WSP | PB to Keep an Eye On North Sea Link Cables

Engineering consultancy WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has been appointed by National Grid North Sea Link Ltd to provide cable manufacturing quality and inspection services on the 1.4GW North Sea Link interconnector, the first electricity link between Nordic and British markets.

The UK’s National Grid North Sea Link Ltd and Norway’s Statnett are working together on the EUR 2 billion project to construct the world’s longest subsea interconnector which will consist of approximately 720 kilometres of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable.

The interconnector which aims to be operational in 2021 will link Kvilldal in Norway and Blyth in the UK.

A team of quality consultant engineers will provide third party inspection and audit services during the manufacture of the submarine and land cables supplied by Prysmian from Arco Felice in Italy.

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff’s involvement will ensure that the cables are manufactured and tested to specification, and that all the quality documentation is in place prior to shipment and installation.

Michael Carr, Quality Services Assistant Project Manager at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff said: “This is a crucial renewable project for the whole of the UK, and we look forward to show the value we can bring for our client National Grid North Sea Link Ltd. To be part of the team that’s helping to deliver the longest subsea interconnector in the world is quite something and reinforces the high standing of the quality services team in the sector. The fact that the cable links into Blyth also adds a little extra touch for me, being from the area.”

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has a track record working on energy projects including the GBP 1.5bn Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, the GBP 2bn Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, and the 500MW East-West interconnector.