Moving two 180 tonne Fibre Optic Cables
Project info:
Load
2x Fibre Optic Cable
Weight
180t each
Location
Sweden
Destination
Pembrokeshire
Cable Transportation
We were instructed by Sumitomo Electrical Corporation (Sumitomo), a Japanese submarine cable manufacturer, to move two fibre optic cables , from the supplier in Sweden to the installation site in Pembrokeshire, Wales . Our role was to come up with a solution to get the fibre optic cable onboard the installation vessel.
A Happy Client
Sumitomo were able to deliver the cables on time for installation. The Fibre Optic cable was ready and waiting for them when they arrived in Wales. With our help, Sumitomo were able to focus on their own project, without the stress and distraction of moving the cable.
We took care of customs, and chartering the vessels, so all the logistics were taken care of. The baskets were such a success that the installation contractor has requested to rent the baskets for other projects.
Minimising costs
At Harlyn, we’re always looking for the most cost-effective solution for our clients. In this project, the way to minimise costs was to transport the cable with the minimum number of handlings.
Cables are typically “spooled” into carousels or baskets at fairly slow speeds of around 300 – 600m per hour, due to their weight and size.
If the cables were spooled directly onto the large construction vessel, the project would have incurred costs of £80K per day for the vessel charter. But with the help of our bespoke baskets, we were able to spool the cable onto a smaller vessel, the 2500 DWT coaster, which was significantly cheaper, at £4K per day.
The baskets we created were liftable (when empty and full), which meant that we could transfer the baskets from Sweden to Belgium.
The challenge:
Sumitomo required the cables for the Greenlink Interconnector project, a subsea and underground electricity interconnector that links the power markets in Ireland and Great Britain.
Bespoke baskets, designed and built for the project
The solution:
In order to transport the cables, we designed and built two baskets. We collaborated with our partners in Rotterdam for the building phase.
Designing Baskets
In designing the baskets, we used finite element analysis and 3D design to create baskets that complied with DNV Design Rules, and were suitable to carry 180 tonnes of cable. Each basket weighed 200 tonnes and measured 9m in diameter.
We transported the baskets from Rotterdam to Sweden by road. We designed them specifically to be road transportable without a permit to reduce time and cost.
In Sweden, we spooled the fibre optic cable into the basket. Then we lifted the basket onto a 2500 DWT Coaster using a shore crane.
Next we sailed the cable from Sweden to Belgium. In Belgium, we lifted each basket from the vessel to the quayside, using a sheer leg crane.
Outcome
One of the cables went into long term storage. The other cable was taken offshore immediately to be laid. Once laid, we received back the basket, and 1,600m of cable , which we spooled to the reel on the quayside. We broke down the baskets and transported the baskets and the fibre optic cable to the UK.
Kris Tait
Working with Sumitomo Electrical Corporation on relocating fiber optic cables from Sweden to Wales was a rewarding challenge. Our team expertly managed logistics and coordination to ensure the safe and precise transfer of cables onto the installation vessel. This project showcased our dedication to excellence and innovation in complex marine operations.
Head of Projects, Harlyn Solutions
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