• Published on 26 October 2023
  • 3 minute read

New IMCA Code to prevent Subsea cable failure

IMCA's new Code of Practice could save millions for the Offshore Wind industry by preventing subsea cable failure

With some estimates putting the cost of subsea cable failure for Offshore Wind at more than £500 million in 2020, the average insurance claim worth more than £3 million, and an estimated 30% failure rate in any given year, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has released a new Code of Practice to improve the installation of underwater power cables in offshore wind.

The Code of Practice for Offshore Cable Laying in the Renewable Energy Industry (IMCA M264) addresses issues for the safe laying and terminating of offshore power cables to prevent damage, a significant challenge for offshore wind where rates of failure result in millions worth of loss to everyone involved in delivery – including contractors, developers, and insurers.

At the point at which cables leave the laying vessel and meet the seabed, they are frequently subject to damage caused by over-bending, cable-pulling, and inadequate design of lead into the monopile.
 
In addressing issues such as the laying spread – the combined set of systems required for the installation of the cable – as well as the interface between the vessel and the spread, and the safest methodology for overboarding, trenching and cable pulling, the IMCA Code of Practice establishes a new baseline for safely laying offshore submarine power cables which will significantly improve performance.
  
Mark Ford, marine & quality manager of IMCA, said: “This new Code of Practice is an excellent example of IMCA's role in facilitating industry collaboration to improve offshore delivery and performance. 

“Contractors have come together to share their experiences around the design, testing, operation and maintenance of cable laying, the specialised equipment and technology used, and how it interfaces with supporting vessels. Decades of experience gained through the installation of thousands of kilometres of offshore cables have helped us find tangible solutions for the industry.

“There are huge expectations around Offshore Wind in helping countries around the globe meet Net Zero targets. Fixing ongoing challenges around the installation of power cables could bring substantial savings for project and maintenance costs. Research shows that 90% of insurance claims for power cables are due to damage caused during installation, and this new IMCA Code of Practice will help reduce this figure.”

IMCA Members can download the Code of Practice for Offshore Cable Laying in the Renewable Energy Industry (IMCA M264) at the IMCA website: 
www.imca-int.com/resources/technical-library 

ENDS

Notes to editors

About IMCA:

For more than 50 years, the International Marine Contractors (IMCA) has built a global reputation in the development of safe and efficient standards and guidelines for offshore operations. Today it supports more than 700 Member companies around the world to deliver a new offshore energy mix – safely and sustainably.

Find out more: www.imca-int.com