SMD is underpinned by a commitment to innovation.
This year, we are shining a spotlight on the 12 world firsts that form a fundamental part of our history, having shaped us into the industry-leading pioneers we are today.
From debuting a diverless pipeline plough in 1983 to launching the high-performance Quantum EV in 2024, our technology has consistently pushed boundaries in pursuit of engineering excellence underwater.
As we welcome a new year, we thought it only fitting to start at the very beginning and celebrate our first creation; the post-lay burial pipeline plough.
Our Chair, Mike Jones, discusses this plough and its place in our history: “SMD was founded in 1971 when modern life was powered by oil and gas. At this time, there was a pressing need to protect North Sea pipelines from damage, a problem which was brought to the attention of our founder, Dr Alan Reece.
“Together with his team, Alan redesigned an agricultural plough for underwater use, and the post-lay burial pipeline plough was born.
“Marrying excellent engineering with early control technology, this radical creation solved an industry-wide problem by protecting vital infrastructure and enabling oil and gas to be transported safely to land.
“Not only did this plough improve efficiency, it also offered a safer solution. As a diverless vehicle, engineers were no longer required to physically assist the lay and burial process, operating in potentially hazardous conditions where the risk of accidents and injuries was higher.
“This was the first in what has been a half-century of SMD technological innovations.”
We are the power behind subsea pioneers. To discover our latest creations, please contact Mark Collins, Innovation Director.
