SMD’s Offshore Cabling Vehicle to Become Operational in the New Year

UTV1200, an SMD built cable burial tool will be ready for operation in the new year. The vehicle has undergone extensive modifications that have enhanced the configuration to provide a more effective post-lay trenching burial vehicle.

The previous configuration of UTV1200 (LBT1) allowed for concurrent trenching (mechanical and jetting) of a pre-loaded product, however after carrying out research the integration of a pre-loaded product was deemed too specialised in the current market, driving the equipment modifications.

Modifications to the vehicle have been made at the Tees Offshore Base, in Middlesbrough. The UTV1200 has a combination of jetting tool packages to meet client requirements where the jetting assembly has been relocated within the core vehicle frame, where the centrally mounted jetting swords optimise steering and handling as well as cable acquisition capability, thus allowing 10m radial manoeuvrability during jet trenching operations. With a rated production speeds greater than 300m/h at 1.6m trench depth for jetting of sands greater than 50KPa. Modifications also include the removal of the cable reel system which has reduced the centre of gravity by reducing the height of the lift frame greatly improving the vehicle stability.

Engineering and design has been completed on a complimentary mechanical chain cutting package in coordination with spoil eduction from the cutting face and the base of the trench formation immediately astern of the cutting tool. Product handling is accomplished by means of two elliptical manipulators to place the product in the cable highway, which also incorporates an automatic cable discharge system. Modular by design, integration is by means of two flange faces; reconfiguration between jetting and mechanical trenching may be performed on location within 36 hours.

UTV1200 can be provided on project specific terms or through a long term lease, in coordination with our expertise, we can offer operational teams to undertake all trenching project requirements.

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Press release, December 13, 2013; Image: pharosoffshoregroup