VBMS innovates with unique method for export cable shore landings

VBMS is responding to a growing market demand for minimising the use of divers during operations by the development of a new method for floating pull-ins. Building on previous successful collaboration, VBMS further developed an innovative application of the Unique Group’s Seaflex buoyancy system called SeaSerpent.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. VBMS proved the efficiency of its invention at the Galloper shore landing on the coast of Suffolk, UK. The shore landing, entailing a 700-metre export cable pull-in and lowering of the cable onto the seabed, was performed in only seven hours. The progressive lowering itself took five minutes to complete.

Toby Edmonds, Project Director at Galloper Wind Farm Limited said, “The installation of the first of two export cables is a critical step in the construction of Galloper, which once operational, will be capable of generating enough energy for over 300,000 homes. 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.”

He added: “The new technology that VBMS deployed on the Galloper project is a great example of how the industry is continuing to think innovatively and progressively to increase safety, manage interfaces, and reduce installation costs.”

Arno van Poppel, Managing Director of VBMS, said, “We are delighted to have demonstrated this unique method successfully for the first export cable shore landing for the Galloper Offshore Wind Farm. 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.”

Today (4th November) Galloper will be premiering a short film of the cable installation at the UK’s biggest offshore wind event, Offshore Wind Week. The film highlights the journey of the cable installation vessel Ndurance, which sailed from Holland to the coast of Sizewell in Suffolk earlier this year in August, and the successful completion of the works.

Project partner innogy SE is leading the development and construction of Galloper Offshore Wind Farm on behalf of all of the project partners, including Siemens Financial Services; UK Green Investment Bank; and Macquarie Capital.

Watch a video of the new method