Power

A cable route assessment is a comprehensive analysis of the conditions along a planned route, and is especially important in any subsea project, such as those in the North Sea. This involves identifying the most suitable route, taking into account various factors such as water depth, seabed topography, and environmental conditions.

Advanced software, techniques, and assessment services can be used to analyse the route and identify potential risks and challenges through:

• Route engineering: Using advanced software to design and optimise the cable route, considering factors such as water depth, seabed topography, and environmental conditions.

• Cable route surveys: Conducting surveys to gather specifics on the seabed and surrounding environment, helping to identify potential risks and challenges.

• Environmental impact assessment: Assessing the potential environmental impact of the cable route and identify measures to mitigate any negative effects.

Efficient and reliable powerline networks begin with precise cable route surveys and design. The whole route clearance process starts with surveys, which provide essential data about terrain, environmental conditions, and potential obstacles. These figures help to inform the cable routing design, allowing engineers to develop efficient and cost-effective paths for powerline installation while reducing the environmental impact and regulatory challenges.

Ensuring that the cable route is optimised helps to reduce potential delays, mitigate risks, and verify the route is operationally efficient. In order to create sustainable designs, technical, environmental, and regulatory considerations are balanced throughout the route engineering process. Whether this is for new powerline networks or upgrades to existing infrastructure, these designs are tailored to enhance long-term reliability and performance.

The installation of offshore power cables presents unique challenges that require precise planning and execution. Detailed route engineering ensures that the offshore cable laying process addresses factors such as seabed conditions, currents, and access to remote shore and marine sites. With a proven track record in managing complex projects, thoroughly evaluating these conditions ensures that projects achieve secure and reliable installations while minimising risks.

Specialised offshore cable laying systems are essential for maintaining proper alignment, tension, and interaction with the seabed including shallow water environments. These systems are designed to handle both mains cable installation and export cable deployment projects.

Regular inspections and performance monitoring use advanced geospatial data and analytics to optimise the longevity of power cables. By addressing potential issues early, these measures ensure that offshore installations remain resilient

Cable trenching and burial are important components of subsea cable installation. Advanced equipment and techniques are used to trench and bury the cable, ensuring that it is protected from damage and environmental factors. These processes are guided by precise cable route surveys and engineering, which ensures that the pathway is safe and will perform effectively. A range of methods are used, including remotely operated vehicle (ROV) trenching and burial, to ensure that the cable is safe and secure.

Cable trenching and burial services include:

• ROV trenching and burial: Using advanced ROV technology to trench and bury the cable, ensuring that it is safely and securely installed.

• Cable burial: Employing various methods to bury the cable, including trenching and backfilling, to ensure it is protected from damage and environmental factors.

• Cable protection: Utilising a range of materials and techniques to protect the cable from damage, including concrete mattresses and rock dumping.

A digital inspection programme provides comprehensive asset monitoring and evaluation without the need to deploy personnel to sites or shore. Using innovative mapping techniques, advanced data processing, and cloud computing capabilities, these programmes deliver full asset inspection, identification, and condition assessments for power cables and infrastructure.

Through technologies like drones and remote sensing, detailed and dynamic 3D virtual models are created, offering a precise representation of your network. This approach ensures that compliance issues, such as maintaining conductor and route clearance, are addressed efficiently. By remotely investigating and monitoring the condition and performance of assets, digital inspection programmes provide an accurate foundation for maintenance planning improving operational reliability.

Digital inspection programmes reduce operational risks and enhance customer service while significantly lowering costs. By eliminating the need for personnel to access remote or hazardous sites, they significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with inspections and increase efficiency. These programmes shorten inspection cycles by providing real-time insights into asset conditions through technologies like desktop studies, enabling faster and more informed decision-making for projects.

They also optimise investment and maintenance programmes by identifying risks early and ensuring infrastructure is operating effectively. Whether addressing conductor clearance issues or assessing the performance of power cables, digital inspections improve compliance while reducing OPEX costs.