Refitted cable barge for Global Marine Energy

Vessel & ROV News - May 17, 2012

Global Marine Energy Ltd says it has invested significantly in the refit and development of Cable Enterprise, a barge built specifically for the installation of power cables
for offshore windfarms.

Cable Enterprise, which was launched in Middlesbrough in the northeast of England in April, will be used for a range of offshore installation projects, including export cables and interconnect cables.

The increase in offshore electricity transmission has triggered a need for vessels which are designed to adapt to the specific requirements of offshore windfarms and their accompanying conditions and challenges.

“Due to the increased demand for offshore power cable installation, the need for purpose built assets and the expertise to operate them is growing,” said Mark Leggett, CEO of Global Marine Energy.

“As a result, we are looking to expand our resources and facilities in the UK and we see Cable Enterprise as a major first step in this process.

"Such investment will further strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the renewables industry as well as support the further growth of the UK marine industry."

Cable Enterprise’s first project will be to lay the export cable for Gwynt y Môr, located off the Welsh coast.

Gwynt y Môr is one of the largest offshore wind farms currently in construction, and is being built by RWE npower renewables. When complete, energy generation from Gwynt y Môr is expected to be equivalent to the average annual needs of around 400,000 homes.