SMD Celebrates Milestone 100th Plough Sale
Posted on 20 May 2025
Image caption: SMD and Global Marine celebrate the purchase of Plough M.
Underwater technology and services company SMD is celebrating a significant milestone with the sale of its 100th plough. The state-of-the-art Plough M has been purchased by Global Marine, a market leader in subsea cable installation and maintenance, to support its worldwide operations.
The sale is the latest in a series of collaborations between the two companies. Over the last 30 years, SMD and Global Marine have partnered on 27 projects, and countless more equipment upgrades and refurbishments, delivering innovative technology that continues to shape the future of offshore engineering.
Plough M has successfully completed sea trials and has now been deployed on its first commercial mission.
Discussing the sale, Adam Batsford, Key Account Manager at SMD, said: “With a legacy spanning over 175 years, Global Marine has consistently demonstrated a pioneering spirit that aligns perfectly with SMD’s commitment to subsea innovation.
“Plough M represents the latest evolution of our plough technology, blending decades of experience with future-focused solutions. It has been designed for maximum plough stability with minimum cable handling, delivering a true 2m burial depth for ultimate cable protection. Thanks to a low-friction share design, this vehicle also consumes minimal fuel to ensure efficient and economical operations.
“We are hugely proud to mark our 100th plough sale with a trusted partner that shares our vision for advancing subsea technology.”
Designed to deliver exceptional performance in challenging conditions, Plough M will be integrated into Global Marine’s worldwide network of vessels, subsea assets and depots.
Mick Beezer, Modular Equipment Manager at Global Marine, explained: “As demand for subsea connectivity increases, investment in robust, high-performance equipment, like Plough M, is essential. Cable protection through plough burial plays a critical role in safeguarding against damage, reducing the risk of disruptions and extending infrastructure lifespans.”
Paul Deslandes, Managing Director for Telecoms at Global Marine, continued: “Global Marine was the proud purchaser of SMD’s very first subsea plough back in the 1980s, so to celebrate this new milestone with the company is fantastic.
“Plough M’s versatility makes it ideal for cable installation projects requiring added levels of protection, reinforcing our commitment to reliable, future-focused solutions.”
To discover more about SMD’s world-leading underwater technology, please visit: https://www.smd.co.uk/
