Jan De Nul to Acquire Modular Shallow-Water Trenching Machine

Offshore and dredging contractor Jan De Nul has confirmed plans to acquire a new shallow-water trenching machine being built for it by Osbit in the UK. Due for delivery by the end of 2026, the Crayfish trencher can bury cables up to 5 metres deep and is designed primarily for work close to shore, though it is also capable of working in deep water. The modular machine will join the company's growing fleet of trenchers, strengthening its subsea cable installation capacity.

 

Details of the Acquisition

 

Jan De Nul has confirmed a new acquisition. It is a shallow-water trenching machine. Osbit is building it in the UK. The trencher is named Crayfish. It will join the company's fleet.

The acquisition builds on an existing partnership. The two companies have a long-term relationship. This followed an earlier trencher delivery. That machine has operated since 2022. This established a basis for the new order.

 

The Trencher's Capabilities

 

The trencher offers notable capabilities. It can bury cables up to 5 metres deep. It is designed primarily for nearshore work. However, it can also work in deep water. It handles depths of up to 200 metres.

The design emphasises flexibility. The trencher can be deployed flexibly. This spans offshore and onshore work. Its lightweight design limits environmental impact. Its modular build aids transport and mobilisation.

 

The Support Vessel

 

The trencher will work from a specific vessel. This is the vessel Henry Darcy. It is being converted for the role. It becomes a trenching support vessel. It was previously a water injection dredger.

The conversion repurposes existing equipment. The vessel once loosened seabed sediment. Its water pumps are being repurposed. They will supply high-pressure water to Crayfish. This will help the trencher bury cables.

 

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The Shallow-Water Advantage

 

The setup suits shallow water particularly. Most trenchers carry their own jet pumps. However, these cannot work in very shallow water. On Crayfish, the pumps sit on the vessel. This allows work much closer to shore.

This arrangement is a key advantage. Jet water feeds through a hose. This runs from vessel to trencher. It loosens the seabed for burial. This makes the trencher well suited to shallow waters.

 

The Modular Design

 

The trencher features a modular construction. It can be dismantled into sections. These are containerised for transport. This allows rapid mobilisation between sites. Osbit calls this a key differentiator.

The modular design offers further flexibility. It can be adapted for different projects. Interchangeable swords enable variable burial depths. Depressor options add further versatility. This suits complex nearshore environments.

 

Significance of the Acquisition

 

The trencher has a clear first assignment. It will bury cables in shallow water. This is for a transmission operator's programme. Jan De Nul is executing this work. It serves a major grid programme.

The acquisition reflects broader investment. It is part of subsea cable fleet expansion. It strengthens installation and protection capacity. It supports renewable energy infrastructure. This contributes to offshore energy development.