Subsea Cable Protection

National Grid is planning to launch a tender for a procurement of Subsea Cable Protection contract.

The scope of works/services will include a provision of a vessel and associated survey services, including loading and installation of protective measures such as rocks or concrete mattresses, for the purposes of protecting a subsea electricity cable.

Interested suppliers must have the capability to provide such works/services in both nearshore and offshore UK and European waters.

The intention is to award this contract to a single supplier for an initial term of 4 years with two options to extend to a total duration of 8 years.

Detailed requirements will be specified in an individual work order under the contract.

The contract is looking to provide works/services to the National Grid group and its JV partners. However, the key drivers are the current known exposures on IFA and NSL cables described below and the successful supplier will be expected to mobilise for these works/services in the spring 2027 (subject to licencing):

• IFA between England and France: 2000m on NGV's IFA2000 offshore and 500m in a marine conservation zone, both in English waters will require protection by rocks. Water depth is up to 50m.
• North Sea Link (NSL) between England and Norway: NSL cable requires 8m long extension to rock berm that was installed during construction. Water depth 90m.