Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Strategic cable partnership
Van Oord and Sumitomo Electric have signed a long-term framework agreement with SSEN Transmission to support future High Voltage Direct Current subsea transmission projects across the north of Scotland.
The agreement covers engineering, supply, transport and installation of HVDC subsea cable systems. It also includes initial design and engineering works for the proposed 525 kV Shetland 2 HVDC link.
Shetland 2 moves into focus
The proposed Shetland 2 link, connecting Shetland with mainland Scotland, is expected to be one of the first projects advanced under the framework.
For logistics and offshore installation teams, the project points to a familiar challenge: how to move large volumes of high specification cable through constrained marine, port and weather windows while keeping grid delivery schedules intact.
The link is intended to increase transmission capacity, strengthen system resilience and support the flow of renewable electricity into the wider UK energy system.
Supply chain certainty
The framework brings together SSEN Transmission’s grid investment programme, Sumitomo Electric’s HVDC cable manufacturing and system design capability, and Van Oord’s offshore transport and installation experience.
Like building a new motorway for electricity, subsea HVDC infrastructure is becoming a critical part of moving renewable power from generation areas to demand centres.
Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord, said the framework creates a foundation for long-term collaboration as offshore transmission investment grows.
“As the energy transition accelerates, investment in offshore transmission infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to connect renewable energy to the electricity grid,” he said.
UK energy transition link
Van Oord said the agreement also reflects its long-standing presence in the UK, where it has been active for more than a century.
The signing involved Jeroen Kwakernaak, Director at Van Oord Offshore Energy, Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, and Yasuyuki Shibata, Senior Executive Officer at Sumitomo Electric.
