Hydraulic systems specialist, Webtool, has introduced a new gripping and lifting tool for recovering subsea cable during offshore wind projects.
The Cable Retrieval Tool (CRT200) designed and manufactured by Allspeeds and developed in consultation with DNV GL, allows the safe and controlled recovery of damaged cable of up to 8″ (203 mm) diameter.
Webtool said said that current methods of recovering cables for repair or replacement are laborious, time consuming and expensive as they involve trenching the seabed around the cable to allow a double choke sling to be attached using an ROV. The hydraulically-operated Webtool CRT200 gripper offers a quicker and safer method of retrieval and improved cable handling, according to the company.
The CRT200 cable gripper provides a streamlined cable recovery whereby the gripper, guided by an ROV, is lowered onto the end of the cable without requiring preliminary clearing of the soil around the cable. The mechanically locked gripping action ensures the cable cannot escape during retrieval; moreover, an internal clutch mechanism prevents damage from over-tightening.
“Working in consultation with DNV GL, we’ve designed the CRT200 cable gripper to provide offshore wind contractors with a highly effective way of recovering cable from any water depth. By gripping the end of the cable, it is easier to handle once on board the vessel,” said Keith Elliot , engineering director at Allspeeds.