TRENCH CUTTING APPARATUS

摘要

A trench cutting apparatus (2) for cutting a trench in the sea bed supporting a pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tractor (8) and tracks (14) for engaging the sea bed and supporting the tractor. A first chain cutter (18) for cutting a first trench portion in the sea bed on a first side of the pipe cooperates with a second chain cutter (20) for cutting a second trench portion on a second side of the pipe and the first and second chain cutters are spaced from each other in a direction of travel of the apparatus, such that the first and second chain cutters cooperate with each other to form a trench (28) below the pipe while leaving uncut sea bed material 34 between the pipe and the trench.