3,600-Horsepower Underwater Excavator Promises to Dig Deep, Up to 5.5 Meters, to Shield Power Cables in Major Ocean Projects

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 21/02/2026 at 16:41

Updated on 21/02/2026 at 16:42

Escavadeira submarina NKT T3600 vai enterrar cabos de energia a 5,5 metros e operar comercialmente a partir de 2027.

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With a Power of 3,600 Horsepower and Expected Commercial Operation in 2027, the NKT T3600 Subsea Excavator Will Be Able to Bury Power Cables Up to 5.5 Meters Below the Seabed, Reinforcing the Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Meeting the Growing Demand for High-Voltage Connections Linked to Renewable Energies in the United Kingdom

The NKT T3600 subsea excavator has arrived at the port of Blyth in the United Kingdom to be equipped and put into operation, with the capacity to bury power cables up to 5.5 meters deep, reinforcing critical infrastructure and the demand for high voltage.

Subsea Excavator Reaches 5.5 Meters Below the Seabed

The subsea excavator, described as the most powerful underwater trenching machine in the world, will be able to bury cables at depths of up to 5.5 meters below the seabed.

Designed and built by the British company Osbit, a supplier of original equipment, the machine will be used by NKT, a Danish manufacturer of power cables and installation company.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Investment Announced in June 2025 and Four-Year Agreement

In June 2025, NKT announced the investment in the NKT T3600 subsea excavator. A month later, it signed a four-year framework agreement with Helix Robotics Solutions Group.

According to a report from Offshore Energy, the agreement includes installation, offshore operations, maintenance, and engineering for the subsea excavator project. Helix will also deploy the machine using its own support vessel.

Osbit was responsible for the design, construction, and the launch and recovery system, known as LARS, developed at its facilities in the United Kingdom.

Power of 3,600 Horsepower and Operation in Different Soils

The NKT T3600 subsea excavator was designed to provide 3,600 horsepower, enabling the burial of cables at significant depths in the seabed.

Utilizing jetting and cutting functions, the machine will be able to operate in a variety of soil conditions, ensuring performance in challenging environments.

The subsea excavator is part of NKT’s plan to drive the transition to renewable energies, expanding the capacity for installation and protection of high-voltage cables.

Expected Commercial Operation in 2027 and Focus on Protection

NKT has reported that the T3600 subsea excavator is expected to enter commercial operation in 2027. At the same time, the company is also investing in enhanced cable protection technology.

In a LinkedIn post, NKT stated that the investment supports the local economy in the United Kingdom and improves energy supply security through the protection of critical cable infrastructure.

When announcing the initial investment, Darren Fennell, Executive Vice President and Head of High Voltage Solutions, stated that protecting power cables is more important than ever due to the increase in sabotage risk and high activity at sea.

Commenting on the NKT T3600, he said that the trenching excavator will be the best in its class, ensuring reliable protection for cables buried deep, even in the most challenging soil conditions, while involving UK companies in the design and development of the trenching excavator.

3,600-Horsepower Underwater Excavator Promises to Dig Deep, Up to 5.5 Meters, to Shield Power Cables in Major Ocean Projects

Subsea Excavator Reaches 5.5 Meters Below the Seabed

Investment Announced in June 2025 and Four-Year Agreement

Power of 3,600 Horsepower and Operation in Different Soils

Expected Commercial Operation in 2027 and Focus on Protection

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3,600-Horsepower Underwater Excavator Promises to Dig Deep, Up to 5.5 Meters, to Shield Power Cables in Major Ocean Projects

Subsea Excavator Reaches 5.5 Meters Below the Seabed

Investment Announced in June 2025 and Four-Year Agreement

Power of 3,600 Horsepower and Operation in Different Soils

Expected Commercial Operation in 2027 and Focus on Protection

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