OEG Energy subsidiary Seajet Systems has successfully wet tested its all-electric controlled flow excavation (E-CFE) technology called Hydromole (pictured).
The trial was completed at ORE Catapult research centre in Blyth, Newcastle, in the north-east of England.
OEG said this represents the final milestone in the development of the world’s first all-electric twin CFE, which is now available for commercial deployment into the global subsea market.
It added the Hydromole E-CFE system is the most powerful and advanced system available in the market with the ability to deliver 400kW of power to the seabed, independent of water depth.
In addition, the advanced control system on the machine also allows system performance to be monitored and optimised in real-time, ensuring reliability and maximising project uptime, according to OEG.
In departing from industry standard older hydraulic technology, E-CFE also massively reduces CO2 emissions and fuel cost savings by 40% as well as eliminating the risk of high-pressure, high-volume oil spills into the marine environment, it added.
The system has a wide range of applications across the full lifecycle of an offshore energy project, from pre-commissioning, construction, inspection, maintenance and repair through to final decommissioning.
The non-contact method of excavation and trenching allows for multiple applications such as seabed preparation, cable and pipeline trenching and backfilling, free-span mitigation and the deburial of subsea infrastructure, OEG said.
“Innovation is a core aspect of OEG’s business as we constantly seek to support our clients with more effective, reliable, and sustainable solutions,” said OEG chief executive John Heiton
“This is a first in its class development delivering a step-change in safety, environmental and operational performance underpinned by the best of British design and manufacturing.
“This multi-million investment into Seajet an OEG company, leverages the Group’s significant experience in offshore operations, working with major blue-chip clients, to deliver an innovative high-performance solution that lowers environmental impact and enhances our value proposition in the global subsea market.”
Seajet managing director Faisel Chaudry added: “We are delighted to have completed the significant final milestone of rigorous wet testing of Seajet’s Hydromole E-CFE system.
“The open water trials have been a resounding success and have in fact exceeded the performance metrics we initially set out to achieve.
“The Hydromole is now available to the global subsea market, with the fleet being expanded to meet demand across a wide range of offshore applications, in the UK and globally.”