Method and apparatus for cutting underwater structures

Abstract

A method for cutting an underwater structure below the level of the seabed on which it is installed is described. The method has the following steps: positioning cutting means and penetrating means associated with the cutting means in close proximity to the underwater structure to be cut, at the intersection region between the structure and the seabed; causing both the penetrating means and the cutting means associated therewith to penetrate into the seabed in a substantially longitudinal direction to a portion of the structure which is embedded in the seabed; and actuating and driving the cutting means and the penetrating means in a substantially perpendicular direction to the embedded portion so as to cut the structure below the level of the seabed. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.