A pipeline recovery system (10) is disclosed having a recovery vessel (11) with an upper deck (12) and a pivotal pipeline ramp (13) mounted to the bow of the vessel. The system also includes a pipeline support bed (22) having a middle portion (23), two grated portions (24) straddling the middle portion, and a liquid collection trough (25) coupled to a seawater contaminate separator (26). A pipeline positioning winch (30) is mounted to a rearward end of the pipeline support bed. A length of a pipeline (P) is lifted from the seabed and onto the support bed where it is secured by a pair of clamping arms (40) and a vertical clamp (41), and cut with a pipe shear (42).