Trenching apparatus

The trenching apparatus addresses the challenge of safely positioning multiple cables in a seabed by using dual cable supports and guides, minimizing damage through separate handling and controlled movements, enhancing safety and efficiency in open sea environments.

GB2638534BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-30SOIL MACHINE DYNAMICS
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-28
Publication Date
2026-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing trenching apparatuses face challenges in safely and efficiently positioning multiple cables in a seabed, particularly when handling fragile cables, due to high concentration of forces and lateral movements that can cause damage, and poor visibility and maneuverability in open sea environments.

Method used

A trenching apparatus with a frame, skids, a share for trench formation, and dual cable supports and guides that allow separate handling and guiding of multiple cables, including a depressor that moves up and down to manage cable positioning, reducing contact and damage risks.

Benefits of technology

The apparatus effectively places multiple cables in a trench while minimizing damage by keeping fragile cables separate and reducing contact forces, enhancing maneuverability and safety in challenging sea conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000001_0000
    Figure 00000001_0000
  • Figure 00000002_0000
    Figure 00000002_0000
  • Figure 00000003_0000
    Figure 00000003_0000
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A trenching apparatus 1 for placing cables 9 (10, Figure 4A) on a seabed 13 having a frame 2, skids (3, Figure 1) to allow the trenching apparatus 1 to move along the seabed 13, share (ploughshare) 15
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

It is known to bury cables in a seabed by means of cable ploughs, which form a trench in a seabed by means of a plough share and support a cable above the share which is subsequently placed into the trench. In order to load a cable into the cable plough, the plough is lowered adjacent to the cable, which initially lies on a seabed, from a surface vessel so that the plough is located near the cable. The cable then needs to be moved to a position above the plough share. This is achieved by means of a number of cable engaging devices such as grabs provided on the plough, which lift the cable over the share. However, such known ploughs suffer from the disadvantage that a high concentration of forces arises around the engaging devices lifting the cable, the concentration increasing as the cable is lifted since more weight of the cable comes out of contact with the seabed and therefore needs to be supported typically by the grab devices. This therefore involves a risk of damage to the cable. In addition, it is often necessary to apply lateral forces to the cable so that it can be manoeuvred from a position on the seabed adjacent to the share to a position above the share. Such lateral forces are difficult to control and also risk damage to the cable, as well as increasing the cost and complexity of equipment necessary for loading the cable into the plough. In practice a trenching apparatus or sled with a share, or plough blade, is pulled along a seabed by a sea surface vessel, to form the trench in the seabed. A pipe or cable is then positioned in the trench formed and then the trench is covered over again to protect the pipe or cable positioned within the trench that was formed. Positioning the pipe or cable within the trench is considerably difficult as handling the often heavy and awkwardly shaped pipe or cable remotely from the sea surface vessel, in an open sea environment is extremely challenging. Often the pipe or cable will be positioned on the seabed prior to positioning in the trench and therefore must be gathered and positioned by the subsea trenching apparatus operated remotely by a user in the sea surface vessel. Poor visibility, poor manoeuvrability of the trenching apparatus and water currents make this challenging. Damage to the pipe or cable is a serious risk. This risk of damage to the pipe or cable is increased greatly when trying to position more than one cable or pipe into the same trench, in particular when trying to position a fibre optic cable with other pipes or cables, as the fibre optic cable tends to be more fragile than other pipes or cables. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a trenching apparatus for placing cables in a seabed, comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with the seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench when the trenching apparatus is moved along a seabed, and, a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one first cable; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one second cable; a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one first cable; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one second cable; wherein the depressor is configured to move up and down in relation to the frame. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided: a trenching apparatus for placing cables in a seabed, comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench when the trenching apparatus is moved along a seabed, and a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one first cable, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one second cable, when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable support; and, a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured to guide a portion of an, at least, one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable guide; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured to guide a portion of an, at least, one second cable when an at least second cable is engaged with the second cable guide. In some embodiments, the depressor is configured to move up and down in relation to the frame, thereby lowering or raising a portion of an at least one, first cable, or second cable or both first and second cable, when said first or second cables are engaged with the respective first cable guide or second cable guide. Advantageously the present invention may handle more than one cable and place these plurality of cables in a trench formed in a seabed. Further, advantageously the present invention can keep different cables separate. In addition, the invention allows one or more fragile or less robust cables to be placed on to or on top of robust cables in the trench formed. Importantly the present invention enables fragile or less robust cables to be simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) placed in the formed trench, on or on top of, robust or more robust cables also be placed in the trench. It is foreseen that some embodiments of the present invention, when in use, will often handle, for example, at least two cables, at least one in the first cable support and one in the second cable support, but the invention is not limited to this, or this use. In other embodiments, when in use, the invention may be used where there may be more than one, or a plurality of cables, in either or both of the first and second cable supports, or indeed no cables in one of, either or both of the first and second cable supports. In some situations and embodiments, although not necessarily limited to, the first cable support may support at least one cable that is more fragile than at least one cable supported by the second cable support. This advantageously may enable the more fragile cable or cables to handled together and placed after and or place on top off or above the less fragile cable or cables. This may result is less risk of damage to the more fragile cables. In some embodiments by the positioning of the first and second cable support and cable guides the second cable or cables supported and guided by the second cable support and guide, will be positioned within the seabed before the first cable or cables that is or are supported or guided by the first cable support and guide. Thus advantageously the first cable or cables may be positioned on top or relatively on top of the second cable or cables, that the second cable or cables are unlikely to move, thus less risk of damaging the first cable or cables. Also as the second cable or cables are positioned below or under the first cable or cables, the second cable or cable is less likely to be imposing or asserting its weight on the first cable or cables. Having the second cable support and or second cable guide may help ensure that the cable or cables within these second cable guides and / or supports are positioned before cable or cables being supported or guided by the first cable guide and I or support. Having two cable supports however creates difficulties of how to handle the two cables or sets of cables that these can be picked up and do not get in the way of the share for example. In some embodiments, the first cable support is configured to be positioned vertically higher than the second cable support. This helps keep a first cable, or cables, that may be engaged with the first cable support, separate from a second cable or cables that may be engaged with the second cable support. This advantageously helps reduce damage to cables especially when some cables are less robust (more fragile) than other cables being positioned at the same time or at least in the same trenching cable positioning process. In some embodiments, the second cable support is connected to the frame via an arm, wherein the arm is pivotably connected to the frame. This may enable the second cable support to be moved out of the way of the share when the share is to form the trench. As a second cable or cables may be engaged with the second cable support by moving the second cable support out of the way of the share also means that one is able to move the second cable or cables out of the way of the share. The pivoting, and manoeuvrability, of the second cable support also enables the second cable support may act as a cable catcher, able to catch and gather up one or more cables for example on a seabed or raised slightly from a seabed by tension from above, for example from a surface vessel. In some embodiments, the second cable support comprises a cable catcher. Ideally, that the second cable support can gather and support or hold to some degree one or more cables, for example. In particular embodiments the arm is configured to pivotably move laterally, from the direction of travel of the trenching apparatus. This enables the second cable support, and potentially any cables engaged with the second cable support to be moved laterally out of the way of the share but also out of the path of the share and out of the way of items on the ground or seabed. It also assists for the second cable support to act as a cable catcher, to go under one or more cables to catch and gather. For example if one or more cables are on a seabed or slightly raised from a seabed the second cable support can be pivoted to their side then pivot back under the one or more cable. The one or more cables can then be lowered to be engaged with the second cable support. In particular embodiments the arm is configured to pivotably move laterally, from the frame relative to the direction of travel such that the second cable support also moves laterally. This enables the second cable support, and potentially any cables engaged with the second cable support to be moved laterally out of the way of the share but also out of the path of the share and out of the way of items on the ground or seabed. It also assists for the second cable support to act as a cable catcher, to go under one or more cables to catch and gather. For example if one or more cables are on a seabed or slightly raised from a seabed the second cable support can be pivoted to their side then pivot back under the one or more cable. The one or more cables can then be lowered to be engaged with the second cable support. In some embodiments, the arm is configured to move vertically up and down thereby raising or lowering the second cable support, in relation to the frame. This enables the second cable support, and potentially any cables engaged with the second cable support to be moved laterally out of the way of the share but also out of the path of the share and out of the way of items on the ground or seabed. It also assists for the second cable support to act as a cable catcher, to go under one or more cables to catch and gather. For example if one or more cables are on a seabed or slightly raised from a seabed the second cable support can be pivoted to their side then pivot back under the one or more cable. The one or more cables can then be lowered to be engaged with the second cable support, or the second cable support can be raised to engage and support the one or more cables, for example second cable. Being able to raise and lower the second cable support gives great manoeuvrability to be able to collect and gather cables in a body of water. In some embodiments the second cable support comprises two lateral walls configured to hinder an at least one second cable from rolling or sliding laterally off the second cable support, when an at least one second cable is engaged with the second cable support. The lateral walls may act as a lip, flange or low barrier to hinder or prevent the often round-shaped-cross-section cables from rolling or sliding off the cable support. When in a body of water, water current can have considerable power able to push cables in the body of water. In some embodiments, the second cable support has an upper opening, along its entire upper length, configured to form a channel. This enables easy engagement of cables with the second cable support, enabling the cable to engage with the second cable support from the top of the second cable support and then be securely engaged but not held tight as the cable is to slide along the length of the second cable support. In some embodiments, the second cable support is configured to prevent excesses lateral movement of a cable being supported by the second cable support. For example in such embodiments, this may be from a biasing means or mechanism gently holding or supporting or guiding the or any cable or cables engaged with the second cable support. In some embodiments the second cable support comprises lateral walls configured to prevent lateral movement of any cable or cables engaged with the second cable support. In some embodiments the second cable support comprises lateral walls that are higher in vertical height in a position of use than the diameter of a cable intended to be engaged or inserted into the second cable support. In some embodiments the lateral walls comprise a biasing mechanism biasing the lateral walls inwardly or together. In some embodiments, the second cable support comprises three walls with a top opening along its longitudinal length. In some embodiments the first cable support comprises lateral walls configured to prevent lateral movement of any cable or cables engaged with the first cable support. In some embodiments the first cable support comprises lateral walls that are higher in vertical height in a position of use than the diameter of a cable intended to be engaged or inserted into the first cable support. In some embodiments the lateral walls comprise a biasing mechanism biasing the lateral walls inwardly or together. In some embodiments the first cable support, or second cable support, or first cable guide, second cable guide or any combination of the first cable support, or second cable support, or first cable guide, second cable guide, comprises a smooth surface. This enables the cable of the like being supported or guided or both to slide along the support or guide without being damaged or at least reducing the risk of damage to the cable or the like. In particular embodiments the first cable support, or the second cable support, or both the first cable support and the second cable support, comprise rollers. Rollers may be configured and positioned to assist sliding of the cable along the first or second cable support, or first and second cable guides or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first cable support is configured to be above the share. This helps to keep any cable engaged with the first cable support out of the way of the share and separate from other cables for example a second cable. In some embodiments, a portion of a first cable to be positioned may be threaded through, or looped over, the first cable support before the trenching apparatus is lowered to a seabed. For example a portion of a first cable to be positioned may be threaded or placed on the first cable support when on the surface vessel before lowering the trenching apparatus to a seabed. In practice one end of the cable to be positioned, or a portion of the cable to be positioned would be placed in the first cable support prior to lowering the trenching apparatus and the substantial portion of the cable not placed in a trench would be on the surface vessel. Thus a cable, for example, a first cable may drop from the surface vessel and be engaged with the trenching apparatus positioned on a seabed after the trenching device was lowered to a seabed. In some embodiments the first cable support comprises two lateral walls configured to hinder an at least one first cable from rolling or sliding laterally off the first cable support, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support. Similar to the lateral walls of the second cable support, the lateral walls of the first cable support may act as a lip, flange or low barrier to hinder or prevent the often round-shaped-cross-section cables from rolling or sliding off the cable support. When in a body of water, water current can have considerable power able to push cables in the body of water In some embodiments, the first cable support has an upper opening, along its entire length configured to form a channel. This enables easy engagement of cables with the first cable support, enabling the cable to engage with the first cable support from the top of the first cable support and then be securely engaged but not held tight as the cable is to slide along the length of the first cable support. In some embodiments, the first cable support is configured to support one or more cables. In some embodiments, the first cable support comprises three walls with an opening at the top facing direction. In some embodiments wherein the first cable support is configured to prevent excesses lateral movement of a cable being supported by the first cable support. In practice in some embodiments a cable, for example first cable or a second cable or both a first and second cable, that is / are engaged with the respective first or second cable support will be engaged with a / the depressor before being positioned in the trench. The depressor may be pivotally attached to the frame, capable of being raised and lowered at least partially vertically by a pivot movement. Thus, the depressor may lower cables that are engaged with the depressor. In some embodiments, the depressor comprises a cable guide. In some embodiments, the depressor comprises a first and a second cable guide. This helps keep any engaged cables separate, having for example a first cable engaged with a first cable guide and a second cable engaged with a second cable guide. In some embodiments, the depressor is pivotally attached at a pivoting point on the frame. This enables the depressor to be securely attached to the frame but still able to be moved up and down, raised or lowered. In practice when one or more cables are engaged with the depressor the cable may be lowered also when the depressor is lowered. In some embodiments, the depressor may be lowered for lowering the trenching apparatus from the surface vessel. Lowering the depressor for lowering the trenching apparatus allows a cable within the depressor to be compliant with its minimum bend radius, and thus may lessen risk of damage to the cable. In practice in some embodiments, the depressor may be raised. Raising the depressor may be usual to remove the depressor out of the way of items. In some embodiments, the pivoting point on the frame is vertically higher than the top of the share. This enables the depressor upper section to be out of the way of the share and trench when formed. In some embodiments the share is able to be moved vertically up and down, relative to the frame, as required. In some embodiments the share is able to pivot laterally, relative to the frame, as required. In particular embodiments, the depressor is configured to pivot such that the depressor may move vertically up and down. This helps to remove the depressor from the way of items, and consequently also any engaged cables, or may help lower a cable engaged with the depressor for example, into position in a trench. In some embodiments, the depressor lowers a cable, or cables, engaged with the first cable guide and the second cable guide when the depressor is lowered. In some embodiments the depressor is configured to lower cables into the trench. In some embodiments, the depressor is configured to lower a first cable on to a second cable. In some embodiments, the depressor is configured to lower a portion of a first cable that is engaged with the first cable support on to a portion of a second cable that is engaged with the second cable support in the trench. The depressor may enable a first cable to be placed on to a second cable in the trench. The depressor may be configured to continuously place a portion of a first cable on to a portion of a second cable as the trenching apparatus is pulled along a seabed. Advantageously the present invention may simultaneously position a first cable on to or on top of a second cable positioned in the trench. Advantageously the present invention is able to keep two cables separate, not touching each other until positioned in the trench. In this way, damage to the cables is greatly reduced. In some embodiments, the first cable guide of the depressor comprises two lateral walls. The lateral walls may be configured to hinder, or prevent excessive, lateral movement of an at least one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with an at least one first cable guide. In some embodiments, the second cable guide of the depressor comprises two lateral walls. The lateral walls may be configured to hinder, or prevent excessive, lateral movement of an at least one second cable when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable guide. In some embodiments, the first cable guide of the depressor comprises a horizontal portion and two lateral walls with an opening at the bottom, or at the lateral side, facing direction along the length of the first cable guide forming a channel. The opening may assist in threading or engaging the cable or a portion of the cable with the first cable guide. In some embodiments, wherein the second cable guide of the depressor comprises a horizontal portion and two lateral walls with an opening at the bottom facing direction along the length of the second cable guide forming a channel. The opening may assist in threading or engaging the cable or a portion of the cable with the first cable guide. In some embodiments, the first cable guide of the depressor and the second cable guide of the depressor are laterally positioned from each other. In alternative embodiments, the first cable guide of the depressor and the second cable guide of the depressor are vertically aligned, above and below one another. In particular embodiments the first cable guide of the depressor is above the second cable guide of the depressor. In particular embodiments the first cable guide of the depressor is vertically higher in height than the second cable guide of the depressor. When in use. In some embodiments, the first cable guide comprises rollers; or the second cable guide comprises rollers; or both the first cable guide and the second cable guide comprises rollers. The use of rollers may assist in the sliding of a cable along the guide or support. A cable, for example a first cable, may not necessarily drop from the surface vessel directly to the first cable support. In embodiments with a bell mouth guide or other forward or other type of guide, a cable from the surface vessel may engage with the bell mouth guide or other guide first before engaging with the first cable support. Alternatively, there may be more than one guide engaging with a cable before the cable engages with the first cable support. In some embodiments, the trenching apparatus further comprises a bell mouth guide. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide is connected to the frame. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide is fixed to the frame. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide is pivotably attached to the frame. In some embodiments the bell mouth guide is configured to be positioned in front of the both first cable support and the second cable support. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide is configured that the bell mouth guide is positioned vertically lower in height than the first cable support. This advantageously means that when a first cable is threaded through the bell mouth guide and supported by the first cable support that this cable is highly likely to be within the top half area of the bell mouth guide channel. This is more so if a first cable that is threaded through the bell mouth guide and supported by the first cable support is being lowered by a surface vessel hence such a cable is dropping down from about and thus increases the chances that such a cable when threaded through the bell mouth guide will be in the upper half portion of the bell mouth guide channel. Another cable may be also within the bell mouth channel but should this other cable be entering the bell mouth guide from a seabed, then it is likely that this such cable will be in the lower half portion of the bell mouth guide channel. Thus, two such cables can be slid through the bell mouth cable without contacting each other. Thus reducing the risk of one such cable damaging another. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide is configured that the bell mouth guide is positioned level in vertical height with the second cable support. This helps that the when a second cable is threaded through the bell mouth guide and this such second cable may be entering the bell mouth guide from a seabed, it is likely that this such cable will be in the lower half portion of the bell mouth guide channel, and having the second cable support level in vertical height with the bell mouth guide means that such a said second cable will not be raised above the lower half of the bell mouth guide channel. Being level also means there is less bending for any cable that is threaded through the bell mouth cable guide and then sliding along to the second cable support. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide comprises an opening along the bottomfacing wall. In some embodiments, the opening of bell mouth guide is along the entire lower length of the bell mouth guide. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide comprises an opening-and-closing gate. The opening and closing gate of the bell mouth guide may be configured to, admit or release, at least one cable, into or from, the bell mouth guide. In some embodiments, the bell mouth guide comprises a sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor of the bell mouth guide is a contact sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor of the bell mouth guide is a detection sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor of the bell mouth guide comprises a light source and light detector configured to identify when the beam of light from the light source is broken. A broken or blocked beam of light may indicate the presence of a cable or cables. In some embodiments, the sensor of the bell mouth guide is configured to detect the presence of a cable. In some embodiments, the sensor of the bell mouth guide is configured to detect the presence of a cable in the upper half portion of the bell mouth guide channel. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to be positioned with the upper half, or upper third, or upper quarter portion of the bell mouth guide channel. In other embodiments, alternative types of sensors may be used. The sensor of the bell mouth guide advantageously may confirm or detect the presence of a cable within the bell mouth guide channel and in particular the sensor may be configured to detect if a cable is present in the upper half portion of the bell mouth guide channel. Other embodiments may have sensors configured to detect if a cable is present in the upper third or upper quarter portion of the bell mouth guide channel. In some embodiments, the sensor may communicate with a user to inform a user that a cable is present in the bell mouth guide or not. And in some specific embodiments, the sensor may inform a user if a cable is present within the upper half, or upper third, or upper quarter portion of the bell mouth guide channel. This information sent to a user helps reassure the user that the cable is not being damaged, in particular by other cables, in the process of placing the cable in the trench. In some embodiments, the sensor is secured within a cage. The cage enables the sensor to work and detect if a cable is present or not in the predetermined area, but the cage ensures that the sensor is not damaged. For example in embodiments where the sensor is a light source and light detector the cage may be configured to enable a light bean to exit the cage without any hindrance and to be received at a separate location by the light detector also in the same or a different cage. In some embodiments, the cage comprises smooth surfaces. This ensures that the cable is not damaged by the sensor cage. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable positioning system for placing cables in a seabed, comprising a trenching apparatus, the trenching apparatus comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench when the trenching apparatus is moved along a seabed, and a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one first cable, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one second cable, when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable support; and, a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured to guide a portion of an, at least, one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable guide; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured to guide a portion of an, at least, one second cable when an at least second cable is engaged with the second cable guide. wherein the depressor is configured to move up and down in relation to the frame, thereby lowering or raising a portion of an at least one, first cable, or a second cable or both a first and second cable, when said first or second cables are engaged with the respective first cable guide or second cable guide According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of positioning two or more cables in a trench in a seabed comprising the steps of: using a trenching apparatus comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench, and a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one first cable, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one second cable, when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable support; and, a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable guide; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one second cable when an at least second cable is engaged with the second cable guide, wherein the first cable guide is configured to be vertically higher than the second cable guide; -positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support; -positioning a portion of the at least first cable within or adjacent or under or above, the first guide of the depressor; -positioning and supporting a portion of at least one second cable on the second cable support and positioning the at least one second cable within or under the second cable guide of the depressor; - moving the trenching apparatus in a forward direction along a seabed such that a share forms a trench in a seabed, thereby positioning the at least first and the at least second cables in the trench, as the at least first and at least second cable slide off the respective first and second cable guides of the depressor. In some embodiments, the method of positioning two or more cables further comprises the step of: inserting the first cable though the mouth of a bell mouth guide before positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support. In some embodiments, the method of positioning two or more cables further comprises the step of informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the bell mouth guide by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel. In some embodiments, the method of positioning two or more cables further comprises the step of: informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the upper half, or upper third or upper quarter portion of a bell mouth guide channel by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel. In one particular embodiment, it is foreseen that when on board a surface vessel a first cable may be inserted through the mouth of a bell mouth guide and a portion of the first cable may be engaged with the first cable support, so that a portion of a first cable may be supported by the first cable support. Another portion of a first cable may be engaged with the first cable guide of the depressor such that the first cable guide may guide a first cable. A first cable may be threaded, or looped, though the trenching apparatus so that a portion of the cable may lead off from the end of the depressor. The trenching apparatus may then be lowered; with for example the depressor is a lowered position, until it may reach a seabed. The trenching apparatus may be positioned over a second cable already positioned on the sea bed. The depressor may be raised. The second cable support may be lowered and pivoted laterally away from the frame and to the lateral side of a second cable. The second lateral support may be able to gather and support a second cable from this position however the second cable may be raised slightly from a seabed by a surface vessel so as to make it easier for the second cable support to be positioned under a second cable. The second cable support can then be raised supporting a second cable. The second cable support when supporting a second cable in this way may be able to insert a portion of a second cable within the bell mouth guide thanks to the opening of an opening-and-closing door of the bell mouth guide. The door of the bell mouth guide may open and the second cable guide engaged with a second cable may raise up and the door of the bell mouth guide may close securing and supporting a second cable. A second cable may then be moved along as the trenching apparatus is pulled along a seabed and the later portion of a second cable may be lowered into a trench formed by the share. Lowering of the depressor also may enable lowering of a first cable. And in embodiments where the first guide of the depressor is positioned above the second guide of the depressor and both engaged with an a least one respective cable, the first cable may be positioned on the second cable in the trench form. Even though the first and second cable may not have contacted each other before positioned in the trench. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of inserting the first cable though the mouth of a bell mouth guide before positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the bell mouth guide by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the upper half, or upper third or upper quarter portion of a bell mouth guide channel. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of inserting the first cable or cables into the first cable support and first cable guide, and the second cable or cables into the second cable support and second cable guide, wherein the first cable or cables is more fragile than the second cable or cables. In some embodiments the method further comprises the step wherein a first more fragile cable or cables then a second cable or cables is engaged with the first or upper positioned cable support and or upper positioned cable guide, and the second less fragile cable or cables are engaged with the second or lower positioned cable support and or second or lower positioned cable guide. In some embodiments the method wherein further comprises the step of engaging a first more fragile cable or cables, then a second cable or cables, with the first or upper positioned cable support and or upper positioned cable guide, and engaging a second less fragile cable or cables, then the first cable of cables, with the second or lower positioned cable support and or second or lower positioned cable guide. Lower and higher here are in reference when in use, thus mean vertical distance from the base or seabed for example. By the term “bell mouth guide” as used herein, this is used to mean a guide that is substantially conical having a wider diameter mouth entrance than channel diameter configure to make it easier to thread or insert an item for example a longitudinal object into the guide. The term is known in the art. By the term “cable” as used herein this is used to mean one or more elongated longitudinal items and includes cables, pipes and the like, and includes items that do not necessarily have a circular cross-section. Unless otherwise stated the singular “a cable “ and “the cable” for example may also include in meaning the plural “cables”, likewise the plural may include in meaning the singular. By the term “diameter” as used herein, this means, in addition to a true diameter of a circle the term herein includes diameters of non- perfect circle objects taking the largest width to be the diameter. By the term “engage with” or “engaged with” this is used to include meaning that two items are fitted together to perhaps enable a function, or at least two items are adjacent to each other, or close enough in proximity to be occasionally touching although not necessarily in constant contact so as, at least one item may move relative to the other, wherein one item may, on occasion at least guide or support by the other. When a cable is engaged with an item this includes that only a portion of the cable is engaged with that item, not necessarily the entire cable, the person skilled in the art would understand this meaning also. By the term, “first cable” as used herein may include one or more cables thus a first cable may refer to a first set of cables and not necessarily limited to one cable. Likewise, for the term “second cable” this is not necessarily limited to one cable. The terms first or second cable are used to help describe the invention, however the cables may not necessarily be part of embodiments of the invention. The terms “front”, “back”, “above”, “top”, “bottom”, “forward” and the like are used to help describe the invention and are not necessarily limiting, but used to help describe the invention and are used to describe orientations and positions of the trenching apparatus and other items when in intended use. By the term “pivotably” connected as used herein may include, although not necessarily, 360 degrees of movement, thus may include movement in one or more of the x, y and z coordinate directions and back. By the term “subsea” as used herein, this is used to mean sub-water, regardless of the type of water and thus includes apparatuses and method used, or intended for, under the surface of oceans and fresh water, lakes and the like, for example. Thus also by the term “seabed” as used herein, this term is used to include the floor of the body of water regardless of the type of water and thus includes the floor of fresh water bodies of water, oceans, lakes and the like, for example. Likewise, the term sea surface is used to include the surface of the body of water regardless of the type of water, and includes the surface of oceans, and fresh water lakes and the like, for example. By the term “trenching apparatus” and “plough” as used herein these are used to have equivalent meaning, an apparatus configured to assist in the opening of a seabed, ground or earth, or bottom of a body of water to form a trench. By the term “trenching cables” as used herein means making positioning cables within a trench and may include making the trench also. By the term “vertically higher” as used herein this means the vertical height in use. For example, when the first cable support is described as vertically higher than the second cable support, the two supports need not be vertically aligned just that the first is higher vertically when in use, meaning from the bottom, or ground or seabed for example. Any features of any aspect, embodiment or example described herein may be used or combined with any other one or more features of any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein. The invention will be described by way numbered embodiments to help describe the invention, however the invention should not be restricted to any particular embodiment or example. 1. A trenching apparatus for placing cables in a seabed, comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench when the trenching apparatus is moved along a seabed, and, a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one first cable; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one second cable; a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one first cable; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one second cable; wherein the depressor is configured to move up and down in relation to the frame. 2. A trenching apparatus as described in example 1 wherein the first cable support is configured to be positioned vertically higher than the second cable support. 3. A trenching apparatus as described example 1 or 2 wherein the second cable support is connected to the frame via an arm, wherein the arm is pivotably connected to the frame. 4. A trenching apparatus as described in example 3 wherein the arm is configured to pivotably move laterally, from the frame relative to the direction of travel such that the second cable support also moves laterally. 5. A trenching apparatus as claimed in example 3 or 4 wherein the arm is configured to move vertically up and down thereby raising or lowering the second cable support, in relation to the frame. 6. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 1 to 5 wherein the first cable support is configured to be greater in height than the share. 7. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 1 to 6 wherein depressor is pivotably attached at a pivoting point on the frame. 8. A trenching apparatus as described in any example 1 to 7 wherein the first cable guide of the depressor comprises a sensor. 9. A trenching apparatus as described in any numbered example 1 to 8 wherein depressor is configured that the first cable guide is above the second cable guide. 10. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of numbered examples 1 to 9 wherein the trenching apparatus further comprises a bell mouth guide connected to the frame. 11. A trenching apparatus as described in example 10 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured to be positioned in front of the both first cable support and the second cable support. 12. A trenching apparatus as described in example 10 or 11 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured that the bell mouth guide is vertically lower in height than the first cable support. 13. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 10, 11 or 12 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured that the bell mouth guide is level in height with the second cable support. 14. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 10 to 13 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises an opening-and-closing gate configured to, admit or release, at least one cable, into or from, the bell mouth guide. 15. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 10 to 14 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises a sensor. 16. A trenching apparatus as described in numbered example 15 wherein the sensor is a contact sensor. 17. A trenching apparatus as described in example 15 or 16 wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a cable within the upper half, or upper third or upper quarter, portion of the bell mouth guide channel. 18. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of examples 15, 16 or 17 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured to comprise a sensor in the upper half, upper third, or upper quarter, portion of the bell mouth guide channel. 19. A trenching apparatus as described in any one of numbered examples 15 to 18 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises a cage partially at least surrounding the sensor. 20. A method of positioning two or more cables in a trench in a seabed comprising the steps of: using a trenching apparatus comprising: a frame and, at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, and a share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench, and a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one first cable, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support; a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one second cable, when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable support; and, a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable guide; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one second cable when an at least second cable is engaged with the second cable guide, wherein the first cable guide is configured to be vertically higher than the second cable guide; -positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support; -positioning a portion of the at least first cable within or adjacent or under or above, the first guide of the depressor; -positioning and supporting a portion of at least one second cable on the second cable support and positioning the at least one second cable within or under the second cable guide of the depressor; - moving the trenching apparatus in a forward direction along a seabed such that a share forms a trench in a seabed, thereby positioning the at least first and the at least second cables in the trench, as the at least first and at least second cable slide off the respective first and second cable guides of the depressor. 21. A method as described in numbered example 20 further comprises the step of: inserting the first cable though the mouth of a bell mouth guide before positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support. 22. A method as described in number examples 20 or 21 further comprises the step of informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the bell mouth guide by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel. 23. A method as described in number example 22 wherein the method further comprises the step of: informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the upper half, or upper third or upper quarter portion of a bell mouth guide channel by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel. In order to help describe and explain the invention, the invention will be described by way of example with the reference to the following drawings (the embodiment or embodiments described with reference to the drawings are not the only embodiments of the invention and the invention may comprise other embodiments with more or less features, as described herein as a whole): Figure 1a is to a side view of one embodiment of a trenching device according to the present invention; Figure 1b is a perspective view of the embodiment as also shown in Figure 1a; Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3a is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 b is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4a is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5a is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6a is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6b is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7a is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7b is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8a is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8b is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9a is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9b is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1a shows a side view of a particular embodiment of the invention showing the trenching apparatus 1 or plough 1, with a frame 2, and skids 3. In this example shown, there are four skids 3. The trenching apparatus is intended and configured to be pulled in the forward 11 direction shown by the arrow 11. That forward face would be the front of the trenching apparatus 1. At the opposite side from the front 11 is the back 12. Also shown is the depressor 6 located at the back 12 of the trenching apparatus 1. As can be seen also is a mouth bell guide 28 with opening-and-closing door 30 (operable to be open or closed), which in this embodiment comprises two tines that are able to move to either open the door 30 or close the door 30, in order to allow insertion of a cable, or removal of a cable from the bell mouth guide 28. The bell mouth guide 28 in this embodiment shown comprises an opening 29 facing or opening downwards towards a seabed 13 when in use. This enable insertion of cables from under the trenching apparatus 1 into the bell mouth guide 28. And easy release of the or any cables already in the bell mouth guide 28 from the bell mouth guide 28. The bell mouth guide 28 also has a channel 32. The trenching apparatus also comprises a share 15 configured for forming a trench when pulled along a seabed 13. Figure 1b is a perspective view of the trenching apparatus of figure 1a, looking from the back 12. As can be seen is the depressor 6 in a fairly low position and the share 15. In this figure can be seen the first cable support 4 and the second cable support 5 in a raised position. As can be seen in this particular embodiment the first cable support 4 is vertically higher, or further from the seabed than the second cable support 5 even when the second cable support 5 is in a raised position. In this example, the second cable support 5 can be raised vertically up and down. Not shown but the second cable support 5 can also be pivoted laterally away from the frame in direction so as to be out of the way of the share 15. This is important when the second cable support 5 is supporting one or more cables and therefore the second cable support 5 can move the engaged cables out of the way of the share 15. The share 15 in this example can pivotably move laterally away from the frame in direction also. Figure 2 is another side view of an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the depressor 6 is raised compared to figures 1a and 1b. Also present is an at least one first cable 9. There could be more than one cable in this position in other embodiments but in this example, there is only one first cable 9. This is seen positioned through the bell mouth 28, above the bell mouth guide opening 29 within the bell mouth guide channel 32 between the first cable support lateral walls 19 of the first cable support 4 and support by the first cable support 4. As can also be seen the first cable 9 is within the upper half portion of the bell mouth guide channel 32. The first cable 9 also passes between the first cable guide lateral walls 21, in the first cable guide channel 33 of the first cable guide 7 able to be supported by rollers 27 of the first cable guide 7. In this example, the rollers 27 form a divide between the first cable guide channel 33 and the second cable guide 8. Or indeed the rollers divide the first cable guide 7 and the second cable guide 8. The one set of rollers can divide the first cable guide 7 and the second cable guide 8. In this example the first cable guide 7 is above the second cable guide 8. The bell mouth guide 28 is shown in more detail than previously and as can be seen there is an opening-and-closing door 30, an opening 29 which is partially at least closed when the door 30 is closed. The bell mouth guide has a channel 32. The first cable support 4 comprises in this example lateral walls 19 between which is defines a passage that the first cable can pass along. In this example, the first cable support is fixed to the frame 2. There is also a first cable support opening 23, 25 which faces upwards, away from the seabed when in use. Also can be seen is the first cable support opening 23, 25 and the first cable support lateral side walls 19. The second cable guide opening 26. The depressor 6 is pivotably connected to the frame 2 at a pivot point 31. As can be seen the depressor comprises the first cable guide 7 and second cable guide 8. With the first cable guide 7 above or higher than the second cable guide 8. The second cable guide has lateral walls 22. This figure is cut cross-sectional to aim viewing and explaining, so can see the rollers 27 and first cable 9 in the trenching apparatus 1. Figure 3a shows a side view again of the embodiment of figure 3 but here the trenching apparatus 1 is in the lowering configuration. The depressor 6 is lowered, the share 15 is configured so even or above the bottom of the skids 3 and the first cable 9 is already positioned through the bell mouth guide 28 , along the bell mouth guide channel 32, within the first cable support 4 and within the first cable guide 7 (not shown) within the depressor 6 exiting the depressor 6 at the back 12. The trenching apparatus is configured to be lowered from a surface vessel by the towline 37. Figure 3b is a back view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3a, with similar features. Figure 4a is a perspective view of the trenching apparatus of figure 3. The configuration shown here is after the trenching apparatus 1 has been positioned on a seabed 13. Here the depressor 6 is lifted or raised from figure 3a and b when the trenching apparatus 1 is being lowered from the surface vessel (not shown). The door 30 of the bell mouth guide 28 is open ready to insert further cables, for example, a second cable 10, as seen on a seabed 13. The share 15 is laterally moved away from the frame 2. The second cable is seen on a / the seabed 13. The trenching apparatus is positioned over the second cable 10. As seen here the second cable 10 appears to be flat on the seabed 13. Figure 4b is the back perspective view of the embodiment as seen in Figure 4a, with similar features. As seen in figure 5a and 5b, the second cable support 5 attached via the arm 34 to the frame 2 is pivoted laterally from the frame 2 and lowered. Also seen in Figure 51 is the sensor 38 inside the sensor cage 39. The second cable 10 that was positioned on a seabed 13 is raised from a seabed 13 by the surface vessel (not shown) a little so that the second support 5 as seen in Figure 6a the second cable support 5 can be lowered under the second cable 10 and pivoted directly under the second cable support 5 to enable engagement of the second cable 10 with the second cable support 5, thus the surface vessel can lower the second cable 10 again and then the second cable 10 will be supported by the second cable support 5. The lateral walls 20 of the second cable support 5 help prevent the cables 10 supported by the second cable support 5 from rolling or sliding laterally off the second cable support 5, even though the second cable support 5 has an upper facing opening 26 along the entire length of the second cable support 5. The arm 34 of the second cable support 5 has a pivot point on the frame 35. In operation, the trenching apparatus 1 would be pulled along a seabed 13 by a surface vessel, (not shown) via the towlines 37. The share 15 would be lowered below the skids in vertical height into a seabed 13 and as the trenching apparatus 1 is pulled along a seabed 13, the seabed 13 would divide making a trench. The depressor would initially be lowered to about 1 meter above a seabed, before lowering it fully during trenching. Optionally the second support device would comprise rollers that would assist the easy movement of the trenching apparatus 1 along the cable or cables, for example the second cable 10 as in this example. In other embodiments, it is foreseen that there would actually be a number of “second” cables positioned on a seabed as explained here in this example that would be gathered and supported by the second cable support and then guided by the second cable guide. As can be seen in figures 6a and 6b and 7a and 7b the second cable support 5 is raised off the ground with the door 30 of the bell mouth guide 28 open. In fig 8a and 8b the second cable support 5 is at full or nearly full height and the second cable 10 in within the bell mouth guide 28. In figure 9a and 9b and figure 10 the second cable guide is within the bell mouth guide 28 and the door 30 of the bell mouth guide 28 is closed. As can be seen in figure 9a and b the second cable 10 is in the lower half portion of the channel 32 of the bell mouth guide 28. In figure 11 the share 15 is seen lowered into the seabed 13 and the depressor lowered into the trench to position the cables into the trench. Due to the invention the first cable 9 may be positioned on top of the second cable 10. In this embodiment shown the first cable 9 will be positioned on top of the second cable 10. This may be important to reduce risk if the first cable or cables 9 are more fragile than the second cable or cables 10, as may reduce damage to less robust cables. As the first cable support 4 and the first cable guide 7 in this example are above the second cable support 5 and second cable guide 8, the first cable or cables will be positioned in the trench on or on top of the second cable or cables. In this way should the first cable, or cables, be smaller and more fragile than the second cable or cables there is less risk of damage to the first cable. 08 08 25

Claims

1. A trenching apparatus for placing cables in a seabed, comprising: a frame and,5 at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, anda share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench when the trenching apparatus is moved along a seabed, 10 and,a first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one first cable;a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured for supporting a portion of an at least one second cable;15 a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one first cable; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured for guiding a portion of an, at least, one second cable;wherein the depressor is configured to move up and down in relation to the frame.

202. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first cable support is configured to be positioned vertically higher than the second cable support.

3. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the second cable25 support is connected to the frame via an arm, wherein the arm is pivotably connected to the frame.

4. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the arm is configured to pivotably move laterally, from the frame relative to the direction of travel such that30 the second cable support also moves laterally.

5. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the arm is configured to move vertically up and down thereby raising or lowering the second cable support, in relation to the frame.3508 08 256. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first cable support is configured to be greater in height than the share.

7. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein depressor is 5 pivotably attached at a pivoting point on the frame.

8. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first cable guide of the depressor comprises a sensor.10 9. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein depressor isconfigured that the first cable guide is above the second cable guide.

10. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the trenching apparatus further comprises a bell mouth guide connected to the frame.1511. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured to be positioned in front of both the first cable support and the second cable support.20 12. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the bell mouth guideis configured that the bell mouth guide is vertically lower in height than the first cable support.

13. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10, 11 or 12 wherein the 25 bell mouth guide is configured that the bell mouth guide is level in height with the second cable support.

14. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises an opening-and-closing gate configured to, admit or release, 30 at least one cable, into or from, the bell mouth guide.

15. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises a sensor.08 08 2516. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sensor is a contact sensor.

17. A trenching apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein the sensor is 5 configured to detect the presence of a cable within the upper half, or upper third orupper quarter, portion of the bell mouth guide channel.

18. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15, 16 or 17 wherein the bell mouth guide is configured to comprise a sensor in the upper half, upper third, or10 upper quarter, portion of the bell mouth guide channel.

19. A trenching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the bell mouth guide comprises a cage partially at least surrounding the sensor.15 20. A method of positioning two or more cables in a trench in a seabed comprisingthe steps of:using a trenching apparatus comprising:a frame and,at least one skid connected to the frame and wherein the at least one skid is20 configured to engage with a seabed and support the frame, for allowing the trenching apparatus to be moved along a seabed, anda share connected to the frame and wherein the share is configured for separating a seabed to form a trench, anda first cable support connected to the frame and wherein the first cable support is25 configured to support a portion of an at least one first cable, when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable support;a second cable support connected to the frame and wherein the second cable support is configured to support a portion of an at least one second cable, when an at least one second cable is engaged with an at least one second cable support;30 and,a depressor connected to the frame and wherein the depressor comprises a first cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one first cable when an at least one first cable is engaged with the first cable guide; and the depressor further comprises a second cable guide configured to guide an, at least, one second cable when an at08 08 25least second cable is engaged with the second cable guide, wherein the first cable guide is configured to be vertically higher than the second cable guide;-positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support;5 -positioning a portion of the at least first cable within or adjacent or under or above, the first guide of the depressor;-positioning and supporting a portion of at least one second cable on the second cable support and positioning the at least one second cable within or under the second cable guide of the depressor;10 - moving the trenching apparatus in a forward direction along a seabed such that ashare forms a trench in a seabed, thereby positioning the at least first and the at least second cables in the trench, as the at least first and at least second cable slide off the respective first and second cable guides of the depressor.15 21. A method as claimed in claim 20 further comprises the step of: inserting an atleast one first cable though the mouth of a bell mouth guide before positioning and supporting a portion of at least one first cable on the first cable support.

22. A method as claimed in claim 20 or 21 further comprises the step of informing a 20 user of the presence of an at least the first cable within the bell mouth guide by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the method further comprises the step of: informing a user of the presence of the first cable within the upper half, or upper 25 third or upper quarter portion of a bell mouth guide channel by the use of a sensor within the bell mouth guide channel.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein further comprises the step of engaging a first more fragile cable or cables, then a second cable or cables, 30 with the first or upper positioned cable support and or upper positioned cable guide, and engaging a second less fragile cable or cables, then the first cable of cables, with the second or lower positioned cable support and or second or lower positioned cable guide.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Improved submarine cable plough

    EP0278705A1

  • Cable plough

    EP3121917A1

  • Top loading cable plough

    US20220333340A1