Ecosse Subsea Systems, Osbit to Develop New Seabed Trenching Solution

Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) said it will invest up to £3 million in developing a water-jetting tool which, reportedly, has the potential to double trench production rates in seabed trenching operations.

ESS has awarded a contract to Osbit. The Northumberland-based company will be the lead detail design and development provider for the SCARJet subsea vehicle which features ESS’s water-jetting and burial performance enhancement technologies.

The technology should expand ESS’s capability to execute larger scopes of work, including soft soil projects.

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.

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.

“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, said: “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.