Global ocean services provider DeepOcean has successfully completed the installation and testing of all inter-array cables at the Nordseecluster A wind farm offshore Germany.
DeepOcean’s scope of work included project management and engineering; provision of cable protection systems; offshore preparatory works including burial assessments; pre-installation cable route surveys, foundation and offshore substation preparatory works; transport and installation of inter-array cables including cable pull-in; as well as cable burial activities including seabed surveys and monitoring.
Cable-laying operations commenced in January 2026. A total of 48 inter-array cables were installed between January and April in some of the more challenging offshore weather conditions. Termination and testing activities have now been completed.
DeepOcean mobilized a fleet of four vessels for the installation campaign, including two of the company’s chartered vessels – the multi-role subsea construction vessel Olympic Ares and the subsea construction vessel M/S Volantis - as well as two walk-to-work vessels supporting the campaign. In addition, seabed survey services were carried out by another vessel from DeepOcean’s fleet.
Cable-laying was conducted from the Olympic Ares, which was modified with the addition of a carousel and lay spread to safely and efficiently execute the project. The flexible lay spread can be rapidly deployed and installed on other vessels within DeepOcean’s fleet.
Subsea trenching and burial operations were conducted from the M/S Volantis, which utilised DeepOcean’s advanced UT-1 jet trenching system. The UT-1 is a versatile 2,800hp trencher capable of conducting subsea trenching for cables and pipelines up to 46 inches in diameter. It can trench installations to depths exceeding three metres and operate in water depths up to 2,500 metres.
'The project operations were executed to consistently high standards, demonstrating the unique offering we bring to the industry. Our adaptable cable-laying and trenching vessels, backed by a dedicated and experienced team, deliver turnkey transport and installation solutions in a cost-effective way for our clients,' says Mitchell Pike, Executive Vice President for DeepOcean’s offshore renewables division.
DeepOcean managed the project out of Aberdeen, UK, with support from the company’s Norwegian offices in Haugesund and Oslo.
'We are proud to have successfully managed and coordinated such an extensive installation campaign, involving four vessels and more than 200 people engaged between DeepOcean and its parters, with the schedule optimized in a robust and safe manner. We thank RWE for entrusting us with this responsibility,' says Øyvind Mikaelsen, Chief Executive Officer at DeepOcean.
Nordseecluster A, the first phase of the 1.6 GW Nordseecluster project, will comprise 44 Vestas V236-15.0 MW wind turbines and deliver a total installed capacity of 660 MW once fully commissioned in early 2027.
RWE owns the wind farm together with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM).
Source: DeepOcean
