Global Underwater Hub (GUH) has created a Cable Handling, Testing and Installation Working Group to deliver industry-led guidance that supports the safe, dependable and efficient handling, testing and installation of subsea power cables.

Operating within GUH's Subsea Electrical Systems and Cables Forum, the group will first focus on fixed-bottom offshore wind and inter-array cable systems, while also considering export cables and future dynamic cable applications where relevant.

As subsea power cables are critical to the performance of offshore wind farms and wider offshore energy infrastructure, the activities between factory and seabed — including transport, storage, handling, testing and installation — are essential to long-term integrity and risk reduction. The group aims to capture lessons learned and promote greater collaboration, consistency and early engagement among developers, manufacturers, engineering firms and installation contractors.

Representatives from Seaway7, Apollo, DeepOcean, RED Engineering, Waves Group and MDL bring expertise across engineering, installation, vessel operations, project delivery, testing, cable-handling equipment and subsea infrastructure. The guidance will span the full cable lifecycle, covering transportation and logistics, installation methodologies, vessel and equipment selection, integrity management, testing, cable protection systems, route engineering, procurement strategies, operations and maintenance, and opportunities to improve delivery through earlier collaboration across the supply chain.

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Neil Gordon, Chief Executive at Global Underwater Hub, said: "GUH's strategic programme forums are becoming increasingly important in bringing industry together to address the technical and commercial challenges that can restrict supply chain growth and technology deployment.

"These forums are directed by industry-led steering groups, ensuring that their work is focused on practical priorities and produces tangible outputs, including technical guidance, workshops, industry papers and recommendations. The establishment of our Cable Handling, Testing and Installation Working Group is an excellent example of this approach, bringing together specialists from across the supply chain to capture industry experience and develop practical guidance that will benefit future offshore wind projects.

"GUH acts as both the industry convenor and technical coordinator for the underwater supply chain. By connecting developers, contractors, manufacturers, technology companies and specialist service providers, we provide the joined-up approach required to strengthen the supply chain, improve project delivery and support the development of the technologies needed for the future offshore energy market."

The initiative complements wider industry efforts to enhance project execution, mitigate risks and deepen collaboration as offshore wind deployment accelerates in the UK and globally.

The working group's objectives and initial work programme will be presented at GUH's Cables 2026 Conference at Energy Central Campus in Blyth on 9 September 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across the subsea cable sector to discuss developments in HVDC and dynamic cables, operations, maintenance and repair, and emerging technologies.