DeepOcean Finds NEMO

DeepOcean 1 UK Ltd., a subsidiary of DeepOcean Group Holding BV, has been awarded a contract by J-Power Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., for the provision of all marine works for the Nemo Link Interconnector Project.

DeepOcean will execute all marine works associated with the installation and protection of the HVDC bundled cables from the transition joint bay in Kent, UK to the transition joint bay in Zeebrugge, Belgium. The project will be executed over a three-year period starting in 2016, with the offshore works completing in 2018.

In addition to the installation and trenching of the bundled cable system, the work scope includes route surveys and engineering, PLGR, out of service cable clearance, pre sweeping in sandwave areas and crossings construction.

The bundled HVDC cables will be installed by the Maersk Connector, DeepOcean’s new build vessel due for delivery in the first quarter of 2016. The burial of the cables will be undertaken by DeepOcean’s T3200 mechanical and jetting trenching vehicle.

DeepOcean’s CEO Bart Heijermans commented: “This is the third project we have been awarded for the Maersk Connector. DeepOcean has installed and trenched over 900 km of power cables globally, thus building a proven reputation within the market place. The execution of the Nemo Link® project will further strengthen DeepOcean’s position in the market as an independent leading cable installation and trenching contractor.”

The Nemo Link® interconnector will deliver a 1,000 MW electricity link between the UK and Belgium. The link will increase energy security for both countries and support integration of renewable energy. It has been designated as one of the European Commission’s Projects of Common Interest as it will help create an integrated European energy market.

Nemo Link® will consist of subsea and underground cables connected to a converter station and an electricity substation in each country, which will allow electricity to flow in either direction between the two countries. The site for the converter station and electricity substation in the UK is a site, formerly occupied by the Richborough Power Station.

A similar converter station and substation is being built in the industry zone in Herdersbrug in Bruges, Belgium. Nemo Link® will be the world’s first use of HVDC XLPE cables at 400 kV.

Image: Damen