Challenge:
Offshore cables are critical to subsea infrastructure but can require remedial lowering due to various challenges. Shifting seabeds may cause previously buried cables to become exposed, leaving them at risk of damage and operational failure. Additionally, installation, trenching, or burial issues during initial deployment may result in sections of cable not reaching the target burial depth. These situations demand precise and effective remedial solutions to secure the cables and ensure their long-term functionality. With a proven track record of delivering over 300,000 engineering hours, RYDER is uniquely positioned to address these challenges with expertise and innovation.
Solution:
RYDER designs and evaluates remedial cable lowering procedures using advanced seabed fluidisation techniques. One of the most effective methods involves the use of a mass flow excavator, which applies high-speed jetting to fluidise the seabed material. This process significantly reduces the sediment’s relative density, allowing the cable to naturally settle to the target burial depth. RYDER’s detailed and precise approach ensures that each project is tailored to the unique environmental conditions and cable specifications, leveraging our extensive experience in subsea engineering.
Innovation:
As an industry leader in offshore solutions, RYDER utilises a novel methodology to model shifting seabeds in OrcaFlex, enabled by our proprietary Python automation tools. This approach allows us to dynamically simulate the interaction between the cable and the fluidised seabed region, capturing the complexities of the lowering process. With over 300,000 engineering hours delivered, RYDER’s expertise ensures that even the most challenging scenarios are addressed with innovative and reliable solutions. These advanced modelling techniques empower us to design procedures that optimise safety, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Results:
RYDER delivers multi-stage cable lowering procedures that ensure cable mechanical loads remain within specified limits while maintaining practicality for offshore operations. By integrating our extensive track record with cutting-edge technology, we produce robust and reliable solutions. To support implementation, we provide detailed storyboards and videos that visualise the most effective procedures and identify potential risks associated with alternative approaches. This comprehensive support allows clients to undertake remedial lowering operations with confidence, ensuring the long-term security and performance of their subsea cables.
With a history of successfully delivering over 300,000 engineering hours, RYDER combines experience, innovation, and operational excellence to provide industry-leading solutions for offshore challenges.