Van Oord has contracted Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) to manufacture and deliver a QTrencher 1600, which will be loaded on cable-laying vessel Nexus for work on offshore wind farms. SMD will manufacture the trencher at its Turbinia works in Wallsend, Newcastle, and supply it in the first quarter of 2018.

The trencher will include an umbilical winch, jetting and mechanical cutting tools, SMD said. It will also include beach operation for export and inter array cable installation, the company added. SMD Trenching, Mining and Renewables managing director Paul Davison said, “We look forward to working with Van Oord, ensuring the trencher has a smooth entry into service."