some embodiments, the displacement stopping means comprises a (e.g. plurality of) protrusion(s) on one or both of the first engagement member and the second engagement member. In such an embodiment, the protrusion(s) is / are configured to engage an end of a fastener rod when the first engagement member and / or the second engagement member have been maximally displaced with respect to each other (e.g. when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the second position). The engagement of the fastener rod(s) with the protrusion(s) thus prevents the rod from moving any further with respect to the first and / or second engagement members. In preferred embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member each have the same number of protrusions as they have openings configured to receive fastener rods, e.g. the ratio of protrusions on the first engagement member to fastener rods is 1:1 and the ratio of protrusions on the second engagement member to fastener rods is 1:1. In some embodiments, one or both of the first engagement member and the second engagement member may have a protrusion that extends radially around (e.g. at least part of, e.g. all of the circumference of) the first engagement member such that a single protrusion may engage with a plurality (e.g. at least two, e.g. all) of fastener rods. In some embodiments, the displacement stopping means is a pair of protrusions. Thus, in some embodiments, the first engagement member comprises a first protrusion and the second engagement means comprises a second protrusion. For example, when a first end of the fastener rod engages with the first protrusion on the first engagement member and a second end of the fastener rod engages with the second protrusion on the second engagement member, the first engagement member is prevented from being displaced any further towards the second engagement member, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the clamp assembly comprises a plurality of clamping members arranged such that when the pipeline is received within the housing, the clamping members are distributed radially around the outside of the pipeline. For example, the clamp assembly may comprise from 2 to 20 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 18 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 16 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 14 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 12 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 10 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 8 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 6 clamping members, e.g. from 2 to 4 clamping members. In some embodiments the clamp assembly may comprise at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 clamping members. Optionally, the clamping member(s) (e.g. each) comprises a third surface substantially parallel to the clamping surface. The third surface is thus located between the first surface and the second surface to provide a flattened portion of the clamping member that may be used to engage with other components (e.g. other parts of the clamp assembly and / or the housing). In some embodiments, the clamping members (each) comprises a securement means (e.g. extending from the third surface) configured to engage with a securement belt or holder. For example, the engagement between the securement means and the securement belt may provide the clamping member in a particularly desired position and / or arrangement. For example, in embodiments where the clamp assembly comprises a plurality of clamping members, the securement means on each of the clamping members may engage with the securement belt at particular positions such that the clamping members are provided evenly around the circumference of the pipeline. The securement belt may therefore comprise a plurality of apertures configured to receive the securement means (e.g. protrusions, e.g. clips) of the clamping members such that the clamping members are clipped into the securement belt. In some embodiments, the securement belt does not contract as the first and second engagement members move from the first position to the second position. As such, in some embodiments, the clamping members (e.g. the securement means) are displaceable with respect to the securement ring such that the clamping members may move radially (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline) whilst the securement member remains in substantially the same position. In some embodiments, the securement means (e.g. protrusions) further comprise a stop which prevents the clamping member(s) from becoming detached from the securement belt upon application of a compressive force. For example, to detach the clamping member(s) from the securement belt, a force may need to be applied in a direction parallel to the surface of the pipeline (e.g. parallel to the longitudinal axis or parallel to the circumference of the pipeline), such as a pinching force. The securement belt thus serves the dual function of improving and simplifying installation of the clamping members and preventing the clamping members of shifting with respect to each other (and thus creating an uneven clamping force) as the first engagement member and the second engagement member are moved from the first position to the second position). In some embodiments, the securement belt is provided in at least two parts (e.g. halves, e.g. three parts, e.g. four parts, e.g. a plurality of parts). As such, the clamping members may be secured to the securement belt parts at a location remote from the pipeline (e.g. above sea level). In so doing, the arrangement of the clamping members relative to each other may be easily set in place. Then the securement belt (e.g. comprising the clamping members) can be assembled around the flexible pipeline to provide an assembled array of clamping members in a desired arrangement, and assist the location of the clamping members around the pipeline. In some embodiments, the clamping surface is substantially planar. In some embodiments, the clamping surface is substantially planar and / or parallel with the pipeline when the clamping surface is not in engagement with the (e.g. curved) surface of the pipe. In some embodiments, the clamping member is made from a material that allows the clamping surface to adapt to the shape of the pipeline as the clamping member engages with the pipeline during the clamping action. For example, the clamping member may be made from a rubber based or PU based material. In some embodiments, the clamping surface is curved (e.g. concave) to correspond to the (e.g. convex) curvature of the pipeline such that the clamping surface engages with the pipeline at substantially all points across the surface. As such, the compressive force exerted by the clamping surface as the first engagement member and the second engagement member are moved together is substantially even along the elongation axis and / or across the clamping surface. Furthermore, the clamping surface being curved has a further advantage that the contact surface between the pipeline and the clamping surface is improved and the possible degrees of freedom in which the clamping member can move is restricted. This therefore helps to provide a self-aligning function of the clamping members around the pipeline. In some embodiments, the pipeline is a flexible pipeline, an umbilical or a cable. In some embodiments, the clamp further comprises a connection means such that the clamp is attachable to a lifting or tether connection unit. In a second aspect of the invention, a method of clamping a pipeline is provided, the method comprising: providing a clamp assembly around a pipeline, the clamp assembly comprising: a housing; and at least two clamping members; wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate; wherein the clamping member comprises: a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing; a first surface proximate to a first end; and a second surface proximate a second end; wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; and wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position to apply a compressive force on the clamping member; and displacing the first engagement member and the second engagement member from a first position to a second position to compress the clamping members against the pipeline. The method of the present invention may be carried out offshore or onshore. Optionally, the pipeline is an underwater pipeline, such that the method of the present invention is carried out underwater. It will be appreciated that the method of the second aspect can utilise the clamp of the first aspect. As such, the embodiments and features described above with regard to the first aspect apply equally to the second aspect in any suitable and / or desirable combination falling within the scope of the appended claims. In some embodiments, the step of providing the clamp around the line comprises: providing a first engagement member around the pipeline; providing a second engagement member around the pipeline in proximity to the first engagement member; and connecting the first engagement member with the second engagement member. In some embodiments, providing the first engagement member around the pipeline may include providing the first engagement member in a plurality of parts (e.g. halves) such that the plurality of parts are assembled around the pipeline to provide the first engagement member. Thus, the step of providing the first engagement member around the pipeline may comprise assembling the first engagement member from the plurality of (e.g. two, e.g. three) parts around the pipeline. In some embodiments, providing the second engagement member around the pipeline may include providing the second engagement member in a plurality of parts (e.g. halves) such that the plurality of parts are assembled around the pipeline to provide the second engagement member. Thus, the step of providing the second engagement member around the pipeline may comprise assembling the second engagement member from the plurality of (e.g. two, e.g. three) parts around the pipeline. In some embodiments, the step of connecting the first engagement member with the second engagement member comprises inserting an (e.g. plurality of) alignment rod(s) through an opening(s) on the first engagement member and (inserting the same alignment rod(s)) through a (e.g. corresponding) opening(s) on the second engagement member. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are connected by at least one alignment rod (e.g. one, e.g. all) before providing the first engagement member and the second engagement member around the pipeline. In some embodiments, inserting at least one (e.g. one, e.g. all) alignment rod through the corresponding openings on the first and the second engagement members occurs after the first and / or second engagement member(s) have been provided around the pipeline. In some embodiments, the step of connecting the first engagement member with the second engagement member comprises inserting an (e.g. plurality of) fastening rod(s) through an opening(s) on the first engagement member and (inserting the same fastening rod(s)) through a (e.g. corresponding) opening(s) on the second engagement member. In some embodiments, the first engagement member and the second engagement member may be connected by at least one fastening rod before providing the first engagement member and the second engagement member around the pipeline. In some embodiments, inserting at least one (e.g. one, e.g. all) fastener rod through the corresponding openings on the first and the second engagement members occurs after the first and / or second engagement member(s) have been provided around the pipeline. For example, it may be envisaged that the first engagement member is provided around the pipeline in an initial step (e.g. by assembling the first engagement member from a plurality (e.g. two) parts); then at least one (e.g. one, e.g. all) alignment rod(s) and / fastener rod(s) is inserted into an opening on the first engagement member before providing the second engagement member around the pipeline and (e.g. substantially simultaneously) inserting the at least one (e.g. one, e.g. all) alignment rods(s) and / or fastener rod(s) through the corresponding openings on the second engagement member. In some embodiments, when the first engagement member and / or the second engagement are (e.g. both) provided in a plurality of parts (e.g. two halves), part (e.g. one half) of the first engagement member is connected to (e.g. part of, e.g. one half of) the second engagement member (e.g. by an alignment rod and / or a fastening rod) prior to providing one of the first or second engagement members around the pipeline. For example, a first part of the first engagement member may be connected to a first part of the second engagement member (e.g. by at least one alignment rod and / or by at least one fastener rod) and a second part of the first engagement member may be connected to a second part of the second engagement member prior to assembling the first engagement member and the second engagement member around the pipeline. Thus, when the two parts of the first and second engagement member are joined (e.g. assembled) around the pipeline, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are already connected. Alternatively, not all of the parts of the engagement members may be connected prior to assembly. For example, a first part of the second engagement member may be connected to a (e.g. part of, e.g. pre-assembled, e.g. whole) first engagement member (e.g. by at least one alignment rod and / or by at least one fastener rod) prior to assembling the first engagement member and the second engagement member around the pipeline. As such, the connection between the first part of the second engagement member and the first engagement member (which may or may not be provided in a plurality of parts) acts to provide the correct alignment of the first and second engagement members. Thus, after engaging the first part of the second engagement member with the flexible pipe, the other parts of the second engagement member may be joined to the first part (that is already connected to the first engagement member) to provide the assembled second engagement member in the required position. Further alignment and / or fastener rods may then be inserted through further openings to connect all parts of the first and / or second engagement members together. In some embodiments, the step of displacing the first engagement member and the second engagement member from a first position to a second position comprises activating a displacement mechanism (e.g. the displacement means described above with respect to the first aspect). In embodiments where the displacement mechanism comprises a (e.g. plurality of) set(s) of fastener rod(s) and fastener nuts, the step of activating the displacement mechanism comprises rotating (e.g. in a tightening direction, e.g. anti-clockwise) at least one of the fastener nuts with respect to the fastener rod such that the fastener nut is moved along the fastener rod (e.g. in a direction away from the nearest end of the fastener rod). As a result, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaced with respect to each other. Optionally, the displacement mechanism comprises hydraulic tensioners which act to move the fastening nuts along the fastening rod. In some embodiments, the displacing step further comprises displacing the first engagement member and / or the second engagement member until a displacement stopping means is activated to prevent further displacement. Put another way, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the second position, a stopping means is active. In some embodiments, the displacement stopping means is a protrusion on one or both of the first engagement member and the second engagement member. Thus, in some embodiments, the displacing step comprises displacing the first engagement member and / or the second engagement member until at least one end (preferably both ends) of the fastener rod(s) engage a protrusion on one (or both) of the first engagement member and the second engagement member. For example, the displacing step occurs until a first end of the fastener rod engages with a protrusion on the first engagement member and a second end of the fastener rod engages with a protrusion on the second engagement member. As such, further movement of the fastener rod with respect to the first engagement member and the second engagement member is prevented. In embodiments where the clamp assembly comprises a securement belt or holder and the clamping members comprise securement means configured to engage with a securement belt, the method may comprise providing the securement belt (e.g. comprising an array of clamping members attached thereto) around the pipeline. In some embodiments, the clamping members may be attached to the securement belt (e.g. via the securement means) before the securement belt comprising the array of clamping members is provided around the pipeline. For example, each clamping member may be attached to (e.g. a part of, e.g. one of the halves of) the securement belt such that the plurality of clamping members are provided as an array. The securement belt (comprising the plurality of clamping members) may then be assembled (e.g. the parts assembled, e.g. the two halves assembled) to provide the securement belt around the pipeline. Preferably, the step of providing the securement belt and the clamping members around the pipeline occurs before either of the first or second engagement members are provided around the pipeline. For example, the securement belt and the clamping members may be provided around the pipeline before the first and second engagement members are assembled around the pipeline. For example, the first and second engagement members may be assembled (e.g. from a plurality (e.g. two, e.g. three, e.g. four parts) around the pipeline. Then, once the first and / or second engagement member have been assembled, they may each be slid over the clamping members (e.g. simultaneously or sequentially) and connected to each other by fastener rods. However, in some embodiments, one of the first or second engagement members may be provided around the pipeline before the securement member and / or the clamping members. For example, it may be envisaged that the first engagement member may be provided around the pipeline, and in so doing, generates a cavity between the first engagement surface and the pipeline which is arranged to receive part of the clamping member (which may or may not be attached to the securement belt). The securement belt (with or without the clamping members attached) may then be assembled around the pipeline such that the clamping members are positioned within said cavity (this may comprise some axial movement or sliding along the pipeline). The second engagement member may then be assembled over the other side of the clamping members. In some embodiments, the securement belt is provided in at least two parts (e.g. halves, e.g. three parts, e.g. four parts, e.g. a plurality of parts). As such, the step of providing the securement belt around the pipeline may comprise assembling the securement belt around the pipeline (i.e. from the plurality of parts). In some embodiments, the method further comprises unclamping the clamp by displacing the first engagement member and the second engagement member from the second position to the first position. As such, it will be appreciated that the clamp of the first aspect can be used reversibly. In a third aspect, the present invention provides use of the clamp assembly as described herein to clamp a pipeline. Optionally, the pipeline is an underwater pipeline as discussed herein. Optionally, the use of the clamp assembly is as at least one of a lifting clamp, a tether clamp, or an abandonment clamp. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and reference to the following drawings. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a first clamp assembly 100 is shown in situ around pipeline 102. The clamp assembly 100 is formed from a housing 104 and a series 106 of clamping members 108. The housing 104 has a first engagement member 122 (formed from two parts 122a, 122b) and a second engagement member 124 (also formed from two parts 124a, 124b). The two engagement members 122, 124 are connected via fastener rods 136 received through pairs of openings in the first 122 and second 124 engagement members. The fastener rods 136 are secured in place by fastener nuts 138 such that the fastener nuts engage with a wall of the first and second engagement members proximate to the opening. The clamp series 106 is formed from a plurality of clamping members 108 spaced equidistant around the pipeline 102. The clamping members 108 are attached to a securement belt 142 which is formed from two halves 142a, 142b. The securement belt 142 thus acts to hold the clamping members 108 in a desired configuration. Six of the clamping members are visible as 108a-108f in Figure 4. Each of the clamping members has a first end 110 and a second end 112 and extends therebetween, along an elongation axis 114, which lies parallel to the longitudinal axis 150 of the pipeline 102. Although only one elongation axis 114 is shown with respect to clamping member 108c, it will be appreciated that each clamping member 108a-108f will have their own elongation axis 114 such that the elongation axes are arranged radially around the longitudinal axis 150 of the pipeline 102. Each clamping member has a first surface 118 and a second surface 120 which are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis such that the clamping members 108 are tapered at both ends. The clamp assembly 100 is arranged such that the first engagement member 122 engages with the first surface 118 of the clamping members 108 and the second engagement member 124 engages with the second surface 120 of the clamping members 108. As such, displacement of the first engagement member 122 and the second engagement member 124 in a direction towards each other causes the first engagement member 122 and the second engagement member 124 to slide along the first 118 and second 120 surfaces of the clamping members causing the clamping members to be moved downwardly (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the elongation axis 114 and towards the longitudinal axis 150), thus inducing a downwards compressive force on the wall of the pipeline. As all of the clamping members are moved simultaneously, the effect is the application of a uniform radial compressive force around the pipeline 102. Figures 5 and 6 shows a cross-section of a second clamp assembly 200 around pipeline 202. It will be appreciated that reference numerals of the form XYY (X being the embodiment, and YY being a reference numeral) are intended to represent substantially identical components in different embodiments. For example, the first clamp assembly 100 and the second clamp assembly 200 have identical clamping members 108 and 208 which are arranged around an identical pipeline 102 and 202. Thus, reference numerals shown in Figures 5 and 6 that differ only in the first digit with respect to reference numerals shown in Figures 3 and 4 may be considered to denote substantially identical components (and thus the features relating to these components applies equally). The second clamp assembly 200 is arranged such that the clamping surface 216 of each of the two clamping members 208a and 208b shown in the cross-section is proximate to the wall of the pipeline 202. Figure 5 shows the clamp assembly 200 in an open configuration such that the clamping surface 216 is exerting substantially no compressive force on the wall of the pipeline. Figure 6, in contrast shows the clamp assembly 200 in a clamped configuration whereby the clamping surfaces 216 are compressing the pipeline 202. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first engagement member 222 and the second engagement member 224 each have an engagement surface 232, 234 which are parallel to the first and second surfaces 218, 220 of the clamping members 108 respectively. As such, when the first engagement member 222 is moved in a direction 230 towards the second engagement member 224 the first surface 218 slides down the first engagement surface 232 such that the clamping member 208 is moved in a downwardly direction 226 with respect to the first engagement member. Similarly, when the second engagement member 224 is moved in a direction 231 towards the first engagement member 222 the second surface 220 slides down the second engagement surface 234 such that the clamping member 208 is moved in a downwardly direction 226 with respect to the first engagement member. As a result the clamping members 208a, 208b exert equal but opposing compressive forces either side of the pipeline 202 such that the clamp is fixedly attached to the pipeline 202 by a clamping force. The second clamp assembly 200 further comprises two sets of openings on both the first engagement member 222 and the second engagement member 224. The first set is arranged to receive a fastener rod 236 which is secured in place by fastener nuts 238. The second set is arranged to receive an alignment rod 252, also secured in place by nuts 254. In the open configuration (shown in Figure 5) the fastener rod 236 is arranged with the fastener nuts 238 proximate to each end. As the fastener nuts 238 are tightened (e.g. by hydraulic tensioners) such that they move inwardly along the fastener rod 236 in a direction towards each other (i.e. in a direction parallel with directions 230 and 231), the fastener nuts 238 exert a compressive force on the first 222 and second 224 engagement members such that the two engagement members are displaced towards each other. Eventually, the ends of the fastener rod engage protrusions 240, as shown in Figure 6. The protrusions 240 thus prevent the first 222 and second 224 engagement members from being displaced towards each other any further. Thus the length of the fastener rod 236 in combination with the position of the protrusions 240 define the maximum distance over which the first 222 and second 224 engagement members may be displaced and the distance between the first 222 and second 224 engagement members when the clamp assembly 200 is in the closed configuration. 5 It will be appreciated that the mechanism described above alone and in combination with the fact that the clamping members 108 and 208 are unitary means that the clamping force exerted by the clamping surface 216 on the wall of the pipeline 202 is substantially even across the clamping surface 216. 10 The present invention thus provides a more compact clamp assembly that comprises fewer components and may be assembled more easily in offshore environments. Furthermore, the clamping force exerted on the pipeline is evenly distributed such that an improved clamping force is exerted thereon. It will be appreciated that the 15 scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamp assembly for clamping pipelines, the clamp assembly comprising:a housing; andat least two clamping members;wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate; wherein the clamping member comprises:a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing;a first surface proximate to a first end; and a second surface proximate a second end;wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; andwherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the second position is configured to apply a compressive force on the clamping member.

2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the pipeline is an underwater pipeline.

3. The clamp assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the first position, the clamp assembly is in an open configuration; and when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are in the second position, the clamp assembly is in a clamped configuration;wherein the compressive force applied by the clamping member to the pipeline is greater in the clamped configuration than in the open configuration.

4. The clamp assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first surface is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface such that at least part of the clamping member is tapered towards the first end; andwherein the second surface is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the clamping surface such that at least part of the clamping member is tapered towards the second end.

5. The clamp assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping member is made from at least one of a metal, an alloy, a composite material or a plastic.

6. The clamp assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping member is rigid.

7. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first engagementmember and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline;wherein the first engagement member comprises a first engagement surface, wherein the first engagement surface is parallel to the first surface of the clamping member and engages therewith; andwherein the second engagement member comprises a second engagement surface, wherein the second engagement surface is parallel to the second surface of the clamping member and engages therewith.

8. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first engagement member and the second engagement member are provided in two parts configured to be assembled around the pipeline.

9. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are made from at least one of a metal, an alloy, a composite material or a plastic.

10. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaced by a displacement mechanism comprising:a fastener rod comprising two ends, wherein both ends a threaded portion;andtwo fastener nuts having a corresponding thread to the threaded portions of the fastener rod such that the fastener nuts are configured to be received at each end of the fastener rod.

11. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping assembly further comprises a securement belt, and the clamping member further comprises a securement means, wherein the securement means extends away from the clamping surface and is configured to attach to the securement belt.

12. The clamp assembly of claim 11, wherein the securement means is a protrusion and the securement belt may comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive the protrusions such that the clamping members are clipped into the securement belt.

13. The clamp assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the clamping members are displaceable with respect to the securement belt.

14. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a plurality of clamping members arranged such that when the pipeline is received within the housing, the clamping members are distributed radially around the outside of the pipeline.

15. The clamp assembly of claim 14, wherein the clam assembly comprises between 2 and 20 clamping members.

16. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein when the compressive force exerted by the clamping surface on the pipeline is substantially even across the clamping surface.

17. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the pipeline is a flexible pipeline or an umbilical.

18. The clamp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the clamp assembly further comprises a connection means such that the clamp assembly is configured to be connected to at least one of:a lifting connection unit such that the clamp assembly is configured to aid lifting of a pipeline; ora tether connection unit such that the clamp assembly is configured to be attached to tethers.

19. A method of clamping a pipeline, the method comprising:providing a clamp assembly around a pipeline, the clamp assembly comprising:a housing; andat least two clamping members;wherein each of the at least two clamping members are unitary and elongate;wherein the clamping member comprises:a clamping surface configured to engage with the pipeline such that the clamping surface is substantially parallel to the pipeline when the pipeline is received within the housing;a first surface proximate to a first end; anda second surface proximate a second end;wherein the housing comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, wherein the first engagement member is configured to engage with the first surface of the clamping member and the second engagement member configured to engage with the second surface of the clamping member; andwherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are displaceable with respect to each other between at least a first position and a second position to apply a compressive force on the clamping member; anddisplacing the first engagement member and the second engagement member from a first position to a second position to compress the clamping members against the pipeline.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pipeline is an underwater pipeline.

21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the step of providing theclamping assembly around the line comprises:providing a first engagement member around the pipeline;providing a second engagement member around the pipeline in proximity to the first engagement member; andconnecting the first engagement member with the second engagement member.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the first engagement member is provided in a plurality of parts and the step of providing the first engagement member around the pipeline comprises assembling the first engagement member from the plurality of parts around the pipeline; and / or wherein the second engagement member is provided in a plurality of parts and the step of providing the second engagement member around the pipeline comprises assembling the second engagement member from the plurality of parts around the pipeline.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when the first and second engagement members are at the second position, a displacement stopping means prevents the first engagement member and the second engagement member from being moved any further together.

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the displacement stopping means is a protrusion on each of the first and second engagement member.

25. The method of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the clamping assembly further comprises a securement belt, and the clamping member further comprises a securement means, wherein the securement means extends away from the clamping surface and is configured to attach to the securement belt; and wherein the step of providing the clamp around the line comprises further comprises providing the securement belt (e.g. comprising an array of clamping members attached thereto) around the pipeline.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the securement belt is provided in a plurality of parts, and the step of providing the securement belt around the pipeline comprises assembling the securement belt around the pipeline from the plurality of parts.

27. Use of the clamp assembly of any one of claims 1-18 to clamp a pipeline.

28. Use of the clamp assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein the pipeline is anunderwater pipeline.

29. Use of the clamp assembly as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28 as at least one of a lifting clamp, a tether clamp, or an abandonment clamp.

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