VBMS recently repaired two inter-array cables and one export cable in UK waters.

With its cable-laying vessels being deployed for cabling projects at Galloper, Rampion and Walney Extension offshore wind farms, VBMS used Stemat 82 to carry out these cable repairs.

The cable-laying barge’s 8-point mooring system and 2.3 depth made it suitable for repairing two inter-array cables in the shallow waters of the outer Thames Estuary. The export cable repair was carried out 20 kilometers offshore, in the Irish Sea.

To connect the replacement and existing cable sections, VBMS acquired a Subsea Universal Joint which was installed by High Voltage engineering specialists EDS. The Universal Joint is designed to connect export cables of varied sizes as well as cable from different manufacturers.

At the end of May, VBMS and EDS launched their Cable Integrity Solutions, including the ‘Prepare to Repair’ framework. The model facilitates preparations being carried out upfront, ensuring that if a cable fails, arrangements are in place and the repair process can be started immediately. VBMS and EDS estimate that with their solutions cable repairs can be completed up to 70% faster.