GP 86-01-06 Offshore Pipeline, Flexible, Umbilical, and Cable Crossings April 2013

Offshore Pipeline, Flexible, Umbilical,

and Cable Crossings
GP 86-01-06

Scope
This Global Practice (GP) defines the minimum requirements for the design and construction of offshore
pipeline, flexible, umbilical and cable crossings of existing pipelines, flexibles, umbilicals, or cables.

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Copyright Waiver:
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permission from EM is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or affiliate-specific number to differentiate them from the GPs
on the EMEPS website. EM-operated Joint Ventures (JVs) may utilize the GPs to create project-specific or location-specific specifications. It is the responsibility of
each affiliate or Joint Venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to affiliate or JV-related business and not disclosed or used outside the JV
without appropriate EM management approval.
Note to Third Parties:
Copyright 2013 ExxonMobil. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced or distributed by any means or technology or otherwise used in any manner
without the express written consent of ExxonMobil.
 GP 86-01-06 Offshore Pipeline, Flexible, Umbilical, and Cable Crossings April 2013

Table of Contents
1. Required References ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices ................................... 4
1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute................................................................ 4
1.3. DNV–Det Norske Veritas .............................................................................. 4
1.4. ISO–International Organization for Standardization ..................................... 5
2. Definitions.............................................................................................................. 5

3. General ................................................................................................................... 5

4. Design Development and Verification Surveys .................................................. 6

5. Design Requirements ........................................................................................... 6

5.1. General......................................................................................................... 6
5.2. Separation .................................................................................................... 7
5.3. Supports ....................................................................................................... 8
5.4. Stresses ....................................................................................................... 8
5.5. Spans, Vortex-Induced Vibrations, and Fatigue Issues Created by
Crossings ..................................................................................................... 8
5.6. Upheaval and Lateral Buckling ..................................................................... 9
5.7. Third-Party Crossings ................................................................................... 9
5.8. Identifying Other Design Considerations ...................................................... 9
6. Crossing Method ................................................................................................... 9
6.1. General......................................................................................................... 9
6.2. Ramp and Sleeper Supports ........................................................................ 9
6.3. Bridge Crossing .......................................................................................... 10
6.4. Crossing by Lowering and Protection ......................................................... 10
6.5. Alternative Solutions ................................................................................... 10
7. Materials............................................................................................................... 11
7.1. General....................................................................................................... 11
7.2. Articulated Concrete Mats .......................................................................... 11
7.3. Concrete T-Beams ..................................................................................... 12
7.4. Steel Supports/Truss Structures................................................................. 12
7.5. Grout Bags/Mattresses ............................................................................... 12
7.6. Sand-Cement Bags .................................................................................... 13
7.7. Other .......................................................................................................... 13

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7.8. Documentation ........................................................................................... 13

8. Crossing Installation ........................................................................................... 13

9. Installation Crossing Surveys ............................................................................ 14

9.1. General....................................................................................................... 14
9.2. Preliminary As-Laid Survey ........................................................................ 14
9.3. As-Laid Survey ........................................................................................... 14
9.4. As-Built Survey ........................................................................................... 15
10. Decommissioning ............................................................................................... 15

Record of Change ....................................................................................................... 16

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions.................................................................... 18

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1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 29-03-09 Offshore Structural Welding and Inspection
GP 30-01-01 General Requirements for Marine Operations
GP 30-01-03 Lifting from Floating Vessels
GP 30-04-01 Diving Operations
GP 30-06-01 Installation of Subsea Equipment (Not Yet Published)
GP 30-06-02 Installation of Flexible Pipes and Umbilicals
GP 30-07-01 Deepwater Pipeline Construction and Installation
GP 51-04-01 Decommissioning Planning for Offshore Pipelines, Flowlines, Risers,
and Subsea Equipment
GP 56-01-04 Cathodic Protection Requirements for Offshore Pipelines
GP 56-01-07 Cathodic Protection of Concrete
GP 56-01-10 Sacrificial Anode Fabrication and Installation
GP 56-02-02 Painting General Requirements - Offshore
GP 65-06-01 Electro/Hydraulic Umbilical - Steel Tube
GP 66-06-01 Unbonded Flexible Pipe
GP 86-01-01 Offshore Pipeline Design
GP 86-01-03 Shallow Water Pipeline Construction and Installation
GP 86-01-04 Offshore Pipeline Surveying

1.2. API–American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 17J-2014 Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe (2014 Edition)

1.3. DNV–Det Norske Veritas

DNV-RP-B401 Cathodic Protection Design

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1.4. ISO–International Organization for Standardization

ISO 13628-5 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Design and Operation of Subsea
Production Systems - Part 5: Subsea Umbilicals

2. Definitions
Term Description
Flexible/Flexible Pipe Assembly of a pipe body and end fittings, where the pipe body is
composed of a composite of layered materials that form a pressure-
containing conduit and the pipe structure allows large deflections.
Note: Normally the pipe body is built up as a composite structure
composed of metallic and polymer layers (definition from draft API
SPEC 17J-2014).
Line For the purpose of this document can either mean pipeline, flowline,
flexible, cable, or umbilical.
Pipeline Fluid transportation system between subsea equipment, platform risers,
and shore crossings; includes flowlines.
Umbilical Group of functional components, such as electric cables, fiber optical
cables, hoses, and tubes, laid up or bundled together or in combination
with each other, that generally provides hydraulics, fluid injection,
power, and/or communication services (definition from ISO 13628-5).

3. General
The basic requirements for the design and installation of offshore crossings of existing lines shall be in
accordance with this document.
1) The design shall satisfy all applicable laws, codes, and regulatory requirements.
2) [A] Conflicting requirements, or gaps, in regulations, codes, GPs, and industry standards shall be
identified and presented to Company for resolution.
3) Prior to crossing design, an evaluation of the crossing design requirements shall be performed,
considering the following:
a) The design, method, and installation requirements of Owner/Operator of the crossed line.
b) A preliminary risk assessment of the crossing configuration and operation to aid in determination
of crossing location, design, method, and installation requirements.
c) Offshore pipeline design and installation shall comply with GP 86-01-01 and GP 86-01-03, or GP
30-07-01.
d) Flexible pipe design and installation shall comply with GP 66-06-01 and GP 30-06-02.

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e) Offshore umbilical and cable design and installation shall comply with GP 65-06-01 and GP 30-
06-02.
4) Offshore crossings may be over existing lines and/or other subsea obstructions.

4. Design Development and Verification Surveys

1) During Front End Engineering and Design (FEED), a new line Reconnaissance Survey and/or Route
Selection Survey encompassing each proposed crossing location shall be performed for purpose of
design development.
2) [A] Upon award of the offshore installation contract, a Pre-Lay Survey of the new line route shall be
performed for design verification inclusive of positive location of the line(s) to be crossed. The
crossing specific survey components of the Pre-Lay Survey shall be completed not less than 180 days
prior to either the commencement of any preparatory works (e.g., support structures), or laying the
new line at the crossing site.
3) Surveying equipment and activities shall comply with GP 86-01-04.
4) Special consideration shall be given to the locating of small non-magnetic lines (e.g., fiber optic
cables) that may be problematic to detect with typically available survey equipment.
5) [A] Offshore crossing design development and verification surveys shall, as a minimum, identify and
document the following:
a) Detailed bathymetry of the crossing site area
b) Soil classification and strength parameters of the crossing site area
c) Identification of potential geohazards (e.g., mudslides, turbidity flows, etc.)
d) As-Laid position of the line(s) to be crossed
e) Depth of burial of the line(s) to be crossed, as measured from natural seabed to top of line
f) Physical condition of existing line(s)
g) Protection and/or armor over existing line(s)
h) Owner/Operator of line(s) inclusive of size, type material, contents, operating pressure, etc.
6) Survey information shall be included in the design submittal.

5. Design Requirements
5.1. General
Offshore crossings should be avoided whenever possible. If a crossing is necessary, then the following
requirements shall apply:
1) Regional line crossing data shall be gathered to determine historical crossing methods for the varying
line type, soil, metocean, and other relevant conditions to determine a feasible starting concept for the
crossing.
2) If a third-party line is crossed, then early engagement with Owner/Operator is essential and shall be
required to avoid concept selection/design recycle.

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3) [A] Written approval and appropriate permit shall be obtained to cross each third-party, and/or
Company operated line to meet project schedule requirements.
4) Crossing method and associated installation methodology shall maximize the use of remotely
operated vehicle (ROV) to minimize diver time. ROV requirements shall comply with GP 30-01-01,
and when diver operations must be used, GP 30-04-01 shall be enforced.
5) The crossing design should be such that the smaller line crosses over the larger line when technically
viable and cost effective.
6) Shallow water crossings shall be avoided if possible. Crossing large lines in shallow water may
expose the upper line to significantly increased wave-induced current loading. If crossing cannot be
avoided, then special consideration shall be given to wave-induced hydromechanics during design.
7) The need for navigational markings, to mark a crossing as a subsea hazard to sea users, shall be
determined.
8) Known geohazard areas shall be taken into account when selecting crossing location.
9) Seabed scour and erosion effects on crossing shall be taken into account.
10) Study to assess the risk of and the need to design crossing for impact loads (e.g., snag loads, trawlers,
or anchors) and potentially fill voids beneath the line and between supports shall comply with the
respective design GPs.
11) [*] The minimum design life of the crossing shall be 30 years or the longer of design lives of the lines
in the crossing area.
12) [A] Crossings shall be close to perpendicular if possible, but in no case greater than 45 degrees from
perpendicular without Company approval.
13) Vertical curve radius limitations of a new line shall be considered.
14) The crossing design shall prevent relative motion of one line from influencing the other line at any
time during new line installation, testing, and/or operation.
15) The crossing shall be designed so that no contact between the new line and a line being crossed is
made at any time during new line installation, testing, or operation.
16) Crossing shall be designed to prevent cathodic protection interference between any combination of
lines and/or the crossing supports.
17) Crossings shall be designed with built-in markers or markings that shall allow surveys to determine
lateral line displacement from the crossing centerline during installation and subsequent operation.

5.2. Separation
1) The minimum vertical separation between a new line and a line being crossed shall be 0.5 m (1.6 ft),
from installation throughout the design life of the crossing as defined in Section 5.1 of this document.
2) Design shall include greater initial vertical separation if seabed information suggests that settlement
of new line or its supports will occur.
3) Vertical separation shall be physically maintained using methods and materials as described in
Sections 6 and Section 7 of this document.

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5.3. Supports
1) [A] The design of a new line supports shall be such that the line remains stable on the supports.
Engineered and Company-approved materials may be placed over and around the line to maintain
stability, provided negligible external loads are exerted on the line.
2) The As-Installed lateral clearance between a line being crossed and the closest point of a new line
support shall not be less than 3 m (9.9 ft), except as noted in Section 6.3 of this document.
3) Spacing between supports shall not exceed the new line maximum unsupported span length as
defined in Section 5.5 of this document.
4) Supports designed in a "pyramid form" shall have a minimum side slope ratio of 1:1.
5) Supports shall be designed to withstand the appropriate metocean forces over the crossing design life
as defined in Section 5.1 of this document.
6) Supports shall be designed to have sufficient size and area in order to distribute the weight of the new
line and the supports on the seafloor.
7) The design shall provide a minimum safety factor of 3.0 against bearing failure of the soil.
8) [*] If site-specific detailed geotechnical data are available at the crossing, then the factor of safety
may be reduced to a minimum of 2.0. Consult with EMDC Geotechnical function.

5.4. Stresses
1) [A] Calculations and/or analysis shall be generated to verify that the crossing design meets the
requirements of this document and shall be submitted for Company approval.
2) [A] The new pipeline allowable stresses and stress combinations, resulting from all load factors
(including weight, buoyancy, thermal effects, pressure bending, residual tension, and environmental
forces) are defined in the applicable project specified pipeline code and shall not exceed those defined
in the applicable design and installation GPs.

5.5. Spans, Vortex-Induced Vibrations, and Fatigue Issues Created

by Crossings
1) Maximum pipeline span lengths shall be determined as part of the pipeline design, per requirements
in GP 86-01-01.
2) Flexible pipe shall be designed for spanning and vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) as per GP 66-06-01.
3) Umbilicals and cables shall be designed for spanning and VIV as per GP 65-06-01.
4) [*] EMDC Riser/Flowline function shall be contacted for additional guidance on flexibles, umbilicals,
and cables fatigue design.
5) If a crossing design allows for the creation of free spans, then one of the following shall apply:
a) It shall be shown that allowable free-span lengths for all design conditions are greater than the
new line support spacing.
b) If allowable free-span length is less than the new line support spacing, then the following shall
apply:

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i) Mitigation supports to reduce the span length shall be provided by sand-/cement-filled bags,
grout bags, or grout mattresses, and the new line shall be supported to eliminate potential for
vortex-induced vibration due to free spans.
ii) Design shall identify mitigation support installation timing relative to line installation and
line flooding, if applicable.
c) [A] Alternative solutions that mitigate/remove the risk of free spans may be proposed.

5.6. Upheaval and Lateral Buckling

Pipeline system design shall consider upheaval buckling and lateral buckling at pipeline crossings. For
more details, refer to GP 86-01-01.

5.7. Third-Party Crossings

1) [*] Design plans, drawings, material specifications, preparatory work plans, and installation
procedures shall be prepared for the Permit/Crossing Agreement application process, as directed by
Company.
2) A knowledgeable and technically competent person(s) shall represent the designer and installer
during the application process as may be requested by Company.

5.8. Identifying Other Design Considerations

Any other relevant design conditions, cases, and/or considerations shall be identified.

6. Crossing Method
6.1. General
Offshore crossing method shall be designed and selected according to the following criteria, sorted in
order of importance:
1) Safety and risk
2) Requirements from crossed line(s) Owner/Operator
3) Planned new lines
4) Local regulations
5) Design and technical feasibility
6) Schedule
7) Cost

6.2. Ramp and Sleeper Supports

Ramp and/or sleeper supports under a new line shall be fabricated and constructed from the materials
described in Section 7 of this document. The following shall be taken into consideration:
1) Minimum vertical separation of a new line over a crossed line per Section 5.2 of this document.

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2) Minimum As-Installed lateral clearance for supports adjacent to a crossed line per Section 5.3 of this
document.
3) The slope of the ramp and/or sleeper combination(s).
4) Total height, width, and length of the ramp and/or sleeper structure(s).
5) Protection of the line over the ramp and/or sleeper structure(s).
6) Effect on the seabed caused by the crossing structure(s).
7) The ramp and sleeper supports shall be designed to provide negligible external loading on a crossed
line.

6.3. Bridge Crossing

When a ramp and/or sleeper support crossing is not feasible due to poor soil conditions, only then shall a
bridge crossing be considered. The following shall be taken into consideration:
1) Bridge structure may be of any type, (e.g., tubular, truss, girder, etc.) provided all criteria of this
document are satisfied.
2) The Bridge support foundation may be piled if shown to be necessary.
3) Minimum vertical separation of a new line over a crossed line as defined in Section 5.2 of this
document shall refer to vertical separation between the top of the line crossed and the lower elevation
of either the bridge structure or the new line supported by the bridge.
4) For a gravity support foundation or driven pile seabed guide template the minimum As-Installed
lateral clearance of a support foundation or guide template adjacent to a crossed line is defined
Section 5.3 of this document. However, for a driven pile without a seabed guide template, the
minimum As-Installed lateral clearance between the line crossed and the driven pile shall not be less
than 5 m (16.4 ft).
5) Minimum span and curve limitations of the line approaching, crossing and departing the bridge
structure.
6) Protection of the line supported by the bridge structure.
7) Steel structures shall be designed and fabricated to the requirements of Section 7.1 and Section 7.4 of
this document.
8) The bridge support foundation shall be designed to provide negligible external loading on a crossed
line.

6.4. Crossing by Lowering and Protection

[*] Crossing by lowering and subsequent protection or padding of an existing line shall not be used.

6.5. Alternative Solutions

1) [A] Alternative crossing solutions that require less than the minimum vertical separation as defined in
Section 5.2 of this GP may be proposed. Alternative solutions shall be reviewed and approved by
Company and/or Owner/Operator. As a minimum alternative, crossing solutions will also require the
following:
a) Design life meeting or exceeding that defined in Section 5.1 of this GP
b) Negligible loading on existing line(s)

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c) Ensured stability of the newly installed line and supports

2) [A] Contact with an existing line and the crossing protection material may be acceptable provided
Contractor can demonstrate to Company and/or Owner/Operator of the crossed line, via calculations
and detailed procedures, that no damage to the crossed line will occur during the installation of the
protection materials and the subsequent installation of the new line.
a) An existing line that has been found buried naturally or mechanically, or lies below the natural
seabed in a trenched/dredged excavation, may be a candidate for crossing protection (e.g.,
articulated concrete mats, grout bags/mattresses, etc.) installed at the natural seabed elevation
and/or within the trenched/dredged excavation to ensure no line on-line contact at the point of
crossing.
b) An existing abandoned line may be a candidate for crossing protection (e.g., articulated concrete
mats, grout bags/mattresses, etc.) installed at the natural seabed elevation to ensure no line on-line
contact at the point of crossing.
c) A new cable crossing an existing line may be a candidate for marine armor sheathing (e.g.,
Uraduct, etc.) to ensure no line on-line contact at the point of crossing.

7. Materials
7.1. General
1) All crossing material components and the resultant pipeline crossing shall have a minimum design
life as established per Section 5.1 of this document.
2) Materials selection shall be compatible with the corresponding marine fabrication, storage,
transportation, installation, and operation environment(s).
3) Materials selection shall provide sufficient strength for crossing system to withstand loads imposed
during installation and operation.
4) Special consideration shall be given to the following:
a) Atypical marine environments such as deepwater Black Sea (anoxic, high CO2, H2S)
b) Arctic environments
c) Deepwater environments
5) [A] Minimum requirements for concrete shall be established to suit project conditions and testing
shall be performed to ensure concrete meets design requirements. At a minimum, minimum
compressive strength shall be determined and compressive strength testing shall be conducted.

7.2. Articulated Concrete Mats

1) [A] Articulated concrete mats (e.g., Flexmats) shall be commercially available with integrated
handling and lifting loops/eyes and a handling/lifting frame(s) suitable for subsea installation with a
crane assisted by ROV and/or divers.
2) Protection from abrasion damage to the anti-corrosion coating system of the supported line shall be
incorporated into the design.
3) Cathodic protection of rebar or wire reinforcement if used in concrete shall comply with GP 56-01-
07.

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4) Composites and plastic materials (e.g., polypropylene rope and neoprene pads) exposure to ultraviolet
light (UV) shall be minimized. Otherwise, materials properties shall be such as not to significantly
degrade under ultraviolet light exposure encountered during prolonged onshore storage times.
5) [A] All materials shall be selected to satisfy Section 7.1 of this document. Company shall approve
the articulated concrete mat materials.

7.3. Concrete T-Beams

1) [A] Concrete inverted T-beams shall be designed with integrated handling and lifting hooks/eyes
(e.g., padeyes, Deha hooks) suitable for subsea installation with a crane assisted by ROV and/or
divers.
2) Protection from abrasion damage to the anti-corrosion coating system of the supported line shall be
incorporated into the design.
3) Cathodic protection of rebar or wire reinforcement in concrete shall comply with GP 56-01-07.
4) [A] Materials shall be selected to satisfy Section 7.1 of this document. Company shall approve the
concrete T-beam materials.

7.4. Steel Supports/Truss Structures

1) [A] Steel supports and trusses shall be designed with integrated handling and lifting hooks/eyes and a
handling/lifting frame(s) suitable for subsea installation with a crane assisted by ROV and/or divers.
2) Protection from abrasion damage to the anti-corrosion coating system of the supported line shall be
incorporated into the design.
3) [A] Steel materials shall range from 36 ksi (248 MPa) to 52 ksi (358 MPa) (e.g., S355) and be
submitted to Company for acceptance prior to selection.
4) Cathodic protection design shall comply with GP 56-01-04 and DNV-RP-B401.
5) Anode manufacture, inspection, and welding shall be performed in accordance with GP 56-01-10.
All anodes shall be welded onto the structures.
6) Painting of structures shall be in accordance with GP 56-02-02 using System U.
7) Welding and inspection of the structures shall be in accordance with GP 29-03-09.
8) [A] Materials shall be selected to satisfy Section 7.1 of this document. Company shall approve the
steel support/truss materials.

7.5. Grout Bags/Mattresses

1) [A] The grout bags/mattresses shall be commercially-available rubber, canvas, or plastic bags with
reinforcement, pipeline attachments, handling eyes, and/or handling frame(s), and grout injection
ports, suitable for subsea installation with a crane assisted by ROV and/or divers.
2) [A] Materials shall be selected to satisfy Section 7.1 of this document. Company shall approve the
bag and mattress materials.
3) Grout mix of Portland cement, aggregate, and water shall be as recommended by Manufacturer.
Pumps shall be sized to handle the mix.
4) Set up times for the grout shall account for water depths, such that setup in the pumping lines does
not occur.

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7.6. Sand-Cement Bags

1) Sand-cement bags shall contain one part cement to three parts sand. Bags shall be made of closely
woven material with a wicking action.
2) [A] After filling, the bags shall be closed by sewing or Company-approved equivalent (not by
bunching and tying the end). Materials shall be selected to satisfy Section 7.1 of this document.
Company shall approve the bag materials.
3) Bags shall be placed in a manner to ensure that the load is distributed evenly at the bottom of the
supporting pyramid. Use of a concrete slab or a similar weight-distributing structure may be required.

7.7. Other
[A] Any other materials proposed for use in offshore crossings shall first be accepted by Company prior
to design, selection, and use. Justification for use shall be submitted along with limitations.

7.8. Documentation
[A] The following information shall be submitted to Company for approval for the proposed offshore
crossing support system:
1) Description of commercially-obtained supports from Manufacturer's technical information.
2) Technical description of components and materials of supports, if the supports are constructed from
bulk-purchased materials.
3) Description of installation methodology to demonstrate that materials and installation methods are
compatible.

8. Crossing Installation
1) [A] Contractor shall submit a plan and detailed procedures for crossing preparatory work and the
installation of crossing supports and/or structures for Company approval. The plan and procedures
shall comply with GP 30-01-03 and GP 30-06-01.
2) New pipelines for which crossings may be required shall be installed in accordance with GP 86-01-
03, GP 30-07-01.
3) New cables/umbilicals for which crossings may be required shall be installed in accordance with GP
30-06-02.
4) [A] Continuous monitoring of the new line touchdown point during installation at the crossing site
shall be performed to provide input to lay vessel movements such that the line is placed in the proper
alignment. Contractor shall propose continuous touchdown point monitoring method (e.g., video,
transponder array, multibeam sonar, etc.) for Company approval.

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9. Installation Crossing Surveys

9.1. General
1) Surveying equipment and activities shall comply with GP 86-01-04.
2) Drawing(s) of the pipeline crossing in plan and profile views shall be generated to document the
surveys. The exact location of crossing shall be referenced to a minimum of the following:
a) Horizontal Datum
b) Vertical Datum and Units of Measure
c) Projected Coordinate System including ellipsoid (spheroid), type of projection, Zone (if
applicable), scale factor, False Easting, and False Northings
3) Survey coverage along the new line shall be the larger of 100 m (328 ft) on each side of the crossing
or 50 m (164 ft) outside of the new line touchdown points with the seabed. Laterally the coverage
shall extend not less than 5 m (16.4 ft) outside the support footprints.
4) A video survey recording shall document all crossing components (e.g., existing line(s), supports,
new line, vertical separation, lateral clearance, etc.).
5) [A] If visibility in the survey area is deemed unsuitable for video recording, then an alternative (e.g.,
multi-beam sonar) shall be proposed by Contractor for Company approval.

9.2. Preliminary As-Laid Survey

1) Immediately upon completion of the installation of the crossing support structures and prior to
installing a new line over the supports, a preliminary As-Laid Survey shall be conducted to verify the
position and elevation of the support structures relative to the crossing design configuration.
2) Preliminary As-Laid Survey of a crossing shall, as a minimum, identify and document the following:
a) Local bathymetry
b) Relative crossing angle between the line(s) to be crossed and the projected line crossing the
supports
c) Projected vertical curve profile of the line crossing the supports
d) As-Installed lateral clearance of supports adjacent to the crossed line(s)
e) Orientation, footprint (i.e., length, width, and height) and quantity (e.g., number of articulated
concrete mats, sand-cement bags, etc.) of the supports with notation of any unanticipated top of
support elevation
f) Relative lateral location the crossing supports to the projected line crossing the supports
g) Distance between the supports along the projected line crossing the supports

9.3. As-Laid Survey

1) Immediately upon completion of the installation of a line crossing another line and prior to any
flooding of the line, if applicable, an As-Laid Survey shall be conducted to reconfirm the position and
elevation of the support structures relative to the crossing design configuration.
2) The As-Laid Survey of a crossing shall, as a minimum, identify and document the following:

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a) Local bathymetry
b) Relative crossing angle between the line(s) to be crossed and the line crossing the supports
c) For pipelines the joint number at the crossing, plus joint numbers for the two joints on either side
of the crossing
d) Vertical curve profile of the line crossing the supports
e) Contact or separation between the supports and line crossing the supports
f) Vertical separation between the line crossing the supports and the crossed line(s)
g) As-Installed lateral clearance of supports adjacent to the crossed line(s)
h) Orientation, footprint (i.e., length, width, and height) and quantity (e.g., number of articulated
concrete mats, sand-cement bags, etc.) of the supports with notation of any unanticipated support
settlement
i) Relative lateral location the crossing supports to the line crossing the supports
j) Distance between the supports along the line crossing the supports
k) New line location and embedment at seabed touchdown points
l) Proposed mitigation measures for the following:
i) Any unsupported line at a support structure
ii) Less than required vertical separation between a new line and line(s) crossed
iii) Spans exceeding minimum allowable by design
iv) Exceeding the curve limitation of the line

9.4. As-Built Survey

1) After completion of the crossing, implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the As-Laid
Survey and flooding of the line, if applicable, an As-Built Survey shall be performed.
2) [A] The As-Built Survey of a crossing shall, as a minimum, identify and document the same elements
captured in Section 9.1 and Section 9.3 of this document.

10. Decommissioning
Offshore crossing decommissioning shall follow requirements in GP 51-04-01.

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GP 86-01-06 Offshore Pipeline, Flexible, Umbilical, and Cable Crossings April 2013

Record of Change
Version 1.0.0 Date: 07/01
Location Action Description
Initial Publish.

Version 1.0.0 Date: 09/03

Global Practice version number and format updated to comply with new
process; however, original publish date remains, and no content was
modified.

Version 1.1.0 Date: 05/04

Section 1.1 Modification Changed GP 86-01-05 reference to GP 30-04-01.
and Section 2

Version 1.1.0 Date: 09/04

Title of referenced GP 86-01-03 was changed to "Shallow Water Pipeline
Construction and Installation." No other changes were made in the GP.

Version 2.0.0 Date: 12/12

Title and Modification The title in the previous version was, "Offshore Pipeline Crossings." It
Scope Change has been changed to "Offshore Pipeline, Flexible Umbilical, and Cable
Crossings."
General Modification This version was almost a complete rewrite.
General Modification Made changes to Purpose Codes and Rationales as needed.
Section 1 Modification Added, removed, and updated references.
Section 2 Addition Added items and references.
Section 3 Addition/ Reorganized pipeline span language throughout document and moved to
Modification Section 5.5.
Added Buckling and Pipeline Crossings section.
Removed dictate that pipeline crossing method shall be by ramping to
allow for greater opportunities for project design for capital efficiency.
Section 4, Item Modification Added consideration for locating of small diameter fiber optic cables.
(4)
Section 5.1 Addition Added requirement Contractor to determine need for sea-navigational
Item (7) hazard marking.
Section 5.1, Addition Added crossing design life requirement.
Item (11)
Section 5.1, Addition Added requirement to aim for perpendicular pipeline crossing.
Item (12)
Section 5.1, Addition Added explicit requirement to avoid CP interference.
Item (16)
Added consideration for shallow water crossings and resulting
hydrodynamic and navigational concerns.

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Section 5.1, Addition Added requirement Contractor to consider adding pipeline displacement
Item (17) marker due to buckling/other causes.
Section 5.1, Addition Added requirement to seek Owner's approval for crossing of existing
Item (2) pipeline. Highlighted need for third party early involvement, which may
dictate crossing design to avoid need for design recycle.
Section 5.1, Addition Added Geohazards as consideration to pipeline crossing location
Item (8) selection.
Section 5.1, Addition Added requirement to check for any seabed scour/erosion issues.
Item (9)
Section 5.3 Addition Added explanation of when using a reduced soil bearing design factor
may be possible.
Section 5.6 Addition/ Added requirement to check for buckling compatibility.
Modification
Section 6 Addition Added Company crossing philosophy, and added Alternative Solutions
section.
Section 7 Modification Renamed from construction to installation section. Moved away design
requirements and moved in installation requirements to/from Section 7.
Section 8 Modification Expanded to include additional requirements.
Section 9 Addition Added Section 9 Decommissioning, referencing GP 51-04-01.
All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's
Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

Version 2.1.0 Date: 04/13

Section 6.5, Modification Text updated.
Item (1)
Section 6.5, Modification Introductory sentence modified for clarity.
Item (2)

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Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose
codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of
maintenance on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

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