Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) is to invest up to £3 million in developing a water-jetting tool which has the potential to double trench production rates in seabed trenching operations.
The subsea and engineering technology company has awarded a contract to Northumberland-based Osbit which specialises in bespoke engineering projects for international energy clients.
Osbit will be the lead detail design and development provider for the SCARJet subsea vehicle which features ESS’s unique water-jetting and burial performance enhancement technologies and complements its range of SCAR-branded seabed preparation and trenching solutions.
ESS technical director, Michael Cowie, said: “ This is a major investment which will strengthen our suite of SCAR seabed tools and offer real benefits to clients operating in the renewables and oil and gas sectors. It is anticipated the SCARJet could double trench production rates compared to existing trenchers in the same class, with significant time and cost savings for the end-client.”
The technology will expand Banchory-based ESS’s capability to execute larger scopes of work – including soft soil projects – whilst the innovative design will differentiate them from existing suppliers.
The subsea trencher is a modular design, incorporating hydraulically driven track assemblies, a primary burial tool water feed and deployment systems, and a work-class ROV docking interface, compatible with the most widely used ROV systems in service today.