Ecosse Subsea Systems Ltd Technical Director, Michael Cowie (photo: Ecosse Subsea Systems Ltd)

Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) is to invest up to GBP 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.

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.

ESS were recently awarded a subsea trenching contract by leading European offshore specialist JD-Contractor A/S for the Kriegers Flak windfarm offshore Denmark.

The Aberdeenshire company has just completed a £5 million seabed clearance project on behalf of DONG Energy on the Race Bank Offshore Windfarm located off the Norfolk coast and a route clearance and trenching project on behalf of Prysmian Group on the 70-turbine Wikinger offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea.

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.

ESS technical director Michael Cowie says, “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. We chose Osbit to deliver this important addition to the SCAR range because of their impressive track record, technical expertise and ability to offer a flexible approach to the project. Our operations team are looking forward to collaborating with Osbit to develop and deliver what we believe will be a game-changing trenching system.”

Osbit director Robbie Blakeman says, “We see a natural fit between Osbit and ESS, with us providing world-class expertise in the design and manufacture of subsea vehicles, while ESS has a wealth of operational experience and a vision for sustainable trenching technology. We share a passion for delivering engineered solutions which reduce complexity and drive down costs, maximise operational effectiveness and reliability, whilst constantly improving safety.”

The R&D for the SCARJet has been supported by Scottish Enterprise and part funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds Programme.

Tags: Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS)