More than 200 miles (328 km) of 66KV inter-array cables manufactured by Hellenic Cables have been successfully installed by DEME Offshore on the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
The cables were laid by DEME Offshore’s Viking Neptun, with burial works being completed by DEME Offshore’s Living Stone.
This work marks the completion of all inter-array cables on the first phase of the wind farm, Dogger Bank A, which began generating power in October 2023.
The network of 95 cables in a multitude of lengths up to 8.6 miles, will connect Dogger Bank A’s 95 Haliade-X 13MW turbines to the Dogger Bank A offshore convertor station. From here the electricity is converted into direct current for transmission to Dogger Bank A’s onshore convertor station via a pioneering HVDC system.
The laying of cables is carried out using a specialist cable lay vessel that uses a carousel and tensioner device, to deploy cable over the stern chute of the vessel and onto the surface of the seabed. The second stage involves connecting the cable to the offshore platform as well as each individual wind turbine.
This challenging engineering process follows on from an intensive preparation period involving underwater surveys, to ensure the cable laying corridor is clear of obstacles.
The 66KV inter-array cables were manufactured by Hellenic Cables under a contract with Dogger Bank tier one contractor DEME Offshore.
Hellenic Cables and Deme Offshore are also responsible for the manufacture and installation of inter-array cables for Dogger Bank B and C. The first inter-array cable for Dogger Bank B is expected to be installed from autumn 2024.
Alan Evans, Dogger Bank Wind Farm Marine Package Manager, said: “This is another important part of our Dogger Bank A marine work complete, and is the result of a great collaboration between all parties involved.
“With 277 cables to be installed in total, it’s by far the biggest inter-array cable installation programme undertaken to date in offshore wind.
“The safe and smooth completion of this phase is a huge credit to the entire team.”
Geert Linthout, Project Director – DEME offshore, said: “The teams at Dogger Bank offshore wind farm and DEME Offshore have collaborated closely to achieve this significant project milestone.
“Throughout the execution, DEME Offshore has successfully deployed both the Living Stone and the newly added cable installation vessel Viking Neptun, demonstrating outstanding performance.
“This has provided a solid and reliable basis for the upcoming Dogger Bank B phase and, subsequently, the Dogger Bank C phase. We are excited to continue our strong working relationship on Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C.”
