‘World’s most powerful’ subsea trencher nears first testing

August 19, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

NKT’s new subsea trencher, deemed the world’s most powerful, is approaching final assembly and entering the first round of testing, the Danish power cable manufacturer and installation firm reported.

NKT announced the investment in the NKT T-3600 trencher in June 2025, as part of its ongoing investment in cable installation capabilities. A month later, the company entered into a four-year frame agreement with Helix Robotics Solutions, the UK robotics division of Helix Energy Solutions Group, which includes installation, offshore operations, project engineering, and maintenance of the tool, to be deployed on a Helix-provided support vessel.

UK original equipment supplier Osbit is in charge of the design and construction of the trencher, as well as the launch and recovery system (LARS).

The trencher arrived at the UK’s Port of Blyth in February 2026 for fit-out and commissioning.

NKT reported in mid-August that NKT T-3600 was approaching final assembly and entering its first round of testing: “We are getting closer to seeing this subsea giant in action and the results of the dedication from everyone involved in bringing it to life.”

“After an intensive journey together with Osbit and Helix Energy Solutions Group, it is exciting to see months of engineering, collaboration and hard work coming together!”

The T-3600 will be capable of delivering 3,600 horsepower to bury cables to depths of up to 5.5 meters below the seabed. It will be equipped with both a jetting and cutting function, allowing it to operate in a wide range of soil conditions, NKT said.