Enshore Subsea Finishes Second Export Cable at Inch Cape Wind Farm

Enshore Subsea has completed installation of Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm's second 85-kilometre offshore export cable, off Scotland's east coast. The second of two 220 kV three-phase export cables was installed in three sections using the cable lay vessel CMOS Installer. The two parallel cables will transmit power from the 1.1-gigawatt wind farm's offshore substation to its new onshore substation, with the cables to be energised over the coming weeks ahead of first power toward the end of this year.

 

Details of the Completion

 

Enshore Subsea has completed a cable installation. It finished the second export cable. This is at Inch Cape wind farm. The cable is 85 kilometres long. It lies off Scotland's east coast.

The cable is one of a pair. It is a 220 kV three-phase cable. It was installed in three sections. Each section was 28 kilometres. A cable lay vessel carried out the work.

 

The Installation Work

 

The installation involved several stages. It used the vessel CMOS Installer. This operated from the Port of Blyth. It required two offshore joints. Specialists carried these out on another vessel.

The cable was then buried. A hybrid trenching vehicle handled this. Some final rock placement remains. This protects the buried cable. It completes the installation process.

 

The Cable's Purpose

 

The cables serve a transmission role. Two parallel cables will transmit power. This comes from the wind farm. It goes to the offshore substation platform. From there it reaches an onshore substation.

The cables connect to the grid. The onshore substation is at Cockenzie. The power then reaches the national grid. The cables will be energised soon. This precedes first power later this year.

 

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The Cable Technology

 

The cable is technically notable. It is a 2000 mm² cable. It was made by Orient Cable. It is among the largest AC export cables globally. It weighs almost 140 tonnes per kilometre.

The installation covered significant distance. A total of 170 kilometres has been installed. This spans both cables. It reflects the project's scale. It marks substantial progress.

 

The Wider Project

 

The cable completion fits broader progress. The project recently completed foundations. This covered monopiles and transition pieces. Current activity includes array cable laying. Jacket pin pile installation is also underway.

The project is advancing steadily. Turbine components are being delivered. These go to the Port of Dundee. This precedes tower assembly. The project remains on track for 2027 operations.

 

Significance of the Milestone

 

The completion marks a major milestone. Company leadership called it an achievement. It links offshore and onshore substations. It reflects strong collaboration. This spans the team and contractors.

The milestone demonstrates capabilities. Leadership cited fast-tracking complex projects. Shallow-water strength was also noted. The new trencher performed well. The wind farm will power half of Scotland's homes.