Ensuring subsea cable safety and long-term reliability

26 Mar 2025

As the world transitions to renewable energy, it is essential to ensure that each new project is connected to the electricity grid through safe, secure and reliable transmission lines.

In 2025, Intertek Metoc delivered a comprehensive risk assessment for five offshore wind export cables in the North Sea and the Baltic on behalf of Danish transmission system operator and long-term client Energinet. These cables will connect offshore wind energy from the North Sea I, Kattegat, and Kriegers Flak II wind farms to the Danish mainland, reinforcing Denmark’s commitment to sustainable energy.

Using a range of data, our team conducted a cable burial risk assessment. This included analysis of potential threats, their impacts and resulting risks to the integrity of the subsea cables’ lifetime operation. To mitigate identified risks – such as interaction with fishing gear or ship anchors – we offered recommendations to ensure the long-term reliability and safety of the subsea cables.

We also provided a high-level burial assessment study (‘BAS’) to evaluate various cable installation methods to determine the most effective approach for ensuring the cables’ protection and performance. The BAS considered factors such as seabed conditions to determine the installation efficiency of various subsea power cable tools, providing a high-level strategy for cable installation.

As a trusted provider of technical and consultancy solutions to clients in the energy and water sectors, Intertek Metoc is committed to supporting the development of critical energy projects. This latest collaboration with Energinet highlights our joint efforts towards a more sustainable future.

Learn more about Intertek Metoc’s pioneering energy and water solutions.