A transfer mechanism (28) for transferring a fitting (46) on a flexible tubular conduit (48) about a guiding means (26) of a pipelay tower (20). The transfer mechanism (28) includes a frame (30) adapted to rotate about said guiding means (26); and a clamping mechanism (34) connected to the frame (30) and adapted to connect and secure the fitting (46) to the transfer mechanism (28). Actuation of the transfer mechanism (28) is configured to rotate the frame (30) about the guiding means (26) and cause at least one part of a fitting (46) connected to the transfer mechanism (28) to move along a path outside a surface of the guiding means (26) from a first position upstream of the guiding means (26) to a second position downstream of the guiding means (26).