Function
The installation of array cables enables the connection of the installed offshore wind turbines to the offshore substation.
Who supplies them
Marine contractors: Boskalis, DEME, DeepOcean, Global Marine, Global Offshore, Huisman, Jan de Nul, Oceanteam, Seaway 7 and Van Oord.
Cable manufacturers with installation capabilities: Nexans, NKT and Prysmian.
Key facts
Array cables are installed after the offshore wind turbine has been installed.
Array cable installation:
- This starts with the cable pull-in at the offshore substation, if it is the first connection in the array loop or string, otherwise it starts at an offshore wind turbine.
- The cable is then laid away using the CLV towards the next turbine. The array cable is either laid on the sea bed or buried using a cable plough or a trenching ROV.
- The cable is pulled-in at the next turbine through a J-tube to complete the single array length.
Array cables are usually installed by marine contractors.