At SUBMAR, we thrive on engineering challenges. When one of our valued clients approached us with a highly complex offshore problem, our team was ready to deliver.
The Challenge
A series of anchor piles for a subsea protection structure had been fitted with horizontal steel box sections approximately halfway down the pile. These grout-filled sections ran completely through the piles, preventing conventional dredging and pile cutting operations.
To proceed with the project, the steel box sections first had to be removed, allowing both the Pile Dredging Tool and the Pile Cutting Tool to pass through the piles without obstruction.
From concept to solution in less than 48 hours
Within just 48 hours, our engineering team had developed a complete solution and presented the concept to the client. After some technical presentations, we received approval to move forward.
Using our existing Pile Cutting Tool as the foundation, we designed and manufactured all required modifications in only four days. Assembly commenced on day five, and just 12 hours later the tool successfully completed its functional testing.
With the tests proving an immediate success, the modified tool was deployed into the first pile.
Precision offshore execution
Following deployment, the first steel box section was successfully removed. A subsequent camera inspection confirmed an excellent result: only minimal remnants remained in the pile wall, causing no interference with the deployment of the Pile Dredging Tool and the Pile Cutting Tool.
Following the successful first operation, the remaining box sections were removed using the same method. SUBMAR was then entrusted with completing the dredging operations and performing the final abrasive water jet cutting of the piles.
Proven water jet cutting technology
The grout-filled steel box sections, as well as the final pile cutting operations, were completed using SUBMAR’s proven 4,000-bar abrasive water jet cutting technology. The entire operation was executed safely and efficiently, allowing the project to progress without delay.
Delivering results under pressure
This project demonstrates SUBMAR’s ability to develop practical engineering solutions under tight deadlines and execute them successfully offshore. From concept and design to manufacturing, testing and deployment, the complete solution was delivered within a matter of days, enabling the project to proceed without delay.
