Aberdeen-based diamond wire cutting specialist, CUT, is pleased to announce the successful completion of 10 subsea cuts for Boskalis Subsea Services, as part of the towhead decommissioning campaign.
CUT was subcontracted by Boskalis to deliver cutting solutions for this challenging project, which involved large-scale towhead sections.
The cuts were carried out using CUT’s unique 240” and 64” diamond wire cutting machines - the only machines of their kind capable of performing such large cuts. Both units were deployed vertically at a depth of 150 metres.
In addition to the cutting machines, CUT provided a complete support spread including its HPU, umbilical spooler, control container, proprietary diamond wire, and highly experienced offshore personnel. All equipment was efficiently mobilised from Aberdeen to Shetland, ensuring smooth operations from the outset.
A key factor in the project’s success was CUT’s patented step/castellated cutting system, which allows dynamic adjustment of the cutting path in real time. This solution was critical in avoiding internal obstacles and navigating through complex materials, significantly improving cutting efficiency and reliability.
Despite the size and complexity of the targets, all 10 cuts were completed safely and efficiently, thanks to the close collaboration and teamwork between CUT and Boskalis.
The Boskalis customer satisfaction report was a testament to the CUT team, stating: “I cannot fault the positive and effective way that CUT conducted themselves and their level of pride and technical ability. It was noted several times, by the Boskalis team onboard, how effective they were whilst conducting DWS operations.”
CUT is currently operating in Africa, Brazil, North Sea, Australia and Malaysia.
Bruce Sinclair, business development manager, said: “We were delighted to complete this project for Boskalis Subsea Services. It was a challenging project, but the results are clear and we believe that CUT and Boskalis Subsea Services have demonstrated a safe, efficient and cost effective solution for the removal of these large towheads. The decom industry is seeking solutions that provide certainty, peace of mind, field proven results and a track record of completing projects on time and within budget. This project was a perfect example of all of these qualities.”