Raptor Scout completes remote sediment clearance on the Orkney–Caithness 220kV subsea link
Published on July 17 2026
Leask Marine has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its Raptor Scout tracked Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) during offshore sediment clearance operations on the Orkney–Caithness 220kV HVAC Subsea Link at Dounreay.
Working on behalf of OCU Group, the Leask Marine team deployed the Raptor Scout to remotely excavate sediment from the HDD punch-out location, preparing the seabed for the successful installation of the offshore duct.
A remotely operated approach
While commercial divers were utilised elsewhere within the wider marine operation, the sediment clearance activity itself was completed remotely using the Raptor Scout, removing the need for divers to undertake this specific task. Fitted with specialist suction dredging equipment and controlled entirely from the support vessel, the tracked ROV enabled operators to carry out precise excavation while continuously monitoring progress using live HD camera and sonar systems.
Operating from a four-point moored multicat, the Raptor Scout traversed the seabed before undertaking controlled sediment clearance around the punch-out location. The remotely operated methodology delivered accurate excavation while reducing personnel exposure during this element of the works and improving operational efficiency.
Versatility beyond inspection and survey
The project also demonstrated the versatility of the Raptor Scout platform beyond traditional inspection and survey activities. With its tracked mobility and interchangeable tooling, the system is capable of supporting a broad range of offshore intervention tasks, including sediment clearance, installation support, subsea maintenance and marine construction.
This project demonstrates exactly why we have invested in developing remotely operated intervention technology. By undertaking the sediment clearance remotely with the Raptor Scout, we can improve safety, reduce project risk and deliver highly controlled subsea operations. It represents another important step in bringing innovative engineering solutions to offshore renewable energy and marine infrastructure projects.
Douglas Leask CEO, The Leask Group
The successful deployment further strengthens The Leask Group’s position as a specialist contractor delivering innovative subsea solutions for offshore wind, marine renewables and nearshore infrastructure projects.
As part of The Leask Group’s growing portfolio of subsea technologies, the Raptor Scout continues to demonstrate how remotely operated intervention systems can improve the safety and efficiency of offshore operations by enabling selected subsea activities to be undertaken without direct diver intervention.
For more about the Raptor Scout and our range of subsea intervention technologies, get in touch with the team.