Subsea riser systems

A pliant link 10 to mitigate fatigue-inducing motion of a subsea catenary riser comprises an articulated spine having a longitudinal series of interconnected rigid segments 16B to be coupled at end segments 16E to upper and lower riser sections to transmit axial and torsional riser loads through the segments. The link also comprises a coaxial pliant pipe 18 terminating in end fittings 24 that can be joined, respectively, to upper and lower riser sections for fluid communication along the riser through the link. Each segment may comprise an inner ring coupled to a forked pull head via pairs of diametrically opposed pivot pins as in a cardan universal joint and coupled to an adjacent segment via orthogonally mounted pivot pins. The pipe may be in tension or compression and be of flexible, bonded, composite piping or polymer or coined tubing. Methods of laying the riser include offshore riser manufacture with link incorporation between riser sections and onshore manufacture including the link and spooling to a reel.