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Subsea Cable Installation Challenges & Solutions

This document discusses common problems encountered with subsea cable installation and maintenance projects in the North Sea and EU waters. It notes that a majority of projects have experienced significant cable issues due to a lack of risk analysis and inaccurate assumptions during planning. Critical design details are often incomplete or changed, and unrealistic planning and permitting conditions are established regarding routing, burial depth, shore approaches, and other factors. The document recommends accounting for cable installation at the concept stage through realistic risk assessment and detailed planning. It also stresses using the correct vessels and equipment for the project conditions and preparing for necessary cable maintenance and repair work.

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JACK
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82 views1 page

Subsea Cable Installation Challenges & Solutions

This document discusses common problems encountered with subsea cable installation and maintenance projects in the North Sea and EU waters. It notes that a majority of projects have experienced significant cable issues due to a lack of risk analysis and inaccurate assumptions during planning. Critical design details are often incomplete or changed, and unrealistic planning and permitting conditions are established regarding routing, burial depth, shore approaches, and other factors. The document recommends accounting for cable installation at the concept stage through realistic risk assessment and detailed planning. It also stresses using the correct vessels and equipment for the project conditions and preparing for necessary cable maintenance and repair work.

Uploaded by

JACK
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Lessons Learned: Avoid Costly Problems With

Your Subsea Cable Installation & Maintenance

PO.15

Joel Whitman

Global Marine Energy

A majority of projects undertaken in the North Sea and other EU


waters have experienced significant Subsea Cable problems:
Why has this happened?
Lack of risk analysis involving those that know

Inaccurate assumptions are often made

Little attention paid to cable risks


Technical complexity not understood
Little involvement of installation expertise at planning
Weather, current and tidal impacts not anticipated
Crossings rarely considered in detail

Survey results are not fully representative of routes


Permit conditions cannot be met
Weather will not necessarily follow historical patterns
General underestimation how difficult marine installation can be

Critical Design details often incomplete/change


Unrealistic Planning and permit conditions regarding

Routing, layout, burial depth, beach approach,


shore-end hook-up
Crossing agreements, equipment
Installation methodology

Shallow water layouts and anchor spreads


J-tube solution, cable protection and sub-station layout
Cable crossing methodology
Bend Restrictor, cable protection selection and methodology

What can be done?


Account for Cable Installation at Concept stage
Cable Plant
Construction,
O&M

Concept
C
oncept

Bury at a depth appropriate to your location, using the right tool

Cost
Expenditure

Influence

Engineering
ng

BPI=2

Install
Commission

completion

Project Timeline

Burial Depth (m)

Procurement

start

BPI & cable size


determine tool
size and power

BPI=3

BPI=1

Soft
clay

Loose
sand

Medium
sand

Dense sand
Medium clay

Stiff
clay

Weathered
Chalk

Rock
Courtesy of SMD

Choose the correct vessel for the project

Prepare for Cable Maintenance & Repair it will happen

Installing cable offshore is highly complex

Realistic and detailed risk assessment,


planning & permitting
Correct vessels, equipment & experience
Comprehensive operations & maintenance plan

www.globalmarinesystemsenergy.com
EWEA Offshore 2011, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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