Rotech Subsea Performs Fiber Optic Cable Trenching Offshore Belgium

Following on from completing the lowering of a UK section of a key UK-Europe fiber optic link, Subsea jet trenching and excavation leader, Rotech Subsea, has now delivered cable trenching operations on the same cable offshore Belgium. Rotech’s sector leading controlled flow excavation (CFE) shallow water jet trencher - the TRS1 LD - was mobilized to complete the trenching works on the 10km section of cable.

Trenched from the shore - in 1.5m water depth - Rotech’s project team completed the post-lay trenching of the 32mm diameter fiber optic cable to 2.0m Depth of Lowering on schedule in just two passes. The first pass by the TRS1 LD was completed at 3m/min with the second pass by the jet trenching tool progressing at 5m/min. A subsequent survey using a TSS350 mounted to the tool verified that client specification was met or surpassed.

Speaking about the successful completion of this follow-on trenching contract, Rotech Subsea Director of Subsea, Stephen Cochrane, commented:

“This was another extremely successful deployment for our TRS1 LD shallow water CFE jet trencher which further enhances the systems already excellent reputation. Supported by a DP Ultra Shallow Draft Support Vessel - with orientation fixed using two tugger winches - the TRS1 LD was oriented perpendicular to the cable for maximum efficiency. Operating in waters ranging from 1.5m-35m and currents ranging from 1-3knts the trenching scope was executed in just two passes, showcasing the tool’s soil cutting capabilities of 140kPa.

“We are witnessing incredible demand from the market in Europe, Asia and the Americas for our range of patented range of CFE Jetting & Hybrid Jetting tools. Developed and built in-house by our R&D and engineering teams, we believe they are offering our growing list of repeat clients unrivalled capabilities and results.”