NKT has kitted its vessel NKT Victoria with a monitoring system for high voltage (HV) power cable installations.
The new monitoring system will enable NKT Victoria to safely install power cables with minimal risk of compromising the cable’s integrity during laying operations, in even the “most challenging site conditions”, such as high seas, strong current and low visibility, according to NKT.
The new system provides real-time monitoring and data collection ensuring optimal layback tension, departure angle and touchdown position without any physical contact with the cable.
NKT HV solutions executive vice president and head Claes Westerlind said: “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 minimising 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.”
NKT designed the system with software company 4D Nav.
The technology is integrated into the hull of the NKT Victoria and, along with, software integration into the vessel’s standard survey system, cable touch down monitoring is less sensitive to high currents, compared with traditional monitoring using remote operated vehicle (ROV) positioning, according to NKT.
The accuracy and reliability of the HV cable laying monitoring system has already been proven during operations in challenging site conditions in the UK.
Westerlind said: “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.”