In a move that could reshape how subsea power cable integrity is managed, Belgian offshore and maritime contractor Jan De Nul has announced it is rolling out Wirescan Digital monitoring technology across its entire cable-laying fleet. The decision follows successful implementation and testing on more than 1,000 kilometers of subsea cable, the company confirmed shortly after the announcement was made by technology partner Wirescan AS at WindEurope.
For the offshore wind and subsea infrastructure sectors, cable integrity is non-negotiable. Failures can result in major power losses, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Jan De Nul’s adoption of real-time monitoring aims to address these risks head-on—starting from the moment the cable leaves the factory floor.
So, what does this mean in practice? Wirescan Digital enables operators to track the health of subsea power cables throughout their entire handling, transportation, and installation lifecycle. Think of it like a constant diagnostic feed for the cable—offering instant insights, flagging anomalies, and giving crews immediate feedback during critical phases.
This kind of visibility is a big step forward in an industry where post-installation faults often lead to delayed detection and reactive interventions. Instead, Jan De Nul’s crews can now intervene in real-time, long before a small issue becomes a million-euro problem.
The move also reflects a growing trend among offshore contractors to embed digital solutions into field operations—not as add-ons, but as integral tools. By integrating Wirescan Digital across its cable-laying vessels, Jan De Nul isn’t just future-proofing its fleet; it’s sending a clear message that real-time data matters more than ever in high-risk offshore environments.
It’s worth noting that while this implementation marks a first in terms of scale, it’s not a testbed. The technology has already proven itself on large-scale projects, giving the company enough confidence to move to full deployment.
