First section of new NorNed cable welded
13-04-2010
In the past weekend, the specialised vessel that will carry out repairs on the NorNed cable has arrived at the site of the failure, some 71 kilometres off the Dutch coast. The first task at hand was the removal of the defective section of the cable. Once this had been completed, the crew could turn to welding the first joint, a job that is currently being carried out aboard the vessel. The welding work involves attaching the replacement cable to the original cable. The next step is to weld the other end of the cable, whereupon the repaired section will be re-installed beneath te sea floor.
Following tests to determine if the repairs have been successful, the cable is put back into operation and buried to prevent any further damage. The work will be completed by the end of April, provided the weather conditions at sea remain favourable and the various tests are successful.
The defective cable section has been stored on board the repair vessel and will be brought ashore for further investigation.