Longbore Limited, a Horizontal Directional Drilling contractor based in Livingston, Scotland, were awarded 'Project of the Year' for their Marine Current Turbine Cable Installation at the International Society of Trenchless Technology conference in Moscow, Russia.

Longbore used guided directional drilling technology to install the power export cable from the onshore substation to Marine Current Turbines offshore renewable energy device in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland.

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The 450 metre long cable was drilled 15m below the solid rock seabed, protecting it from the five metres per second currents and preserving the environmentally sensitive coastline, a world renowned nature reserve recognised for its breeding colonies of migratory birds and seals.

In addition, the use of patented Pipe Pushing Technology allowed the operation to be conducted from the shore, reducing the heath and safety risks associated with working in fast moving tidal currents.

Dec Downey, President of the International Society of Trenchless Technology, said: "The meticulous attention to detail which accompanied every phase of the project, and Longbores contribution to the team approach, ensured that the fixed price project was delivered on time and to exacting standards."

(GK/JM)