Nexans has claimed a new record for the installation of the longest and deepest 420 kV XLPE submarine cable system as a part of the Modalen-Mongstad connection in Norway.

BKK Nett awarded Nexans with a contract worth approximately 37 million euros for delivery of the third and last submarine cable to complete the Modalen-Mongstad connection, which will ensure power supply to over 420,000 residents, businesses and industry facilities throughout the region.

Nexans submarine cable will cross the Fensfjord, which is approximately 8 km wide and 526 meters at its deepest point, thus breaking the previous record that the company set during the construction of the first part of the connection between Kollsnes and Mongstad at the end of 2016.

The Kollsnes-Mongstad connection had to cross two fjords: the Lurefjord and the Hjeltefjord which was a mere 390 meters at its deepest.

Vincent Dessale, executive vice president in Subsea Energy Systems Business Line in Nexans Norway said: “We are delighted that BKK has once again shown confidence in Nexans, entrusting us with the delivery of all three submarine cables needed to provide safe power supply to local residents, as well as the industry and commerce that create value in West Norway. We are now looking forward to deliver on this inspirational project, breaking our existing world record.”

Nexans will develop and produce the submarine cable at its facility in Halden, Norway. Installation and work on the seabed will be performed by Nexans’ cable-laying vessel C/S Nexans Skagerrak in the summer of 2019.

After commissioning, the Modalen-Mongstad facility should be handed over to Statnett, the company with system responsibility for Norway’s central power grid.