deugro Delivers 110 Kilometres of Subsea Cables for Saudi Project

deugro has transported almost 110 kilometres of 132 kV submarine cables from China to the Port of Jazan, Saudi Arabia, for the Farasan-Madayah Submarine Cable Project. The operation involved shipping the cables and their carousel, weighing more than 5,380 metric tonnes combined, aboard a specialised deck carrier. Engineers overcame significant technical challenges around the cables' concentrated weight, re-evaluating vessel strength calculations to ensure the load met all transport safety requirements while keeping the project on schedule.

 

Details of the Project

 

deugro has completed a substantial cable transport operation. It delivered almost 110 kilometres of submarine cables. These were 132 kV CTS submarine cables for the project. The work supported the Farasan-Madayah Submarine Cable Project. The cables travelled from China to Saudi Arabia.

The operation drew on several parts of the company. It involved deugro China and deugro Saudi Arabia. deugro Chartering also contributed to the effort. Engineers from dteq Transport Engineering Solutions were involved. This coordinated approach spanned the full transport chain.

 

The Transport Challenge

 

The operation involved moving an exceptionally heavy load. The cables were collected at the Port of Changshu in China. A suitable deck carrier was required for the transport. This had to accommodate both the cables and the carousel. Their combined weight exceeded 5,380 metric tonnes.

The dimensions of the load were also substantial. The combined cargo measured 25 by 25 by 9.6 metres. Transporting such a load required careful vessel selection. The deck carrier had to safely accommodate these dimensions. This made vessel suitability a critical consideration.

 

Engineering the Solution

 

The concentrated weight created significant technical challenges. Engineers reviewed the original longitudinal strength calculations. They found the concentrated cable weight was problematic. The proposed loading condition fell outside the required acceptance criteria. This required a re-evaluation of the vessel's capacity.

The engineers developed a revised approach. They coordinated closely with the barge design institute. The allowable bending moment and shear force values were re-evaluated. These were optimised to reflect the actual loading conditions. The revised methodology verified compliance with transport safety requirements.

 

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Managing Deck Loads

 

The concentrated load also stressed the deck structure. The cable weight imposed pressure on the local deck. Engineers addressed this with a specific solution. They placed small steel shims beneath the cable support areas. This transferred the load to primary load-bearing members.

This approach distributed the load effectively. The load was transferred to deck longitudinal girders and transverse beams. This multi-point dispersion spread the concentrated weight. It ensured local deck stresses remained within permissible limits. This protected the vessel structure during transport.

 

Loading and Installation

 

The operation involved careful onsite coordination. deugro China and a local engineer provided supervision. They coordinated all the stakeholders involved. These included the vessel owner and installation contractors. Engineering specialists and the cable supplier were also involved.

The loading process followed the carousel installation. The deck carrier moved to the supplier's loading terminal. The cables were spooled directly from the quayside onto the carousel. After 10 days, the cables were safely stowed and secured. This enabled the vessel to depart for Saudi Arabia on schedule.

 

Delivery and Outcome

 

The operation concluded successfully in Saudi Arabia. The cables arrived at the Port of Jazan on schedule. deugro Saudi Arabia's experts coordinated the delivery. Their involvement ensured a smooth arrival process. This kept the project's cable-laying operations on track.

The project demonstrated the value of engineering expertise. The technical challenges required careful problem-solving. The company's approach overcame the concentrated load issues. Coordinated planning kept the operation on schedule throughout. This ensured the cables reached the project ready for installation.