Protection cage

Abstract

A protection cage (2) for handling a fitting (4) on a subsea cable (6), the subsea cable (6) extending along an axis. The protection cage having a frame (8, 10, 12), the frame being able to be opened and closed to surround the fitting. The protection cage is configured to support the fitting therewithin, and is configured to allow rotation of the fitting (4) and cable (6) around the axis. A power cable comprising a fitting (4) and such a protection cage (2), wherein the protection cage (2) is surrounding and supporting the fitting (4). A protection assembly (40) comprising the protection cage (2) and a deck-support (42), the deck-support being moveable.

Description

[0001] P393750.W0.01

[0002] 1

[0003] PROTECTION CAGE

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a protection cage for onshore or offshore or subsea umbilicals, cables and associated elements involved in laying of umbilicals and cables in the field of offshore structures, and more generally to the renewable energy industry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a protection cage for handling a fitting on a subsea cable.

[0006] Background

[0007] An offshore structure producing energy has normally at least a power cable connected to the offshore structure. This allows electric energy to be transferred from the offshore structure.

[0008] Where a cable has a damageable fitting on it, it is a problem how to handle the cable without damaging the fitting. Handling includes adding a fitting to the cable onshore or offshore, and laying, parking, deploying or installing the cable and fitting. It is very cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming to repair, if at all possible, a damaged fitting. A further problem is that the power cable and the fitting may rotate during the handling.

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

[0010] Summary

[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a protection cage for handling a fitting on a subsea cable. This objective can be achieved by the features as defined in the independent claims. Further characteristics are defined by the dependent claims.

[0012] According to one aspect, there is provided a protection cage for handling a fitting on a subsea cable, the subsea cable extending along an axis, the protection cage having a frame, the frame being able to be opened and closed to surround the fitting, wherein the protection cage is configured to support the fitting therewithin, and is configured to allow rotation of the fitting and subsea cable around the axis. The axis is the longitudinal axis of the subsea cable. The P393750.W0.01

[0013] 2 rotation may be rotation of the fitting and the subsea cable relative to the protection cage and / or rotation of the fitting, subsea cable, and protection cage relative to the surrounding, for example a factory floor or vessel deck. The rotation may be realised by the outer shape of the protection cage, for example a circular, tubular, or round shape. The rotation may be realised by means inside the protection cage, for example between the fitting and the protection cage. One or more embodiments may allow the protection cage with the cable end and with the fitting to be put down, handled, and / or parked without worrying about the rotational orientation of the cable due to torsion when moving the cable.

[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided a power cable comprising a fitting and a protection cage as described herein, wherein the protection cage is surrounding and supporting the fitting. The protection cage may surround the entire fitting.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a protection assembly comprising the protection cage as defined herein and a deck-support, the decksupport being moveable.

[0016] At least one of the aspects and embodiments defined in the present application provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment or embodiments.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The disclosure will be further described with reference to examples depicted as schematic illustrations in the accompanying figures in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a first schematic illustration of a protective cage in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a second schematic illustration of the protection cage of FIG. 1 in an open position around a cable; P393750.W0.01

[0021] 3

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a deck support for a protection cage according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a deck support and a protective cage around a cable according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a protective cage in use with a lay system.

[0025] Detailed Description

[0026] Power cables may be stored subsea, and this may be called a wet-parked power cable. Where the cable has a damageable fitting on it, it is a problem how to handle the cable without damaging the fitting, especially on a vessel deck. It is further a problem that the cable may twist when it is moved or handled.

[0027] According to one aspect, there is provided a protection cage for handling a fitting on a subsea cable, the subsea cable extending along an axis, the protection cage having a frame, the frame being able to be opened and closed to surround the fitting, wherein the protection cage is configured to support the fitting therewithin, and is configured to allow rotation of the fitting and the subsea cable around the axis. The axis is the longitudinal axis of the subsea cable.

[0028] In this way, the fitting can be protected during handling. The protection cage may allow the cable with the fitting to rotate relative to the protection cage. The protection cage may be allowed to rotate relative to the surrounding, such as for example a vessel deck or a factory floor. This provides protection to the fitting even when the subsea cable rotates arounds its axis, the axis being along the length of the subsea cable. The fitting may be attached to the cable, such that when the cable rotates, then the fitting rotates with the cable, in other words, the fitting may not rotate relative to the cable.

[0029] The rotation around the axis may be rotation of the fitting and the subsea cable relative to the protection cage and / or rotation of the fitting, subsea cable, and protection cage relative to the surrounding, for example a factory floor or vessel deck. The rotation may be realised by the outer shape of the protection cage, for example a circular, tubular, or round shape. The rotation may be realised by means inside the protection cage, for example between the fitting and the protection cage. The rotation may be rotation between the protection cage P393750.W0.01

[0030] 4 and a deck support as described herein. One or more embodiments may allow the protection cage with the cable end and with the fitting to be put down, handled, and / or parked without worrying about the rotational orientation of the cable due to torsion when moving the cable.

[0031] Such handling can be when a fitting is added to the cable onshore, for example during manufacture of the cable, or completion of the manufactured cable onshore, and prior to loading onto a vessel for subsequent laying or other deployment, including direct installation, of the cable.

[0032] Such handling can be when a fitting is added to the cable offshore, for example during laying or other deployment, including direct installation, of the cable.

[0033] Such handling can be when a fitting is already on a cable offshore, and being handled on a vessel deck.

[0034] Such handling can be when a fitting is already on a cable offshore, and being laid, including wet-parked, on a seabed. The protection cage may enclosed the fitting when the cable is wet-parked, in a static or a dynamic configuration.

[0035] Such handling can be when a fitting is being added to a previously wet- parked cable on a vessel deck, prior to cable installation and / or further wetparking.

[0036] Such handling can include reeling a cable having such a fitting onto a cable reel or unreeling a cable having such a fitting from a cable reel.

[0037] Embodiments described herein may be useable in many situations involving a subsea cable and is not limited to any one of the handling situations described herein. For example, a protection cage of the present invention could be added to a fitting on a subsea cable at a spool base prior to or during reeling the cable onto a reel, and transportation of the reel on a vessel to a suitable deployment location. The protection cage could remain on the cable around the fitting during the deployment of the cable, such as wet-parking, both to protect the fitting during the deployment from the vessel into the sea, but also during wet-parking of the cable in the sea, such as on the seabed.

[0038] According to one embodiment a power cable comprises a fitting and a protection cage. The protection cage may be any embodiment of the protection cage as described herein. The protection cage may surround and support the P393750.W0.01

[0039] 5 fitting. The power cable may comprise one fitting at each end of the power cable and each fitting, for example a bend stiffener, may be surrounded and supported by the protection cage.

[0040] As such, embodiment described herein may be useable when a fitting is added to a cable during any transportation, laying, parking, deployment or installation of the cable and fitting.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the protection cage is suitable for handling a fitting on a subsea cable on a vessel deck.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the protection cage is suitable for handling a fitting on a subsea cable being dynamically or statically wet-parked.

[0043] The subsea cable may be any suitable cable, including but not limited to umbilicals, power cables and other support cables useable in or for an offshore installation, including subsea installations.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the subsea cable is a power cable. The power cable may be an inter array power cable to be used for a floating offshore structure, for example, with a wind turbine. The power cable may be an electrical power cable, an assembly of one or more electrical conductors, for example held together with an overall sheath. The power cable may be used for transmission of electrical power. The power cable may be used to export energy harvested on the offshore installation. An “inter array” power cable or a power cable in general, can extend from the floating structure into the body of water. One power cable is a dynamic inter array cable, DIAC.

[0045] The subsea cable can have one or two defined end sections, and an end section may start from the very end of the power cable and extend along the cable. Each end section may be the same or different. Each end section may extend for a pre-determined length along the cable. One or both end sections may include a fitting.

[0046] The fitting may be any single component, or combination of components, that is damageable. The fitting may be damageable by excessive force thereon, including being directly on a part of cable-laying apparatus, such as an arcuate guide of a tower in a weight bearing position. An example of a damage is that equipment or machinery hits the fitting.

[0047] Optionally, the fitting is a bend stiffener. P393750.W0.01

[0048] 6

[0049] Optionally, the cable includes one or more elements as well as the fitting. Such elements may include a further same fitting, a connector, a cable termination, a cable armoured termination, a buoyancy module, bend stiffener connector, a weight, a tether clamp, and / or a pig tail. The addition of one or more elements to be added to the one or more parts of the cable may be for preparation of the cable for subsequent installation of the cable with an offshore installation. For example, an inter-array cable in a wind farm array may be given a certain buoyancy, and the addition of elements to the cable can be to achieve such buoyancy in use. The number and / or nature and / or relative positioning of elements may be varied, and the present invention is not limited by the number and / or nature and / or relative positioning of the fitting and any elements on the cable.

[0050] Optionally, the cable being laid is being wet-parked to provide a wholly or substantially wholly static cable on a seabed that is conveniently parked or stored away from other activities, such that the cable can be parked for long periods of time. For example, the cable may be stored for more than six or twelve months with the protection cage. Optionally, the cable being laid is being wet-parked to provide a wholly or substantially wholly dynamic cable on a seabed that is conveniently parked or stored away for subsequent attachment and installation to a floating offshore structure. For example, the cable may be dynamically stored, wet-parked, under water, for example with buoyance modules, weights, and / or tether clamps attached to the cable in addition to the fitting inside the protection cage. The parking time for such a dynamic wet-parked cable may normally be shorter, or much shorter, than the parking time for such a static wet-parked cable.

[0051] The frame may have any suitable shape and design, and may be particularly configured to complement the shape of the fitting.

[0052] The frame may symmetric or asymmetric in shape. For example, the frame may taper in a longitudinal direction, or have a non-regular cross-section.

[0053] Optionally, the frame is elongate and at least partly circular in crosssection along a longitudinal axis. The entire length of the elongate frame may be circular in cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The entire length of the elongate frame may cover the entire length of the fitting. P393750.W0.01

[0054] 7

[0055] Optionally, the frame is elongate and has a tubular shape. Optionally, the frame has a tubular shape having a cross-section wholly or substantially larger than the largest cross-section of the fitting.

[0056] Optionally, the frame comprises an open structure comprising a plurality of outer rings connected by a plurality of longitudinal struts.

[0057] Optionally, the frame comprises one or more pivots to allow the frame to move between an open position to receive the fitting, and a closed position to protect the fitting.

[0058] Optionally, the frame is formed of two pivotable half-shells. Optionally the frame is split in two parts along the axis and the two parts may be attached to each other.

[0059] Optionally, the protection cage further includes one or more supports configured to secure the fitting within the frame. A support can comprise means particularly configured to complement the shape of the fitting. A support may be a collar or cuff, able to form a secure circumferential meeting and matching with an outer surface of the fitting, or the cable near the fitting. A support may be modular to fit the protection cage and a specific fitting. This allows the protection cage to be configured to a specific fitting. The same protection cage may be used for a variety of fittings by only exchanging the support.

[0060] Optionally, the cable and / or fitting includes one or more intermediate elements configured to provide a secure meeting and matching with the frame of the protection cage. Such elements may be at one or both ends of the fitting.

[0061] Optionally, the one or more of the supports of the frame includes one or more means to allow rotation of the fitting and subsea cable relative to the frame. Such means may include sliding surfaces, bearings, and the like, able to allow such rotation. Rotation of the fitting and cable relative to the frame may occur where movement of the cable causes re-orientation of the cable, and therefore the fitting, relative to the surface supporting the protection cage. For example, movement of a cable to and from a cable reel, may cause longitudinal rotation of the cable during spooling or unspooling.

[0062] Optionally, the protection cage is configured to be reelable on a cable reel. In this way, the cable can be spooled or reeled onto a reel without requiring removal of the protection cage from the cable. The cable reel may be adapted to P393750.W0.01

[0063] 8 accommodate the protection cage thereon, for example by having a separate or otherwise distinct reeling position or location for the protection cage.

[0064] Optionally, the protection cage includes one or more of outwardly extending cable reel catchment means. In this way, the protection cage can be formally aligned with a cable reel, to ensure correct alignment thereinbetween, in particular prior to reeling of the protection cage onto the reel. The catchment means may also, or alternatively, function as attachment means for attaching the protection cage to the cable reel. The catchment means may be detachably arranged on the protection cage. The catchment means may be freely positioned on the circumference of the protection cage. This allows the protection cage to be aligned with the cable reel. For example, when the protection cage with the fitting is positioned next to the cable reel, then the catchment means may be attached in a position on the circumference of the protection cage corresponding to means on the cable reel for holding and picking up the protection cage. The catchment means may be at least one protrusion or at least two protrusions on the protection cage. Each protrusion may be engaged and thereby aligning the protection cage. Each protrusion may, for example, be caught by a slot, or similar, connected to the cable reel. The protection cage may hereby be aligned with the cable reel and may also be picked up by the cable reel, for example, for rotating with the cable reel. The outwardly extending cable reel catchment means may be configured for one or more of the above, and / or the following.

[0065] Optionally, the protection cage includes one or more of cable reel connection means. Such reel connection means may include one or more supports or frames, optionally having a complementary shape to at least part of the protection cage, so as to meet and match the frame of the protection cage. The one or more cable reel connection means allows the protection cage to be connected to the cable reel such that the protection cage, with the fitting inside, may be carrier for rotation by the cable reel. The cable reel connection means may be straps, bolts, clamps, holders, or similar.

[0066] For example, the protection cage may have a slot or protrusion, that cooperates with a protrusion or slot of the cable reel. There may be one or more of these. A plurality of slots and protrusions may be combined to provide alignment P393750.W0.01

[0067] 9 and connection. The slot may lock the protrusion into a part of the slot and thereby hold and position the protection cage relative the cable reel.

[0068] Optionally, the protection cage is configured to be supported on a lay system, such as for example a lay tower. A lay system or lay tower may be mountable on a deck of a vessel. Optionally, the lay system or lay tower includes one or more handling arms, optionally a tensioner, and optionally an arcuate is also dis-mountable from or re-locatable on the deck of the vessel, such that the vessel is not limited to being a single-purpose vessel.

[0069] Optionally, the system includes one or more work platforms able to provide one or more workstations to embodiments disclosed herein. Optionally, one or more of the work platforms is moveable in and out of a working line or firing line of the lay system or tower. Optionally, the lay system or tower includes one or more work platforms, optionally formed of one or more moveable gantries, able to provide a user with working access to a part of the cable.

[0070] Optionally, the lay system or tower includes a moveable one-part or two- part workstation, able provide a user with working access to either the cable, the protection cage, or both. For example, being able to provide a user with working access to at least the protection cage, for attachment and / or detachment of the protection cage with the cable.

[0071] According to another aspect, there is provided a protection assembly comprising the protection cage as defined herein and a deck-support, the decksupport being moveable, optionally moveable about or along a vessel deck or factory floor.

[0072] Optionally, the deck-support is configured to allow rotation of the fitting and subsea cable relative to the deck-support. The deck support may include sliding surfaces, bearings, and the like, able to allow such rotation. Rotation of the fitting and cable relative to the deck support may occur where movement of the cable causes re-orientation of the cable, and therefore the fitting, relative to the surface supporting the deck support. For example, movement of a cable to and from a cable reel, may cause longitudinal rotation of the cable during spooling or unspooling.

[0073] Optionally, the deck-support includes one or more housings configured to allow rotation of the fitting and subsea cable relative to the deck support. P393750.W0.01

[0074] 10

[0075] Optionally, the deck-support comprises a complementary shape to at least a part of the protection cage for positioning the protection cage onto the decksupport. In this way the protection cage may be positively form fitted onto, and held in place on, the deck-support.

[0076] Optionally, the deck-support comprises a cradle. A cradle can have a complementary shape to at least part of the protection cage, so as to meet and match the frame of the protection cage.

[0077] Optionally, the deck-support comprises a deck-facing surface comprising one or more rails. Such rails can allow the deck-support to be moveable on the surface, optionally moveable about or along a vessel deck. The rails may function as skies for the deck-support to be moved on a surface, such as a factory floor or vessel deck.

[0078] Optionally, the deck-support and the sea-deck protection cage are securable together in use, for example using one or more catches or locking means.

[0079] The present disclosure also provides a method of protecting a fitting on a subsea cable, comprising at least the steps of:

[0080] (a) locating around the fitting a protection cage according to any embodiment herein, including opening the frame, surrounding the fitting, and closing the frame around the fitting; and

[0081] (b) locating the protection cage on a deck-support, and securing the protection cage and deck-support together to form a protection assembly.

[0082] At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. The protection cage surrounds and supports the fitting and thereby protects the fitting from external impact. The entire cable may be handled with the protection cage around the fitting, ensuring the cable and fitting is in good order when finally installed. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment or embodiments. P393750.W0.01

[0083] 11

[0084] Turning to the drawings, figures 1 , 2, 4, and 5 show a protection cage 2 suitable for handling a fitting 4 on a subsea cable 6. The subsea cable 6 extending along an axis, the axis being along the length of the subsea cable 6. The protection cage 2 having a frame 8, 10, 12, the frame 8, 10, 12 being able to be opened and closed to surround the fitting 4. The cage 2 is configured to support the fitting 4 therewithin, and is configured to allow rotation of the fitting 4 and cable 6 around the axis. The fitting 4, with the cable 6, may rotate relative to the frame 8, 10, 12. The frame 8, 10, 12, with the cable 6 and the fitting 4, may rotate around the axis, i.e. relative to any environment.

[0085] The frame 8, 10, 12 may be elongate and circular in cross-section along a longitudinal axis, to form a tubular shape. The frame 8, 10, 12 has a crosssection wholly or substantially larger than the largest cross-section of the fitting 4. The frame 8, 10, 12 may comprise an open structure comprising a plurality of outer rings 10, 12 connected by a plurality of longitudinal struts 8. The end-most outer rings 12 may include a raised circumferential ring 20 as further described hereinafter.

[0086] The frame 8 may comprises two or more pivots 14 to allow the frame to move between an open position as shown in figure 2 to receive the fitting 4, and a closed position shown in figures 1 , 4, and 5 to protect the fitting 4. Where the frame 8 is formed of two pivotable half-shells, the two pivots 14 provide the connection between the half-shells. There may be lock or clamps opposite the two pivots to lock the protection cage in the closed position.

[0087] The protection cage may further include one or more supports 18 configured to secure the fitting within the frame 8, 10, 12. A schematic illustrations of the supports may best be taken from figure 1 . Each support 18 can comprise means particularly configured to complement the shape of the fitting, such as a collar able to form a secure circumferential meeting and matching with an outer surface of the fitting 4, or the cable 6 near the fitting 4. Each support 18 may be modular so that the protection cage 2 can be configured to hold a specific fitting 4.

[0088] The fitting 4 shown in the example in the drawings is a bend stiffener. The cable 6 shown in the drawings also includes an element 26 being an armoured P393750.W0.01

[0089] 12 end fitting, or pig tail, or the like, having an end connection point 27 for a winch cable 28 as described hereinafter.

[0090] The supports 18 of the frame 8, 10, 12 includes means to allow rotation of the fitting 4 and cable 6 relative to the frame. Such means may include sliding surfaces, bearings, and the like, able to allow such rotation. Rotation of the fitting 4 relative to the frame 8, 10, 12 may occur where movement of the cable 6 causes re-orientation of the cable, and therefore the fitting 4, relative to the surface supporting the protection cage. For example, movement of a cable to and from a cable reel, may cause longitudinal rotation of the cable 6 during spooling or unspooling. The caused rotation may also, or instead, be taken up by the protection cage 2 rotating relative to its surrounding, for example a decksupport 42 or a vessel deck or a factory floor. This protects, in both cases, the fitting 4 for damage such as impact.

[0091] Optionally, the protection cage 2 is configured to be reelable on a cable reel (not shown). In this way, the cable 6 can be spooled or reeled onto a reel without requiring removal of the protection cage from the cable 6. The cable reel may be adapted to accommodate the protection cage 2 thereon, for example by having a separate or otherwise distinct reeling position or location for the protection cage.

[0092] The protection cage 2 may include two outwardly extending cable reel catchment means 22. The catchment means may be a towbar 22. The catchment means 22 may also, or alternatively, function as attachment means 22 for attaching the protection cage 2 to the cable reel. The catchment means 22 may be detachably arranged on the protection cage 2, for example on one or each end-most outer ring 12, and / or on one or each circumferential rings 20, and / or on one or each ring 10. Figure 1 illustrates two catchment means 22 attached to a top of the circumferential ring 20 and figure 2 illustrates the protection cage 2 with detached catchment means 22. The catchment means 22 may be freely positioned on the circumference of the protection cage 2. This allows the protection cage 2 to be aligned with and be picked up by a cable reel. For example, when the protection cage 2 with the fitting is positioned next to the cable reel, then the catchment means 22 may be attached in a position on the circumference of the protection cage 2 corresponding to means on the cable reel P393750.W0.01

[0093] 13 for holding and picking up the protection cage 2. The catchment means 22 may be shaped with an opening or an enlargement that can be picked up by the cable reel. For example, the catchment means 22, for example a towbar, may be releasably connected to the circumferential ring 20, a circumferential rail 20, on the protection cage 2. This allows the catchment means 22 to be connected to the protection cage 2 right before being picked up by, and reeled onto, the cable reel. This is when the orientation of the protection cage 2 in relation to the cable reel is known, and this allows the catchment means 22 to be attached to the protection cage 2 in a predetermined orientation for pick up by the cable reel. In this way, the protection cage 2 can be aligned with a cable reel, to ensure correct alignment thereinbetween, in particular prior to reeling of the protection cage 2 onto the cable reel.

[0094] Optionally, the protection cage 2 includes one or more of cable reel connection means. The connection means are also schematically illustrated in figure 1 as connection means 22. The catchment means 22 may also function as a connection means 22. The cable reel connection means may be one or more protrusions on the protection cage 2 that may be connected to a cable reel.

[0095] Figure 3 shows a deck-support 42. The deck-support 42 may be configured to receive the protection cage 2. The deck-support 42 may have skie like rails 50 form moving the deck-support 42 on a vessel deck or factory floor or similar.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a protection assembly 40 comprising the protection cage 2 on a deck-support 42. Figure 3 shows the deck support 42 as such, and figure 5 shows the deck-support 42 on the vessel deck 32, ready for engagement with the frame 8, 10, 12 of the protection cage 2, to allow movement of the protection cage 2 along or about the vessel deck 32. The deck-support 42 comprises, for example, a cradle, having a complementary shape to at least part of the protection cage 2, so as to meet and match the frame 8, 10, 12 of the protection cage 2. The deck-support 42 may comprise, for example, support frames 44, 46 configured for supporting the outer shape of the protection cage 2.

[0097] The deck-support 42 may also be configured to allow rotation of the fitting 4 and cable 6 relative to the deck-support 42. The deck support 42 may comprise a number of the semi-circular support frames 44, 46, with the end-most support P393750.W0.01

[0098] 14 frames 46 having a slot or groove 48 therein, having a complementary shape to the raised circumferential rings 20 of the end-most outer rings 12 of the frame 12. This is one example how rotational movement of the fitting 4 and cable 6 relative to the surrounding may be made.

[0099] The deck-support 42 may comprises a deck-facing surface comprising one or more rails 50. The rails can be flat to allow the deck-support to be moveable on the surface, optionally with deck guidance means. Such flat rails 50 allows movement of the deck-support 42 and the protection cage 2 without allowing them to roll away when a vessel deck moves.

[0100] Figure 4 shows the deck-support 42 and the protection cage 2 with the fitting 4 and cable 6 ready for use, optionally securable together in use, for example using one or more catches or locking means. The protection cage 2 may be attached to fitting 4, and merely form fitted for rotation on the decksupport 42.

[0101] Figure 5 shows the protection cage 2 being configured to be supported on a lay system, for example a lay tower 30. The lay tower 30 is mounted on a deck 32 of a vessel. The lay tower 30 has a handling arm 36 and an arcuate guide 38. The cable 6 with the fitting 4 may be routed over the arcuate guide 38, for example having been retrieved from or to a wet-parked or other subsea location.

[0102] Figure 5 shows the fitting 4 on the cable 6 fitted within the frame 8, 10, 12, to allow protection of the fitting 4 during deployment of an end section of the cable 6 onto the vessel for work thereon. Such work may include the installation of one or more further elements onto the cable 6, such as buoyancy aids or the like, prior to redeployment of the cable 6 into the sea.

[0103] Figure 5 also shows a cable winch 50 and a winch wire 28 along the lay tower 30 for handling the cable 6. The cable 6 with the fitting 4 is in the protection cage 2 held by the lay tower. The protection cage 2 with the fitting may be positioned onto the deck-support 42 and moved around on the deck 32 of the vessel, for example, around a guide quadrant 54 on the vessel deck 32.

[0104] According to one embodiment that may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed here, the protection cage 2 for the fitting 4 may be box shaped, or cylindrically shaped, with the fitting 4 substantially, or completely, inside the box or cylinder. The protection cage 2 for the fitting 4 may be shaped as a flat platform with the fitting substantially, or completely, on top of the platform. This provides good protection and transportation of the fitting 4.

[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the protection cage, power cable, and protection assembly. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed system and method. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

P393750.W0.0116CLAIMS1. A protection cage (2) for handling a fitting (4) on a subsea cable (6), the subsea cable (6) extending along an axis, the protection cage having a frame (8, 10, 12), the frame being able to be opened and closed to surround the fitting, wherein the protection cage is configured to support the fitting therewithin, and is configured to allow rotation of the fitting and subsea cable around the axis.

2. The protection cage (2) of claim 1 , wherein the frame (8, 10, 12) is elongate and at least partly circular in cross-section along a longitudinal axis.

3. The protection cage (2) of claim 2, wherein the frame (8, 10, 12) is elongate and has a tubular shape.

4. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (8, 10, 12) comprises an open structure comprising a plurality of outer rings (10, 12) connected by a plurality of longitudinal struts (8).

5. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage further includes one or more supports (18) configured to secure the fitting (4) within the frame (8, 10, 12).

6. The protection cage (2) of claim 5, wherein the one or more of the supports (18) includes one or more means to allow rotation of the fitting (4) and cable relative to the frame (8, 10, 12).

7. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage is configured to be reelable on a cable reel.

8. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage includes one or more of outwardly extending cable reel catchment means (22).P393750.W0.01179. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage includes one or more of cable reel connection means.

10. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting (4) is a bend-stiffener, and / or the subsea cable (6) is a power cable.

11. The protection cage (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage is configured to be supported on a lay system (30).

12. A power cable comprising a fitting (4) and a protection cage (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection cage (2) is surrounding and supporting the fitting (4).

13. A protection assembly (40) comprising the protection cage (2) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 and a deck-support (42), the deck-support being moveable.

14. The protection assembly (40) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the decksupport (42) is configured to allow rotation of the fitting (4) and cable relative to the deck-support.

15. The protection assembly (40) as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the deck-support (42) comprises a complementary shape to at least a part of the protection cage for positioning the protection cage onto the deck-support.

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