Can the equipment be pre-laid on the seabed, and are mud mats required?

 The preferred approach is to connect and function-test all equipment at surface before deployment. However, ancillary equipment—such as the spud pile, distribution manifold, and suction/discharge hoses with recoil dampers—can be pre-laid on the seabed. The requirement for mud mats depends on seabed conditions such as soil softness and prevailing currents.