NCT Offshore, Poseidon Cables to install inter-array links at Taiwanese offshore wind project

Poseidon Cables, a UK-based company specialised in subsea cable installation, termination and testing, has secured a contract with Norwegian subsea services provider NCT Offshore for work on Ørsted’s 920 MW Greater Changhua 2b & 4 offshore wind farms in Taiwan.

Last year, NCT Offshore was awarded the installation contract for the 66 kV inter-array cables for Greater Changhua 2b & 4 with the work planned to take place in 2025.

NCT Offshore said in 2023 that for the Taiwanese offshore wind project, it would use its newbuild cable-laying vessel (CLV) and subsea spread, including scope-specific work-class inspection remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a brand-new trencher ROV designed and assembled in-house, and a full cable-laying spread.

The company is currently having its new CLV built by Norway’s ship designer and shipbuilder VARD, with the vessel set to start sea trials this month.

With Poseidon Cables, NCT Offshore has signed a contract for the cable pre-rigging and pull-in work.

The inter-array cables for the new Greater Changhua offshore wind farms will be delivered by Dutch cable manufacturer Twentsche KabelFabriek (TKF).

For TKF, the contract scope includes the supply and termination of close to 200 kilometres of inter-array cables and other cables including accessories and connectors, all operating at 66 kV.

Located 35-60 kilometres off the coast of Changhua County, the Greater Changhua 2b & 4 offshore wind farms commenced construction in March 2023, following Ørsted’s final investment decision.

Earlier this month, the first batch of suction bucket jacket foundations for the project arrived at the Port of Taichung in Taiwan ahead of the start of major offshore construction work.

The wind farms are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

In addition to Greater Changhua 2b & 4, Ørsted is also the developer of the Greater Changhua 1 & 2a wind farms, which were inaugurated in April 2024.