NKT introduces next generation monitoring system for high-voltage power cable installation with NKT Victoria

With the new custom-made Cable Laying Monitoring System, NKT has further enhance NKT Victoria’s capabilities to safely install power cables with minimal risk of compromising the cable integrity during laying operation in even the most challenging site conditions such as high seas, strong current and low visibility. The new system provides real-time monitoring and data collection during cable lay ensuring optimal layback tension, departure angle and touchdown position without any physical contact with the cable.

- We are always aiming to offer the most reliable and efficient power cable installation to our customers. With the new system we are setting new industry standards in terms of minimizing the risk of over bending or stretching of the cable during installation. The system increases the level of digitalisation and integration of the survey system improving the cable laying performance and reliability, says Claes Westerlind, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona.

The Cable Laying Monitoring System has been specially designed by NKT in close collaboration with the software company 4D Nav and is integrated into the hull of the NKT Victoria. With the hardware hull integration and software integration into the vessels standard survey system the cable touch down monitoring is not sensitive to high currents like traditional monitoring based on Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) positioning.

The accuracy and reliability of the Cable Laying Monitoring System has already been proven during operations in challenging site conditions in the UK.

- We have put the new system to the test during the cable-laying between the Channel Islands Jersey and Guernsey in October. These waters are known to pose a rather challenging environment with strong currents, bad visibility and large tidal differences. The monitoring system proved an excellent performance supporting NKT Victoria and the team to install the cable successfully within the planned schedule and with no unforeseen events, says Claes Westerlind.

NKT Victoria is ranked as one of the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel and its design is based on extensive experience with offshore installations. She installs high-voltage offshore cable systems with exceptionally high precision based on DP3 (Dynamic Positioning) capability and sophisticated monitoring features. These, and many more cuttingedge features, contribute to higher efficiency and precision of the installation and service execution, while offering maximum safety for the crew. NKT Victoria was commissioned in 2017 and has completed operations across Europe.