The three 28-kilometre lengths that comprise Inch Cape's second export cable have been placed along the designated corridor by teams aboard the cable-laying vessel CMOS Installer.

Mirroring last year's operation, the sections were loaded out at the Port of Blyth, the North East base of contractor Enshore Subsea, with support from suppliers including Harlyn Solutions, which oversaw handling and controlled spooling. An Enshore Subsea video featuring project interviews can be viewed here: vimeo.com/1204460469?fl=pl&fe=cm

The first 220 kV three-phase section departed Blyth in early May. Manufactured by Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables Co. Ltd (Orient Cable) and featuring a 2,000 mm² cross-section, it is among the largest AC export cables globally. The third and final length was installed in late June, ahead of programme.

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Each section has been pulled into the project's offshore and onshore substations, and cable connection works are under way. Offshore, Inch Cape is using Siemens Energy's first ever dual-circuit Offshore Transformer Module (OTM®). Onshore, the new substation being built on the former Cockenzie Power Station site is nearing completion.

Civil engineering contractor Charles Brand delivered key enabling works on the East Lothian coast to facilitate landfall for both 85-kilometre offshore export cables from the wind farm. The second cable was pulled into a newly constructed transition joint bay via one of two 675 mm-diameter stainless-steel ducts installed through the existing sea defence wall.

Offshore jointing of the subsea sections will now be carried out by a cable team on board the 128-metre Normand Cutter, ahead of cable burial later in 2026. Onshore jointing will also proceed, alongside completion of the landfall works, including concreting and reinstatement of the area.