Device and method for providing a sizeable, slender object with a longitudinal direction into an underwater bottom

Abstract

Described is a device for providing a sizeable, slender object having a longitudinal direction into an underwater bottom from a deck of a vessel. The device includes a lifting means configured to take up the object at a lifting point thereof and position it on the underwater bottom; an upending tool connected to an edge of the vessel and configured to engage a first circumferential part of the object suspended from the lifting means and provide a pivot around which the object can be upended; and a gripping tool connected to an edge of the vessel and configured to engage a second circumferential part of the object suspended from the lifting means, whereby the first and second circumferential parts are optionally spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the object. The gripping tool includes an actuator system configured to act on at least one of the upending tool and the gripping tool and control movements of at least one of the first and the second circumferential parts, relative to the vessel. A method using the device is also described.