Nexans has won a contract to install submarine cables for the £2.5 billion East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm scheme.

The two 85km fibre optic cables will carry electricity from the 714 megawatt (MW) wind farm onshore to Suffolk. Work on the cables delivery, which is worth over £155 million, is scheduled to begin in summer 2018.

Nexans will type test, manufacture and install the high voltage cables, along with accessories, at the 102-turbine site. Features include a pre-installation survey and cable protection by burying.

In addition, DeepOcean has been subcontrtacted by Nexans to perform the transport and installation scope which will comprise all marine installation activities, including crossings and cable protection.


Once completed in 2020, East Anglia ONE will generate enough power for around 500,000 homes.

Vincent Dessale, Executive Vice President Subsea Energy System Business Line at Nexans, said: “We're pleased to be working with DeepOcean on this project because of its experience and successful track record on existing offshore wind projects.

"We were happy to find a company with a base in the UK that shares our mission of providing opportunities for local companies."

DeepOcean's Commercial Director for Cables & Trenching Pierre Boyde, said: "After building an extensive track record providing services on some of the most important offshore wind projects, we are delighted to be given this opportunity to develop our relationship with Nexans and their customer Scottish Power Renewables."

Jonathan Cole, Managing Director of Offshore Wind at ScottishPower Renewables, added: "Both Nexans and DeepOcean have considerable experience in providing and installing cables for offshore wind power projects in the UK.

"DeepOcean have won a number of major contracts recently, and it is positive to see that many highly-skilled jobs in Darlington will continue to be supported with the award of this contract, and hopefully this will also lead to further recruitment and training opportunities in the region."

(LM)