VBMS floats novel cable landing

VBMS has successfully tackled the first export cable shore landing at the 336MW Galloper offshore wind farm in England using its new SeaSerpent bouyancy system.

The Dutch marine contractor said the first of two wires was lowered into place “using its newly invented method” that requires no divers, wet riggers or support vessels.

“By using a remotely controlled progressive buoyancy release system, VBMS is able to increase safety and efficiency by eliminating time-consuming interfaces,” said the company. 

VBMS added it is responding to a “growing market demand for minimising the use of divers during operations” with the development of its new method for floating pull-ins.

It explained: “The controlled progressive lowering of the cable onto the seabed is remotely operated from the beach or an installation vessel, positioning the cable accurately along the route without risking the integrity of the cable. 

“Another advantage of this diverless operation is that all rigging materials, including buoyancy devices, are recovered from the cable directly, after which the trenching operation can commence without any further intervention.”

The shore landing entailed a 700-metre export cable pull-in and lowering of the cable onto the seabed and was performed in only seven hours, with the progressive lowering itself taking only five minutes to complete.

Galloper project director Toby Edmonds said: “The installation of the first of two export cables is a critical step in the construction of Galloper. The installation went smoothly and to time and we look forward to replicating that performance next spring when the second and final export cable is installed.”

VBMS managing director Arno van Poppel said: “We are delighted to have demonstrated this unique method successfully. It underlines our vision to liaise with both clients and partners in order to continuously improve existing methods, the safety of our operations and overall efficiency.”

Galloper partner and construction lead Innogy is joined by Siemens, UK Green Investment Bank and Macquarie.

A video of the operation can be seen here. 

Image: installation at Galloper (VBMS)