Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has awarded a contract to marine cable specialist, Global Marine Group, to install and commission a 10.8km electricity cable between Rousay and Westray in the Orkney Isles.
The new cable is being installed as part of SSEN's ongoing electricity distribution subsea cable replacement programme and will replace the existing cable which is coming to the end of its operational life.
John Buchan, Head of Subsea Cable Projects said: "Appointing Global Marine Group marks an important milestone for the delivery of the Rousay Westray project. With our contractor now on board, plans are being finalised ready to start work onsite in Spring 2018. This is the first time SSEN has worked with this contractor and we are delighted to have them on board."
The Rousay -Westray submarine cable replacement is one of a number of projects which are being progressed to maintain the electricity distribution infrastructure serving the Scottish islands, ensuring continued security of supply for Scotland's island communities.
From now until 2023, around 90km of submarine cables are due to be replaced - a fifth of the total number currently in operation.
Mike Daniel, Global Marine Group said: "We're very proud to have secured our first cable replacement contract with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and we are looking forward to working with the SSEN team to deliver this vital project. Global Marine Group brings together a vast set of experience in this field, the CWind & Global Offshore team will execute this project and I have every confidence that we deliver this successfully. We are looking forward to building a long-term partnership with SSEN."
The Rousay-Westray works are scheduled to start in Spring 2018, with the new cable due to be commissioned by Summer 2018 when it will be providing a continued safe and reliable source of electricity to local homes and businesses.