Seaway7 has secured a significant contract with Ørsted to handle the transport and installation of inter-array cables for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind project, located in the UK sector of the North Sea. This massive undertaking positions Seaway7 at the forefront of the UK’s offshore wind initiatives, as the scope involves handling 192 inter-array cables—66 kV in capacity and stretching a combined length of about 500 kilometers. Offshore activities for the installation are set to kick off in 2026.
Stuart Fitzgerald, CEO of Seaway7, shared his thoughts on the new contract, highlighting Seaway7’s ongoing collaboration with Ørsted. “With this award, we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Ørsted. The Hornsea 3 project represents our seventh offshore wind project together, including the inter-array cables on the two previous phases of the Hornsea Wind Zone, Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2,” Fitzgerald commented. Notably, this partnership with Ørsted not only enhances Seaway7’s project backlog but also solidifies its leading position in the UK offshore wind sector, the largest such market in Europe.
Hornsea 3, part of the Hornsea Zone, is a groundbreaking project in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. Situated roughly 120 kilometers off the Yorkshire coast, the wind farm aims to generate power for over two million UK homes. Each phase of the project reflects the scale and ambition of the UK’s push towards a more sustainable energy future. With the award of this contract, Seaway7 is set to contribute to one of the world’s largest offshore wind initiatives, underscoring the importance of reliable inter-array cable networks in meeting Europe’s ambitious green energy targets.
The task of transporting and installing 500 kilometers of cable presents substantial logistical challenges. The cables will serve as critical arteries, transferring electricity between the turbines and ultimately connecting the wind farm to the main transmission infrastructure. Efficiently managing the complexity of offshore cable laying—amid unpredictable sea conditions—requires a blend of precision and resilience that Seaway7 brings to the table.
With the planned work for Hornsea 3 slated to start in 2026, Seaway7 and Ørsted are setting the stage for what could be a transformative project for the UK’s renewable energy supply. Each of these cables will play a pivotal role in supporting the wind farm’s operational effectiveness and its ability to deliver clean power. Projects like Hornsea 3 underscore the growing demand for specialist expertise in transporting and installing high-capacity cables in offshore environments, areas where Seaway7 has honed its capabilities over years of experience.
Seaway7’s role in the Hornsea 3 project also reflects its broader growth trajectory and alignment with global environmental goals. The UK’s push towards renewable energy aligns with similar efforts across Europe, and Seaway7’s ongoing work in this arena highlights its importance as a key player. With this new contract, Seaway7 not only builds on its past successes with Ørsted but strengthens its footprint within the offshore wind sector at a critical time for the industry’s development.
