
Solution 01
HORIZONTAL SUBSEA ROCK DRILLING
ROV-based horizontal drilling into underwater rock faces, without divers.
NorClean has developed systems capable of drilling horizontally directly into underwater rock faces using a work-class ROV.
The ROV and drilling system can be positioned against steep or vertical subsea rock formations where conventional equipment or diver-based methods can be difficult to use.
How ROV drilling into subsea rock is carried out
The Triton XL 3000 work-class ROV is the platform. Drilling tooling is installed and configured for the specific operation, then the ROV is positioned and held against the rock face while the hole is drilled.
The operation runs from the surface with live video, so the work is documented as it happens and no divers are required in the water.
Where horizontal underwater drilling is used
Rock faces and steep subsea terrain where anchor points, bolts or cable fixings must go into the rock itself. For Nexans operations in 2019 and 2023, NorClean drilled horizontally into subsea rock for anchor bolts along the cable route.
Execution
THE OPERATION, STEP BY STEP
- 01
Position
Position the ROV and drilling system.
- 02
Drill
Drill the required hole into the subsea rock.
- 03
Inject
Inject grout where required.
- 04
Install
Install bolt, anchor or required infrastructure.
- 05
Secure
Complete and verify the installation.
Related capabilities
VERTICAL SUBSEA ROCK DRILLING
ROV-based drilling down into rock on the seabed for anchors, bolts and foundations.
03Anchoring & bolting
Drilling, installation and grouting of subsea anchor bolts.
04Cable installation & infrastructure
ROV operations on subsea cables: drilling, securing, installation support and intervention.
Contact
LET'STALKSUBSEA.
Tell us about your project, location and operational requirements.