Subsea Cables Successfully Deployed in MeyGen Tidal Energy Project
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Subsea Cables Successfully Deployed in MeyGen Tidal Energy Project

James Fisher (UK) has successfully deployed subsea export cables as part of the initial construction phase (Phase 1A), in support of MeyGen Limited’s (MeyGen) 398MW tidal array, at Pentland Firth, Scotland.

Mojo was able to apply its marine project planning system, Mermaid (which precisely simulates marine operations against historical tidal data), to optimise project operations and significantly reduce costs. A short neap window was identified and in order to achieve it, the vessel would have to lay one cable every 12 hours. While ambitious, this schedule was achieved and the offshore operation took just 2.5 days.

Mobilisation was very compressed and required extensive input from all involved to mobilise an entire cable spread in 4 days. The Siem Daya 1 DP vessel was carefully selected on its capabilities, as Mojo understood that securely positioning the vessel within the extreme tidal conditions would be a critical factor in achieving success.

Challinging Tidal Environment

Tim Cornelius, CEO of the Atlantis group – majority owner of MeyGen, explained that by its very nature the offshore site is a challenging tidal environment, and to complete the installation campaign safely and in line with the programme is an achievement by MeyGen’s onshore and offshore teams, aided by great performance from the vessel.

Principle contractor James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) acted as the project interface for the installation of four subsea cables at the MeyGen tidal energy project with Mojo Maritime (Mojo), marine management specialists, acting as the project lead that coordinated all offshore activities during operations.

Planning for 11km Cable Laid

Commenting on the project’s overall success, Richard Parkinson managing director at Mojo said that installing 11km of cable in tidal speeds of up to 6 knots posed significant challenges in planning and delivery and the specialists were aware of a demanding schedule.

Demonstrating the streamlined service delivery from James Fisher, further group company involvement included; James Fisher Subsea heading up the diving services and mobilisation of a full dive spread, James Fisher Offshore supplying marine equipment and Fendercare Marine providing mooring systems.

Highlighting this integrated approach, JFMS managing director Richard Burmeister explained: “I’m proud of our significant success at this project milestone. JFMS is all about delivering our extensive in-house group capability through one contractual interface. This was a perfect example of how we aim to reduce our customer’s supply chain by bringing together a streamlined solution, enabling improved cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

 

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