Four uncrewed vessels have commenced a seabed survey for the Eastern Green Link 5 (EGL5) subsea cable project, marking a significant step in the development of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Scotland and England. The project is a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission and is in the early stages of planning and consultation.
The EGL5 cable aims to facilitate the transfer of clean energy, supporting the UK’s low-carbon future by connecting renewable energy sources in Scotland to demand centers in England. The survey, conducted by four uncrewed survey vessels (USVs), is designed to gather crucial data about the seabed, sub-seabed, marine life, and potential archaeological features along the proposed cable route.
“We’re working with suppliers who offer low-carbon, low-impact survey solutions to minimise disruption to the environment,” said Phil Payne, marine survey manager at National Grid. “The survey will provide essential data to guide the safe and efficient installation of the EGL5 cable route, supporting detailed engineering, environmental assessments, and route planning.”
The USVs, remotely operated and equipped with advanced geophysical sensors, are mapping the seabed along the proposed route from the Lincolnshire coast to the Scottish border. These vessels, each 4.5 meters long, have a carbon footprint 1,000 times smaller than conventional vessels. Their operations, free from onboard crew and monitored from a shore-based control center, ensure minimal disruption to the marine environment and other maritime activities.
“We can accelerate project timelines through efficient, high-quality data acquisition,” said Charlotte Beechey, head of business development for XOcean, the company supplying the USVs. “Our fully remote operations offer a dynamic, carbon-neutral and safe solution to seabed survey.”
The survey will take place over the next two months, with the gathered data combined with similar data collected by SSEN Transmission in Scottish waters.
As part of the project’s early development, National Grid is also running a public consultation in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire until June 23, 2025, to gather local feedback on the proposed route and landfall locations for the subsea and underground cables.
EGL5 is a crucial component of National Grid’s “Great Grid Upgrade,” which aims to reinforce and upgrade the UK’s transmission network, facilitating the shift towards more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy infrastructure.
