Submarine Power Cables

State-of-the-art production facility, more than 100 years of experience and reference installations around the world. Reliable power cables from ABB

ABB is one of the world’s most expe- rienced submarine cable manufacturers, with well over a century’s experience of cable manufacturing and installa- tion. We offer complete cable systems for all types of applications, from medium voltage distribution to AC and DC transmission. Our product range covers paper- lapped cables for HVDC and extruded polymeric insulation cables for either AC or DC applications. The reference list is long and includes numerous world record-breaking events. For example, we introduced the HVDC technology in the 1950’s and installed the world’s first submarine HVAC cable with XLPE insulation in the late 1960’s. In 1997 we launched the HVDC Light concept with extruded DC cables, and in 1999 we qualified a 1 GW cable for 500 kV DC opera- tion. The major part of the world's longest submarine is also produced by ABB. It is the 580 km long NorNed cable between and the .

Our vast experience from submarine cable projects has made us an ideal supplier of cables for off-shore oil- and gas platforms as well as cables for off-shore wind farms.

2 Reliable submarine power cables from ABB

The global focus on environmen- system subject to transmission capacity and industry customers to improve tal issues has lead to an increasing needs, environmental issues and cost performance while lowering environ- demand for submarine cables. For for installation and operation. mental impact. We spend much time example, governments and power and effort on research and develop- ABB is one of the world’s leading suppliers are supporting renewable ment to maintain our position as mar- electro-technical groups with 104,000 energy sources such as off-shore ket leader and trend setter on cable employees in more than 100 countries. wind power. Also oil and gas compa- transmission systems. ABB develops, produces, sells and nies are replacing local generation on services systems and products in a platforms with power feeding from wide range of areas related to the the mainland. The knowledge we production, transmission, distribu- have acquired from all of our sub- tion and application of electricity. marine cable installations worldwide, The focus is on power and automa- makes ABB uniquely qualified to tion technologies that enable utility design and install the optimal cable

ABB’s factory for submarine power cables, has its own deep harbour for efficient loading of submarine cables.

3 From planning to installation

The earlier a customer involves ABB for planning, surveying, design and the project, from the equipment spe- in the planning phase of a project, the manufacturing of the cable system and cification, purchasing of raw material, more the customer can benefit from the installation and testing thereof. manufacturing, laying and installation our extensive cable project experience. Together with other ABB companies operations, to taking over. It also mini- We know the permit processes and we can also optimize and supply com- mizes the final commissioning time and are able to assist our customers by plete distribution and transmission ensures optimum performance of the supplying necessary documents for systems, including converter stations cable system with the highest possible keeping the permit process as short and/or substations with overhead line availability. as possible. connections. Our products and sys- All submarine cable projects have their tems correspond to all internationally own special challenges. Whether it is approved standards, and they are tailor- the voltage, power rating, water depth, made for working together. route length, installation or protection During the planning and tender pro- method that requires special attention, cesses we form a designated project the know-how of ABB assures that the team. When awarded the contract this ABB can supply the entire transmission most efficient and optimized system team continues their work until suc- system. is chosen. Being a project supplier, cessful completion of the project. we also take complete responsibility This ensures the quality throughout

Loading of a 115 kV cable destinated for the oilfields in Saudi Arabia.

4 Purchasing submarine cable systems from ABB provides the following benefits:

• Extensive experience from many • Responsible and highly efficient previous projects project management • Optimised system and plant design • Closely monitored delivery utilizing highly sophisticated and schedules to ensure on-time advanced computer programs commissioning • Supreme quality in manufacturing • Highest level of reliability and and thorough testing of the equip- availability ment • Continued support and assistance • Thoroughly field tested equipment after commissioning incorporating the latest state-of- the-art technology We have developed advanced systems for quality assurance and environmental man- agement, complying with ISO 9001 and Type testing of a cable in one of the test bays in Karlskrona ISO 14001.

5 We manufacture submarine cables of all types

No two submarine cable projects are to ensure the longest possible service supply three different types of sub- identical. Each has to be designed to life. That is why we often produce a marine cables: fulfil its purpose, taking into account pilot length of cable that is then thor- • Extruded XLPE cables for AC transmission distance, water depth, oughly tested both electrically and • Extruded HVDC Light cables for DC sea currents, risks of damage, etc. mechanically under realistic operating Since the cable is the most vital part conditions. This means that both the • Mass-impregnated paper cables for DC of an underwater transmission project, customer and ABB is assured of reli- XLPE-insulated AC cables can be it must be of a robust, reliable design able subsequent operation. ABB can manufactured for system requirements

 ABB 1 Polymeric HVDC Light cable for DC 2 Paper-insulated mass-impregnated cable for HVDC 3 XLPE-insulated three-core cable for AC 4 XLPE-insulated cable for AC We manufacture submarine cables of all types

of 420 kV and 1000 MVA for subma- Each cable type is being continuously rine or land applications. developed in order to meet the mar- Extruded HVDC Light cables are avail- ket’s demand for increased voltage able for DC voltages up to 300 kV and power capacity. Better materials and 1000 MW. and improved production and instal- We can offer mass-impregnated lation techniques have resulted in HVDC cables for 600 kV and 2000 many world firsts and world records MW bipole. over the years.

ABB  1 Polymeric HVDC Light cable for DC 2 Paper-insulated mass-impregnated cable for HVDC 3 XLPE-insulated three-core cable for AC 4 XLPE-insulated cable for AC The world’s most modern cable factory

ABB's state-of-the-art plant for manu- the most up-to-date production, quality Modern equipment is important, but facturing of paper-insulated and poly- and testing facilities. Close tolerances, even more important are the people meric insulated cables for submarine high accuracy and continuous, careful who operate it. Our employees are and underground applications, is monitoring throughout the entire experienced, highly skilled and have located in Karlskorna on the south manufacturing process are essential specialist knowledge of cables and coast of . The plant is specially for the production of reliable cables, cable projects. designed for very long submarine thus ensuring maximum availability cables, which can be loaded in full of the cable link. High voltage and lengths on board the laying ship in high power testing facilities are also the harbour by the production plant. located within the factory. The cables are manufactured using The production plant in Karlskrona has lines for paper- and XLPE-insulated cables.

8 The world’s most modern cable factory

“The cables are manufactured using state-of-the-art production, quality and testing facilities”

ABB’s vertical extrusion line for AC and DC cables is a rapid and efficient production line for high voltage cables.

9 Transport, laying and protection Cable installation requires experience and skill

The ABB group can supply complete Our factory has its own deep-sea our customers optimal laying methods distribution or transmission projects. harbour for efficient loading of sub- and protection for every specific The cable system technology is sup- marine cables. The cable is coiled or installation. Whether it is a heavy ported by skilled and experienced laid on turntable on board, directly DC or AC cable together with fiber installation services. Cable instal- from the production line. optic cables or smaller medium - lations - deep down in the sea, age AC cables or HVDC Light cables, through bedrock, clay or sands, tun- Laying and protection nels or tubes - we have just about By making a pre-study of the cable Considering cable type and cable route, we done it all, all over the globe. route and the seabed, we can offer choose the most suitable vessel.

10 Transport, laying and protection “ABB can offer the most efficient and reliable cable laying and cable protection available”

we offer the most suitable vessel for each project. Advanced positioning systems guarantee that the cable fol- lows the planned route. To avoid risk of damage by dragging anchor and fishing equipment, the cable could be buried in the seabed by means of water jetting or plowing, or be laid directly on the sea bed and covered with concrete or other mechanical protection. In with heavy traf- fic, the best solution could be to lay the cable in a tube under the . For such installations we work with experienced sub-contractors for direc- tional drilling. We possess all other equipment needed for all types of cable installations. Key personnel to supervise laying, jointing and erec- tion operations and experienced jointers and erectors for this type of work are readily available within our regular staff.

11 ABB - one of the world’s most experienced submarine cable contractors

When connecting the island of the cable was replaced in 1985 with its position as the world leader. We to the Swedish mainland with a 100 a new 150 MW interconnection. The have, in fact, supplied the major- km long cable in 1953, ABB marked old cable showed no signs of ageing! ity of all HVDC submarine power the start of a new era in cable trans- cables installed in the world, includ- mission technology - the world’s first World leader ing prominent projects such as the HVDC scheme was energized. Rated This ABB milestone in cable trans- (Sweden – ), originally 20 MW at 100 kV DC, the mission history has been followed the SwePol Link (Sweden – ) cable was upgraded to 30 MW at 150 by many more. Especially in the kV in 1970. After 32 years in service, HVDC field, ABB has maintained Before loaded on the laying vessel the cable is stored on a turntable.

12 ABB - one of the world’s most experienced submarine cable contractors

and latest, the NorNed cable (Norway or oil platforms. Today there are sub- In 1973 we produced and installed - the Netherlands), a 580 km long marine HVDC Light cables installed the world’s first extruded polymeric cable with a transmission capacity of for example between the mainland of insulated HVAC cable, - the 55 km 700 MW at 450 kV. Furthermore ABB Norway and the Troll A gas platform long, 84 kV AC cable to the island is the only cable manufacturer in in the and across the Long of Åland in the . No false the world who can offer polymeric Island Sound in the U.S. of internal origin occured during its insulated HVDC power cables. The service life. The high reliability of our Sweden is a country with countless HVDC Light system and its light and cables together with very rigid health, islands and over 2,700 km of coast- robust cables, were launched in the safety and environmental regulations, line. Electrifying the islands has led end of the 1990’s and has proved where some of the reasons why we to an extensive use of submarine AC a very successful concept. The low were chosen to deliver submarine cables - the majority of which have losses together with the possibility power cables to some of the most been supplied by ABB. Also in the to connect asynchronous networks, demanding offshore oil companies in high voltage AC field, ABB has been make it ideal for connections between the world, such as Saudi Aramco in pushing the technology forward. mainland and offshore windmill farms Saudi Arabia and Statoil in Norway.

Cable laying in progress at the Troll A off­ shore gas platform in the North Sea.

The world’s first submarine XLPE cable con- necting the Swedish mainland to the Finnish island of Åland. The cable link consists of three cables, 55 km each, for 84 kV. Laid in 1973.

The world’s first and longest (100 km) HVDC cable for 100 kV, 20 MW, connecting the island of Gotland to the Swedish mainland in 1953.

13 14 Using experience to meet future demands

Submarine cables have been increasingly used for power transmission in recent decades. Requirements are increasing regarding more effective use of available energy resources. We are equipped both with resources and skills to meet any future demands for higher voltages, higher power, deeper water and longer distances. Extensive research, development and experience from past projects represent a good basis for new projects emerging in the future. Vital know-how has also been gained from HVDC equipment for long distance transmissions and power system interconnections. In this field ABB is the most advanced and experienced company in the world. We are well prepared to meet future demands for any type of power transmission, both on land and at sea.

15 200 6 Västerås Elanders,

For additional information please contact you local ABB Sales Office Brochure issued by: 11 ABB's high voltage cable unit in

Sweden 200 6 -05- Phone +46 455 556 00 3000 Fax +46 455 556 55 E-mail: [email protected]

www.abb.com/cables 2GM5012-gb HVC ABB