An undersea pipe of the riser type providing a connection between a
floating support and the sea bottom. The riser has a rigid pipe of the
catenary type extending from the floating support to a point of contact
with the sea bottom. The catenary riser comprises a lower pipe portion
terminating at the point of contact. The apparent weight per unit length
in water of the lower pipe portion being at least 25% less than that of
the remainder of the pipe constituting the catenary riser.