When it comes to underwater cable burial, SMD ploughs have set the standard for decades, laying around 90% of the world’s subsea telecoms cables.
Today, we are excited to introduce the latest addition to the MD3 family: the SMD MD3-XT Plus.
Built on half a century of engineering expertise, this vehicle has been designed to meet the evolving needs of the telecoms industry. Here, Matthew Woodward explains how the SMD MD3-XT Plus future-proofs our clients’ operations.
1. Larger repeaters are changing cable handling requirements
Over time fibre-optic cables have become smaller in diameter; however, some repeaters are increasing in size, creating new requirements around cable handling and passage through the plough.
The SMD MD3-XT Plus has been developed to respond to these changes in cable infrastructure. A revised plough cable pathway and body geometry now accommodate larger diameter or longer rigid length repeaters; the changes to the cable path are also designed to be more sympathetic to smaller-diameter cables.
2. More complex seabeds are increasing tow forces and stability requirements
As established cable routes become increasingly utilised, new projects are moving into more complex seabed environments. This is exposing burial equipment to a broader range of conditions, from harder ground and softer sediment to more challenging seabed slopes.
The new MD3 plough is designed to operate at 80 tonnes continuous bollard pull, with peak loads up to 100 tonnes across all configurations, including with the 3.3m share extension. The structure has been engineered to accommodate these increased tow forces, supporting operations across more demanding ground conditions.
To improve stability during landing and burial, changes have been made to the share geometry and extendable skids are available for work in extremely soft ground conditions.
3. Easier to maintain and compatible with existing launch and recovery systems.
The design also considers how the vehicle is maintained offshore. Greater use of hard piping and fewer services routed through the plough body will simplify access and maintenance without compromising operational integrity.
All of these additional features are added within the handling limits of existing SMD wide angle A-Frames and launch systems, meaning upgrade costs are greatly reduced for existing MD3 operators.
4. Subsea operations are moving towards greater automation
Automation, data and remote operations will play an increasing role in subsea operations, creating a need for platforms that can accommodate emerging capabilities.
SMD MD3-XT Plus has been designed with this future direction in mind; it is equipped with SMD Horizon connectivity for data, with scope for future developments in areas including predictive maintenance, automated control, and remote operation.
Building on proven technology
For operators considering an equipment upgrade or specifying equipment for a new vessel, SMD MD3-XT Plus builds on decades of proven experience in subsea engineering and cable burial.
Combining knowledge gained in the field with an understanding of how operational requirements are changing, MD3-XT Plus brings our proven plough technology together with the capability needed for the next generation of telecoms cable installation.
