SSEN Transmission has reached a key milestone in its Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable link project in the UK, with onshore and offshore enabling works now underway.
The 203 km, 2 GW HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) link will connect the Banniskirk Hub substation development in Caithness to the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire, with 166km of cable running subsea from Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness through the Moray Firth to Rattray Head near Peterhead.
Once complete, the subsea link aims to provide a secure and efficient route for renewable energy to flow to demand centres across the country, supporting national clean power and energy security ambitions, while unlocking significant opportunities for supply chains across the north of Scotland.
Cable manufacturer NKT, which has been contracted to deliver the cable, has appointed Aberdeen‑based civil engineering specialists Nicol of Skene and Caithness‑based John Gunn & Sons to construct the onshore cable sections at Peterhead and Spittal, respectively.
One of the key onshore activities now underway is horizontal directional drilling (HDD) at the Rattray Estate north of Peterhead. This marks the first HDD operation for the project. The trenchless method will create bores beneath the road, allowing the 525 kV HVDC cables to be installed safely while minimising disruption and protecting the surrounding environment. The work is expected to be completed by the spring.
Meanwhile, offshore activity is progressing, with marine survey specialists Fugro commencing nearshore investigations to inform the final subsea cable route. Fugro’s jack-up barge, WaveWalker1, set up for site investigation activities, is preparing to carry out geotechnical borehole investigations at Rattray Head to gather detailed information on seabed composition and nearshore geology. This approach will help ensure the subsea route is designed and delivered safely and efficiently, with full consideration for the marine environment.
