Systems and methods for unearthing, retrieving, and processing subsea tubulars can include engaging a cable to an end of a subsea tubular and a vessel, moving the vessel in a direction parallel to the axis of the tubular, and unearthing the tubular using the thrust of the vessel. Unearthed tubulars can be dragged to a remote location, retrieved to the surface for transport or processing. On-site processing can be performed using a tensioning device to continuously move a tubular into association with a cutting device, which severs a first portion of the tubular while a second portion remains engaged with the tensioning device.