METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A TRENCH UNDERWATER

摘要

A method of forming a trench at sea on the seabed comprising the steps of providing an ROV (remotely operable vehicle) (2) capable of being operated underwater, providing a separate trenching skid (1) removably connectable to the ROV (2), connecting the trenching skid (1), possibly via an interface skid (3), to the ROV to form an operative trenching system (1, 2, 3), the connection being capable of being made while the trenching skid (1) is on the seabed, and operating the trenching system to form a trench underwater. The ROV (2) may be able to support the entire weight in water of the trenching system (1, 2, 3).