Jan De Nul Group, a prominent player in the field of dredging and marine engineering, recently secured a significant contract with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution. The agreement, inked in November 2022, entails the supply and installation of a 33kV interconnecting cable between mainland Scotland and the picturesque Orkney island of Hoy, aimed at bolstering the local distribution grid.
Under the terms of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) contract, Jan De Nul assumes responsibility for delivering approximately 36km of 33kV subsea cable, along with the necessary installation accessories and protective measures. Additionally, an extra 7km of spare cable will be supplied to SSEN Distribution's facilities in Nigg, Scotland.
Expressing his contentment, Bart Moens, Senior Commercial Manager at Jan De Nul Group, remarked, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by SSEN Distribution, marking the first-ever collaboration between our esteemed organizations. Following our successful engagement in the Greenlink project, we are now privileged to contribute to the installation of another crucial interconnector for the United Kingdom's distribution grid.”
The project is characterized by an accelerated timeline, with installation work slated to commence during the upcoming summer season. Jan De Nul's state-of-the-art Cable-Laying Vessel Connector will spearhead the subsea wire installation, supported by the company's in-house trenching expertise and specialized tools, thereby ensuring comprehensive cable protection.
To fulfill the cable supply requirements, Jan De Nul enlisted the services of Ningbo Orient Wires and Cables (NBO) based in China. NBO fulfilled its manufacturing obligations according to schedule, and the submarine wire is presently en route to Europe, where Jan De Nul is finalizing the necessary preparations for the forthcoming installation operations.
