photo: Next Geosolutions

Next Geosolutions, an independent geoscience and engineering service provider, has been awarded two major survey contracts, which together represent a multimillion euro figure, for the North Sea Link (NSL) project, the first electricity link between UK and Norway.

The first contract, due to commence in April, will see Next Geosolutions provide cable protection survey work for Statnett, the Norwegian transmission system operator.

The two week workscope will involve cable inspections for the Skagerrak electricity transmission system and NorNed power cable interconnectors. The interconnectors will link the electricity transmission systems of different countries, with subsea cables utilised for the NSL, passing through Norwegian and British waters.

Carlo Pinto, Next Geosolutions’ sales and marketing director says, “We’re extremely proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the NSL electricity link which, once completed, will be the longest subsea interconnector in the world. This project is an important part of Europe’s future electricity system. The interconnectors allow countries to trade power, helping to ensure safe, secure and affordable energy supplies, so it is crucial these are surveyed to a high standard.”

The second contract is due to commence in May for a period of three months. It will involve Next Geosolutions carrying out offshore cable route survey, unexploded ordnance (UXO) survey and route preparation techniques.

Each survey will be performed with the same mobilisation and demobilisation delivered by Next Geosolutions’ brand new dynamic positioning (DP) Class 2 multi-purpose supply (MPSV) vessel – the Ievoli Cobalt. The vessel is currently fitted with a Schilling-Ultra Heavy Duty (UHD) Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and McArtney Focus 3 Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle (ROTV).

The first in the market, the Focus 3 ROTV shall deliver high-resolution datasets for route design and engineering, as well as subsea asset inspections utilising its unrivalled, simultaneous sensor package.

Pinto concludes, “Both contracts illustrates Next Geosolutions excellent reputation across Europe, and working with contractors such as StatNett – considered one of the most prestigious companies in the industry – strengthens our already prominent presence within the subsea survey market.”

Tags: Next Geosolutions, Statnett