Offshore cable burial is rarely straightforward.
From changing seabed conditions to varying installation requirements, every project presents its own challenges.
That’s why our clients trust the SMD BT1200, a highly versatile hard-ground trencher with advanced tooling capabilities and a fully customisable design.
We sat down with Matthew Woodward, Product Line Manager – Trenching, to answer some of the most common questions clients ask about the BT1200.
What makes the BT1200 suited to challenging seabed conditions?
“The BT1200 has been designed to give clients confidence in demanding environments,” says Matthew.
The fully amphibious 900kW vehicle is equipped with a proven suite of tooling cassettes that can be utilised in different ground conditions. Cassettes include fwd and aft jet swords, medium or heavy-duty chain cutters and a wheel cutter for extremely hard seabed’s. These main tools can be complimented with secondary utilities such as dredge and backwash functions to improve burial performance.
“The ability to change set-up and share vehicle power between these functions gives operators the flexibility to respond as conditions change offshore, while maintaining stability, control and trenching efficiency.”
Can the BT1200 operate tools simultaneously?
“Yes, and that’s one of its key strengths,” explains Matthew.
The BT1200 can run multiple tools at the same time, meaning its jetting and mechanical cutting tools can be combined based on project needs. The tool(s) being utilised in some cases can be changed remotely in the vehicle control system without the need for recovery. If recovery is required all tools can also be changed out on deck with thought given to minimising the time this will take.
“This gives teams more options offshore. Rather than relying on one function, the vehicle can be configured to deliver the right combination of tools for the ground conditions and cable burial requirements.”
How does the BT1200 support accurate cable burial?
“For clients, accuracy is critical,” says Matthew. “The BT1200 benefits from SMD’s Artemis cable tracking technology to assist following the cable route. The vehicles jet swords are deployed either side of the cable and send feedback on cable tension and position to the control system utilising an array of sensors. The mechanical cutter supports post-lay burial of the largest diameter power cables or bundles always respecting key cable properties such as the minimum bend radius during loading and trenching.
How can the BT1200 be tailored to different projects?
“No two cable burial projects are the same,” says Matthew. “That’s why the BT1200 is fully configurable.”
Options include beach kits for landfall operations, smart depressors for accurate cable profile and load feedback. For soft ground operations, buoyancy can also be added to optimise vehicle performance and seabed traction.
“These bespoke configurations come from working closely with our clients and understanding the realities of each project.”
Additional options such as intervention tools, including manipulators with grabs, cutters or jetting capabilities can also be offered. As with all SMD equipment we are happy to customise our technology to form new machines for specific tasks and meet vessel weight and space constraints.
Get in touch
For more information on the SMD BT1200 or SMD’s wider trenching portfolio, contact Matthew Woodward to discuss your project requirements.
