"The Articulating Diamond Wire Saw has recently emerged as the game changer in the subsea cutting world,” states Joel Wittenbraker, President and CEO of Mactech. “It is a tool specifically designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of low clearance cuts. These specific saws are ideal for cutting multi-string applications or heavy wall legs and cross members in the offshore platform decommissioning industry, utilizing the existing diamond wire technology in a new way to perform cuts from a vertical orientation.”

This vertical stance means the saw can easily fit into cofferdams or excavations with minimal dredging, where other saws can’t fit or operate. The articulating design requires only 2 ft. of clearance around casings, and the cut is made at the at the bottom of the saw, so there is no need for extra dredging. The articulating diamond wire saws can easily fit into tight situations and can be seen in action on Mactech’s YouTube channel showing video of diamond wire saws.

The compact and robust design creates an ideal cutting environment, reducing setup, installation, and removal time-saving operators and contractors time and money. Wittenbraker explains, “These unique articulating diamond wire saws are designed for below-the-mudline (or low clearance cuts), allowing for deepwater cutting and maintenance.”

Many times an ROV is not even necessary with the Articulating Diamond Wire Saw, as the guiding arms can be closed around a pipe further up the line and used as a guide to lower it down to the precise location of the cut. This can provide more scenarios that keep divers out of the water as much as possible and, in turn, out of harm’s way.

"These efficiencies in time reduction and cut performance allow for the increased use of concurrent decommissioning practices, reducing the total time and capital associated with decommissioning projects,” explains Derek Marcks, Mactech Offshore Operations Manager. “By performing crucial steps, such as multi-string cuts, in concurrence, operators and contractors are finding ways to save costs while improving performance.”

All of Mactech Offshore’s Diamond Wire Saws are designed for maximum cutting range flexibility, a small footprint, and reliable operation. Mactech is the original equipment manufacturer of their entire line of Diamond Wire Saws, and this gives them the capability to provide customization and adaptability to project needs when necessary. They have 28 years of field service and custom tool design, bringing innovative and productive solutions to the offshore market.

They understand that the best decommissioning strategy is the one that is safe, effective, and efficient. Their agility in the field has proven to be a catalyst for effectiveness and efficiencies offshore, and this agility has recently flourished with the breadth and depth of available services through Mactech Offshore’s subsea cutting equipment.

"A new combination of dredge and cutting efficiency has entered the decommissioning market with TUSK Subsea’s 600hp dredge system. The combination of an innovative dredge system that can dredge caissons in a matter of hours plus Mactech’s proven cutting capability has greatly reduced the time to safely remove caissons and piles efficiently,” advises David Boulet, Director of Business Development of TUSK Subsea Services.

Mactech Offshore’s versatility in the subsea and underwater machining world is what makes their capabilities truly unique. No job is too big or small, with cutting capabilities of machines ranging from 4 to 102 in. and an expanding fleet of 36 diamond wire machines that have successfully performed over 500 diamond wire cuts.

Mactech Offshore designs, develops and manufactures products utilized in the maintenance, repair, upkeep and decommissioning activities of the offshore oil and gas industry. Their products are specifically designed for operation in a subsea and potentially hazardous environment.