Oil & Gas
OUR SOLUTIONS
Controlled Flow
Excavation
JBS's patented Sea Axe tool delivers advanced Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) for a wide range of subsea excavation work.
Advancing the technology of traditional CFE / mass flow excavation (MFE) systems, we have developed the optimum CFE tool, that works by generating a large controlled water column that, when applied, naturally erodes the seabed targeted.
Complete control and stability is achieved through a patented vortex chamber within the tool, directing water over the chosen area to achieve reliably consistent excavation results.
Non-contact and non-intrusive, JBS Sea Axe is the most environmentally sound CFE option available and can be easily deployed and adapted as needed.
Efficient and Effective
Subsea Excavation
Natural Approach
Sea Axe excavates using the principles of natural erosion, minimising seabed disturbance and reducing environmental impact.
72 Hour Submersion
The Sea Axe tool can be submerged and remain underwater for up to 72 hours — offering deployment flexibility and extended operation.
Adaptability
Depending on the composition of the seabed, Sea Axe can be adapted to ensure the approach matches the materials being excavated.
Zero Noise & Vibration
Sea Axe offers significantly lower noise and vibration compared to 'traditional' subsea excavation equipment. Electric power pack option is available.
Sea Axe Projects
Sea Axe CFE technology is ideally suited for a number of subsea excavation projects, across a variety of client sectors, spanning Oil & Gas, Marine & Subsea, Renewables, Telecommunications and more.
Previous client projects deploying Sea Axe have included:
- Burial / deburial of pipelines or cables
- Seabed preparation for subsea assets
- Subsea structure foundation access
- Oil & gas decommissioning
- Freespan correction
- Sand wave levelling
- Unexploded ordinance clearance
- Inspection, repair and maintenance
Sea Axe is designed and built in the UK and then shipped by air or sea to client locations.
Sea Axe simply requires vertical access above the targeted area and can be deployed by a vessel crane or A-frame. Close communication with deck and bridge is maintained at all times, whilst the system is lowered through the splash zone.
The tuggers and clump weight are used for sonar orientation only.
- Water depths up to 30m use the vessel tuggers.
- Water in excess of 30m use a clump weight
Gemini NBI Sonar Beam
JBS Sea Axe is fitted with a multi-beam sonar system, allowing the operator to monitor both the position of the tool and the seabed — enabling the trenching profile to be inspected using one sonar unit.
The Gemini NBI offers a narrow vertical beam and 130° swathe, resulting in an extremely sharp sonar image. It produces an acoustic image, cutting through water with a narrow acoustic beam and at the high refresh rate offered by the Gemini range of multi-beam sonars.
JBS Sea Axe includes a spare sonar as part of its operational spare parts kit in case of any emergency. Each unit has the capacity to install up to four sonar units, however only one unit is required for normal operations.
Available for lease or purchase, JBS Sea Axe is our patented Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) technology, designed and manufactured in-house to deliver precise, environmentally responsible excavation solutions.
By redefining traditional mass flow techniques, Sea Axe offers unmatched control and effectiveness in subsea excavation, ensuring minimal impact on the seabed through natural erosion.
Sea Axe’s non-contact, non-intrusive method excels in handling diverse seabed materials, from sand and gravel to drill cuttings and clay.
Through an international track record, it is recognised as a leading solution for offshore wind, subsea cable work, decommissioning and other industrial applications.
Equipped with Tri-tech Gemini Multi-beam sonar for real-time monitoring, JBS Sea Axe offers complete visibility of excavation progress, including cable position, trench depth, width and more.
Our innovation can be rapidly deployed worldwide via air or sea, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring swift, precise excavation solutions.
