XLCC, the innovative high-voltage direct current (HVDC) UK based cable company has today announced it has completed model testing on its new Cable Laying Vessel (CLV) for renewable energy focused business. The week of testing in the Netherlands highlights the vessel’s efficiency levels and brings it one step closer to its widely anticipated delivery.
The CLV will support the much-needed market capacity expansion that XLCC brings to the subsea HVDC power cable manufacturing and installation industry. Demand for high-voltage cables is set to increase six-fold over the next seven years, as the UK aims to be powered exclusively through clean energy by 2035. Countries worldwide are also taking targeted steps towards net zero. With this comes the demand for high-functioning, efficient CLVs to install and simplify the process of cable laying, driving the change to sustainable energy.
The XLCC vessel will make extensive use of battery energy storage systems and shore power to reduce fuel consumption and has been designed with methanol as a fuel once operational. Featuring cutting-edge capabilities and designed for operational efficiency, the XLCC CLV will revolutionise the UK’s transition to green energy and projects further afield.
XLCC has partnered closely with the vessel designers, the award-winning Salt Ship Design, who have planned the vessel from conception using 3D engineering software. Salt Ship has played a vital development role on the journey to test completion.
XLCC has additionally partnered with SeaTec, the technical services division of global ship management company V.Group. SeaTec was appointed to develop the initial statement of requirements and has continued to support XLCC through concept design and model testing.
This news closely follows the appointment announcements of XLCC CEO, Ian Douglas, and Cable Factory Director, Georgios Eleftheriadis, with a combined experience of more than 35 years in the subsea cable industry. The successful CLV test showcases the company’s commitment to reducing the bottleneck for renewables projects through expert resources and industry-leading efficiency.
Alan Mathers, Project Director of XLCC, said: “We welcome the news that the CLV has completed model testing. This is an important milestone for us, and it shows our commitment to the project at hand. We want to build something the industry has not yet seen before, to innovate efficiently through the waters of sustainable energy supply and to be on the front foot of our industry. We believe this vessel puts us a step closer to that goal.”
Tor Henning Vestbøstad, Sales Director of Salt Ship Design, said: “We are very happy to report the XLCC CLV underwent successful model testing. This is always a crucial point in designing a ship of this kind. Considering the cost and rigorous testing the vessel must come under, it is exceptional to see XLCC undertake this and highlights the progress the company is making in its goal of providing crucial energy supply to the UK grid.”
Elliot Gow, CEO of Marine Services at V.Group, said: “The SeaTec team harnessed a broad range of technical expertise and experience to aid XLCC in developing an effective and sustainable industry-leading vessel. We remain committed to upholding the high standards required in delivering a vessel of this scale and will work tirelessly to aid XLCC in its pursuit of building a CLV that will revolutionise the HVDC cable laying industry for years to come.”