SSEN Transmission has marked a major step forward on its Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable link, with enabling works now progressing both on land and at sea.

The 203km High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) scheme will run from the Banniskirk Hub substation development in Caithness to the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire. Around 166km of the route will be laid offshore, from Sinclair's Bay in Caithness through the Moray Firth to Rattray Head, near Peterhead.

Once operational, the link will strengthen the transfer of renewable electricity to demand centres nationwide, advancing clean power and energy security targets while creating opportunities for businesses and supply chains across the north of Scotland.

Global cable manufacturer NKT, contracted to deliver the cable, has appointed Aberdeen‑based civil engineering firm Nicol of Skene and Caithness‑based John Gunn & Sons to build the onshore cable sections at Peterhead and Spittal respectively.

-- Advertisement --

Onshore, the first horizontal directional drilling (HDD) campaign has begun at the Rattray Estate north of Peterhead, with further HDD works planned at both onshore sections in the months ahead. The trenchless technique will form bores beneath the U37B Rattray Road to enable installation of the 525kV HVDC cables, reducing disruption for road users and safeguarding the surrounding environment. This initial HDD phase is expected to finish by spring.

At sea, marine survey specialist Fugro has commenced nearshore investigations to inform the final cable route. Its jack‑up barge, WaveWalker1, set up for site investigation activities, is preparing to undertake geotechnical borehole testing at Rattray Head before moving on to Sinclair's Bay.

These works have been designed to be as non‑intrusive as possible, with borehole locations chosen using geophysical data to avoid unnecessary drilling. This approach supports a safe and efficient subsea route, with full regard for the marine environment.

Niall MacLeod, Project Director for the Spittal to Peterhead project, said: "The start of HDD works by NKT and their sub-contractor Nicol of Skene, and the mobilisation of Fugro's WaveWalker1 jack-up barge contracted directly to SSEN Transmission for nearshore marine surveys, mark an exciting milestone for the Spittal to Peterhead project.

"These early activities lay the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready HVDC link that will help deliver the clean power and energy security the UK needs, while supporting jobs and local supply chains across the north of Scotland.

"We will continue to work closely with landowners, local communities, marine users and other stakeholders as activity continues onshore and offshore in the months ahead."