DeepOcean and the controlling entity of TFKable Group, comprising Tele-Fonika Kable, JDR Cable Systems and their affiliated and associated entities, have agreed to establish a joint venture focused on integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) services for inter-array cable projects in the offshore wind sector.
A newbuild, dedicated inter-array cable laying vessel is also planned to become part of the joint venture’s offering.
The planned collaboration will combine TFKable Group’s subsea cable technology and manufacturing capabilities with DeepOcean’s expertise in offshore engineering, installation and seabed intervention.
Credit: DeepOcean
Still HWC2
“Offshore wind developers are increasingly looking for greater collaboration and integration across the supply chain. By combining complementary cable manufacturing and offshore installation capabilities, we intend to create a more efficient delivery model that reduces interfaces, strengthens risk management and supports greater project certainty,” says Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean.
Combining cable manufacturing and offshore installation expertise
TFKable Group provides cables and cable systems supporting the development of energy and industrial infrastructure. The Group has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of subsea power cable systems for offshore wind projects.
DeepOcean is a global provider of subsea services to the offshore renewables and energy industries, with capabilities spanning survey, engineering, project management, cable installation and seabed intervention.
Drawing on the complementary strengths of both partners, the planned joint venture will provide an integrated offering covering key stages of inter-array cable projects, including seabed mapping, route surveys, engineering, cable manufacturing and transportation, trenching, installation and cable protection.
The joint venture will initially focus on inter-array cable systems, while also having the potential to support other subsea cable applications in the future.
“TFKable and JDR Cable Systems have developed strong expertise in inter-array cable solutions, supported by continued investment in technology, manufacturing capacity and product development. Together with DeepOcean’s offshore engineering and installation capabilities, we see an opportunity to offer customers a more integrated solution covering a broader part of the cable project lifecycle,” says Piotr Mirek, a Member of the Management Board of Tele-Fonika Kable and Executive Director for Supply Chains and Investments in JDR Cable Systems.
Supporting inter-array cable projects
The collaboration is planned as a multi-year development programme. Its capabilities are expected to be introduced progressively as the programme advances, with key development milestones currently planned through 2029.
As part of this programme, the partners are progressing plans for the future joint venture, including the construction and operation of its own dedicated, purpose-built cable-laying vessel to support the delivery of inter-array cable projects.
The plan is that the cable-laying vessel will be owned by a separate vessel-owning entity that consists of Poland’s state-owned industrial development agency ARP (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), DeepOcean and the controlling entity of TFKable Group. Work is currently progressing towards the necessary milestones required for project sanction.
The integrated offering will also be supported by TFKable Group’s ongoing investments in subsea cable manufacturing capacity and technology in Poland and the United Kingdom, together with DeepOcean’s specialist engineering expertise and offshore project execution capabilities.
“By bringing these capabilities together, DeepOcean and TFKable Group aim to reduce interface risk, improve schedule certainty and support more efficient and predictable delivery of inter-array cable projects,” adds Piotr Mirek.
The establishment and operation of the joint venture remain subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities and the completion of customary closing requirements, with both companies continuing to support their current and future customers with installation services or product supply, on a project-by-project basis.