Electronic system, method, and program for controlling a variable-configuration lay ramp of a pipeline laying vessel, to lay a pipeline on the bed of a body of water

An electronic control system for controlling a variable- configuration lay ramp of a pipeline laying vessel, to lay a pipeline on the bed of a body of water, is configured to : acquire data including data related to the configuration of the lay ramp (5), data related to the laying vessel (1), and data related to the forces transmitted by the lay ramp (5) and the laying vessel to the pipeline (2); generate a plurality of step sequences to change the configuration of the lay ramp (5) from a first to a second work configuration; and select a best step sequence as a function of the plurality of step sequences and the acquired data, so as to minimize the stress induced in the pipeline (2) at each intermediate configuration between the first and second work configuration.