Rotech Subsea completes deepwater berth excavation at renowned Clyde shipbuilding port

Deploying its specialised TRS2 jet trenching and sand wave clearance tool, Rotech Subsea has successfully completed the excavation of two deepwater births at a key port on the River Clyde, Glasgow. The leader in Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) and suspended jet trenching completed the excavation of the 600m2 area to client specification with ease, 1 day ahead of schedule.

A leading marine civil engineering contractor commissioned Aberdeen-based Rotech Subsea in late Q4, 2021 to clear 1.5m of silt that had accumulated in the berths at Scotstoun. Rotech’s powerful TRS2 tool was selected to excavate the pits due to its very high flow rate capabilities, which allowed it to disperse the large volume of silt required. The TRS2’s maximum outlet pressure is 60kPa with a maximum jet flow of 8,000L/s.

Launched by quayside crane into waters ranging from 10-15m depth, the TRS2 traveled along a pre-planned route suspended by the crane, clearing each pit to a depth of 1.5m in multiple passes within 4 hours. The cohesion-less silt was excavated out of and clear of the pits with trench depth monitored in real time by a tool-mounted sonar imager.

“This key port berth excavation on the River Clyde was a great example of the versatility of our TRS2 suspended jet trencher,” said Rotech Subsea Director of Subsea, Stephen Cochrane. “Often mobilised on offshore cable de-burial and post-lay trenching works, due to its unrivalled power, the TRS2 is equally adept in the maritime setting completing sandwave clearances and harbour and dock excavations. Its very high flow capabilities of 8,000L/s means the tool can disperse a huge amount of material in a targeted manner.”

With enhanced capabilities, Rotech Subsea’s CFE suite of tools is firmly established as the method of choice for cable trenching and excavation in Europe and beyond. The Aberdeen-based contractor’s in-house research, development and engineering team has created a suite of 18 non-contact CFE, Suspended Jet Trenching tools.

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