Fraser Collis – Not All Subsea Solutions Make The Cut

As the global offshore energy sector continues to evolve, the urgency around subsea cutting has never been greater. From decommissioning legacy assets to preparing the seabed for new energy developments, cutting technologies are pivotal to the future of subsea operations.  

We sat down with Fraser Collis, Product Development Director at Ashtead Technology, to learn more about the evolving demands of subsea cutting, the technical challenges involved and how innovation is shaping smarter and safer solutions for the global offshore industry.

What’s driving the increasing need for advanced subsea cutting solutions today?

The increasing demand for advanced subsea cutting solutions is largely driven by the growth in offshore decommissioning activities, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and the ongoing need for pipeline and platform maintenance. As offshore assets reach the end of their operational life, operators face greater pressure to remove structures safely, efficiently and in compliance with environmental regulations. This requires precision, reliability and innovation in subsea cutting technologies that can perform in some of the most challenging environments.

Why is subsea cutting such a complex task?

Cutting underwater involves far more than slicing through steel. We’re working in extreme conditions, at depth, often in low visibility and under high pressures, where accessibility is limited and environmental factors such as currents, marine growth and subsea obstructions must be considered.

There’s also a range of materials to consider, such as; thick steel, composite structures, concrete and internal structures which require different cutting techniques above and below the seabed. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every job, so selecting the right cutting method is absolutely critical.

Ashtead Technology has a reputation for innovation in this space. Can you tell us more about your approach?

Innovation is in our DNA. For over 20 years, we’ve not only delivered cutting solutions, we’ve developed them. Our in-house engineering capabilities, combined with strategic acquisitions and partnerships, enables us to continuously evolve our subsea cutting offering. We also invest heavily in research and development to future-proof our technologies and maintain our leadership position in the industry.

We take a solutions-led approach, working closely with customers to understand their operational challenges and deliver tailored technologies that enhance safety, increase efficiency and support project success in challenging environments.

Tell us about the Ashtead Technology cutting fleet?

We’ve built the most adaptable and comprehensive subsea cutting fleet in the industry to address diverse project requirements.

Key technologies include our patented diamond wire cutting systems, engineered for precise structural cuts; abrasive water jet systems, ideal for internal and external profiles with integrated cut monitoring and high-performance hydraulic shears, featuring custom in-house designed blades for fast and effective severance of pipelines and conductors.

We also offer proprietary multi-tool platforms that combine cutting, grabbing and lifting capabilities into a single system, streamlining operations, improving safety and significantly reducing vessel time. This integrated approach gives our customers greater flexibility and efficiency across even the most complex subsea projects.

With so many upcoming decommissioning projects, how is Ashtead Technology preparing to meet future demand?

We are scaling our operations both strategically and operationally to meet growing demand. This includes expanding our fleet of cutting tools, strengthening our global logistics network for rapid deployment and investing in ongoing training to ensure our expert personnel are equipped to handle the increasing volume and complexity of decommissioning projects globally.

But preparation goes beyond tools and training, it’s about getting involved early. We actively support operators and contractors during the planning phase to ensure the right solutions are in place from day one.

With our experience and capacity, we’re well-positioned to support the rising volume and complexity of global decommissioning projects.

What makes Ashtead Technology different from others in the subsea cutting space?

It’s our mindset, expertise and customer-centric approach. We don’t just supply equipment, we partner with our customers to solve their toughest challenges. We combine decades of hands-on experience, world-class engineering and global presence to deliver integrated, value-driven solutions.

Every tool we develop and every solution we deploy is designed to help our customers work faster, safer and smarter. Backed by a global footprint and a multi-disciplinary team, we respond quickly and effectively to evolving project demands. Above all, our focus on innovation, reliability and long-term partnerships ensures we deliver real value where it matters most.