Scottish submarine cable factory starts taking shape

The first batch of structural steel for Sumitomo Electric’s submarine cable manufacturing facility at the Port of Nigg in Scotland, set to form the backbone of the factory and warehouse structure, has arrived at the site.

Sumitomo started the construction of what is said to be the UK’s first HVDC cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg, in May 2024.

Since then, groundwork, piling, and foundation work for the main building have progressed.

Sumitomo Electric U.K. Power Cables (SEUK-CL), the Scotland-based subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries, announced on February 10 the arrival of the first batch of structural steel at the site, supplied by Scottish B.H.C. Limited (BHC), set to form the backbone of the facility’s factory and warehouse structure.

The factory is scheduled to be opened by mid-2026.

“I am delighted to reach this momentous milestone through collaboration with all our stakeholders, which is key to making this ambitious project a success. We deeply appreciate the support of local partners, authorities, and communities as we work together to bring this cutting-edge facility to life. Stay tuned for more milestones as we continue to invest in Scotland and the UK’s sustainable energy future,” said Yasuyuki Shibata, Senior Executive Officer of Sumitomo Electric Industries.

With an investment value announced by the Scottish Government of £350 million, the factory is expected to make a significant contribution towards the realization of the UK Net Zero Target by contributing to critical electricity transmission infrastructure to connect and deliver renewable energy, including offshore wind, to UK consumers and beyond, and is set to create more than 150 highly skilled jobs in the Scottish Highlands.

The factory will deliver cable for the Shetland 2 HVDC Link, connecting Shetland and the Scottish mainland.