JBS Fabrication Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of JBS Group (Scotland) Ltd, was recently awarded a long-term contract for its patented Sea Axe controlled flow subsea excavation equipment.
Managing director of the Peterhead-based operation, Mike McCafferty, said: “This latest award for subsea pipelaying and post trenching in the Caspian Sea is thought to be the highest value subsea controlled flow excavation contract awarded in 2019, with an initial contract value of $2 million, but projected to reach $4m within 12 months.”
The contract will require JBS to supply a complete Sea Axe spread of controlled flow subsea excavation equipment to the client, deploy the equipment on the client’s vessel, then operate and maintain the equipment throughout the contract duration.
JBS director Alex Whyte said: “Sea Axe is the next generation and best technology available for subsea controlled flow excavation. Sea Axe has evolved from the original mass flow type subsea excavation equipment, which was developed more than 30 years ago.”
“Designed by JBS to meet the needs of clients operating in the installation, IRM, renewable energy and decommissioning sectors of the offshore market, Sea Axe uses a patented vortex chamber to ensure complete control and stability during operations.
“Improved stability and control ensures that the water column is stable and directly over the target, thereby providing more direct power to achieve uniformed excavation in less time with fewer passes – less vessel time increases operational efficiency.
“Sea Axe is non-contact and non-intrusive, making it ideal for offshore wind farm subsea cable work.”
The Sea Axe excavator is easily adaptable and can excavate a wide range of seabed materials up to 200kPa shear strength using the in-built auxiliary jets.
Sea Axe will meet specific project requirements such as rock, sedimentary displacement or seabed penetration for higher gradient profile trenches in sea beds up to 60kPa for product burial.
Built-in auxiliary jets complement the high flow displacement capacity by providing four 40 bar cutting jets to displace materials up to 200kPa shear strength.
Sea Axe is easily deployed and recovered using the vessel crane or an A Frame. Sea Axe can remain in the water for up to 72 hours and requires minimal maintenance.
Subsea excavation activities within the renewable, decommissioning, installation and IRM sectors continue to develop with the
Sea Axe controlled flow excavation system at the forefront of technology providing increased efficiency for operators.
From its head office in Peterhead, JBS Fabrication Ltd provides engineering solutions to clients in more than 80 countries, covering sectors such as defence, oil and gas, space, renewable energy and fishing.
John Dudgeon, director of sales and marketing for JBS said: “For a small company with more than 50 personnel we have covered a lot of ground. 2019 has been a great year, we have been delighted to be involved in a number of really interesting projects, covering all sectors of our business.
“Our traditional steel fabrication business continues to prosper and we are the first fabrication facility in the north-east of Scotland to implement a Zehnder air purification system.
“The system has helped us to achieve a higher standard of air quality all year round, creating a healthier and cleaner working environment while leading the industry in employee welfare.
“Blast containment continues to grow globally with recent contract wins with the European Space Agency and the first 3 Type 26 global combat ships for the Navy, as well as a $1m contract for the provision of our patent pending automated pressure test bay roof blast containment system.
“The JBS Screw Conveyor division is working globally with partners Martin Sprocket USA and Nord Gear to provide the best in class screw conveyors for zone one hazardous area operation in the oil and gas industry.”
JBS Group would like thank the Department for International Trade, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International for their assistance and continued support.
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