In complex offshore environments, securing mooring infrastructure demands absolute safety. When Subsea7 prepared for the critical Shenandoah installation, they faced a dual challenge: cutting 12 sections of 137 mm studless mooring chain, while ensuring every severed link was securely retained to guarantee zero dropped objects. This requirement, which other suppliers declined due to risk, led to Decom Engineering being selected to engineer a rapid, reliable, and fully compliant solution.

Decom Engineering’s approach focused on innovation and compliance. To address the retention challenge, we engineered a bespoke “faux link” clamp system, designed for precise ROV positioning and secured using a torque tool. This system allowed each severed half-link to be doubled back and safely retained with its respective chain section.

We further optimised our cutting equipment by deploying an easily manoeuvrable Chopsaw with integrated buoyancy. Full project compliance was achieved by supplying and training the required US personnel for operation on the Jones Act vessel, supported by 24-hour onshore technical assistance. The operation was executed flawlessly, with all 12 cuts completed successfully and the fastest cut taking just 15 minutes.

This project delivered against a unique and safety-critical requirement: guaranteed link retention during high-capacity subsea chain cutting. By embracing a challenge others viewed as too high-risk, Decom Engineering successfully designed, developed, and deployed a bespoke retention system that ensured zero dropped objects.

The successful completion of the Shenandoah installation validated Decom Engineering’s engineering capability, demonstrating rapid cutting performance while meeting stringent Jones Act compliance. The outcome further reinforces our position as a trusted partner for innovative, safety-critical solutions in the deepwater offshore energy sector.

• Custom Link Retention System: Successfully
designed and implemented a novel system to
securely retain severed chain links, eliminating
the critical risk of dropped objects.

• Rapid Subsea Cutting: Achieved clean, precise
cuts on 137mm studless mooring chain with the
fastest cut completed in just 15 minutes.

• Optimised Equipment: Developed an easily
maneuvered Chopsaw with integrated buoyancy
for efficient ROV operation.

• Jones Act Compliant: Met the requirements of the
Jones Act vessel by training and deploying local
US personnel to operate our tools.