JDR Cable Systems, supported by the UK government, has marked significant progress in the development of its new £130 million subsea cable factory in Cambois, near Blyth, Northumberland, England. With over 150 building pad foundations completed and a substantial portion of the steel frame for the main hall in place, the facility is set to become a key player in the production of high-voltage subsea cables.
The construction milestones include the completion of piling for the foundations of the Vertical Lay-up Machine and Continuous Catenary Vulcanisation (CCV) Towers. Once operational, the CCV line will position the site as the sole facility in the UK capable of end-to-end manufacturing of high-voltage subsea cables, essential for offshore wind farms and subsea energy infrastructure in the global renewable energy market.
The towers, supported by 250 piles drilled to a depth of 24 meters, aim to provide crucial support for advanced machinery. The facility's primary focus will be the production of high and extra-high voltage cables at 132kV and above, facilitating the operation of larger offshore turbines and enhancing the connection of power back to shore.
With over 1700 tonnes of concrete foundations poured and machinery deliveries progressing, JDR Cable Systems is on track to meet the anticipated surge in demand for high-voltage cables in the mid-2020s. The Chief Strategy and Compliance Officer at JDR Cable Systems, James Young, emphasized the company's commitment to contributing to the renewable energy sector's growth and positioning the UK as a leader in offshore wind manufacturing.
“We are proud to contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector and the UK's position in offshore wind manufacturing,” said Young. “Constructing this first-in-class facility in the UK enhances our ability to produce high-quality, high-voltage subsea cables, meeting the demands of the offshore renewable energy market and the broader needs of the energy sector as we strive for decarbonization and net-zero emissions by 2050.”
