As reported by 4C Offshore
last December, Maltese transmission system operator Enemalta plc revealed
that it suffered an extensive power outage which caused a nationwide
powercut . After
further investigations, the root cause of the issue was attributed to 200
MW Malta–Sicily
interconnector
which connects the power grid of Malta with the Italian Transmission Network.
Enemalta confirmed that two of the three conductors and all fibreoptic
lines about 30 kilometers from Sicily were damaged. The
Interconnector is an important element of the energy mix for the supply
of electricity for the Maltese Islands to ensure the security of supply
and the economic production of electricity.
Enemalta
initially commissioned a survey to establish the extent of the damages
incurred.
Nexans
Norway, the original equipment manufacturer of the high-voltage cable,
was commissioned to carry out the submarine cable inspection survey to
establish the location and the extent of the damage, as well as to formulate
the plan of action to be undertaken to repair the cable. The survey ship
MV Polar King was commissioned to carry out the survey and determine the
complicated and one-off nature of the repair, given the size of the cable
itself and the depth at which the damage occurred.
The
video footage of the survey provided reasonable evidence that the cable
was damaged by an anchor. The vessel that is believed to have caused the
damage has been identified, and the vessel’s protection and indemnity
insurance has been approached, and a letter of undertaking has been submitted
.
The
Interconnector repair programme commenced two weeks ago after finalisation
of the repairs contract with Nexans Norway, and the mobilisation of all
assets essential for the repair and the certification by Nexans of
all spare parts and equipment.
The
repair vessels berthed in Malta on 14th February to commence the loading
of materials, equipment and specialists from Nexans and Enemalta
The
testing and subsequent energisation of the repaired cable is still expected
to take place by the 3rd week of March whereby. However, whilst the south-side
cable is repaired, the north-side cable is still in preparation for the
final phase of repairs.
This
operation is being carried out on a 24/7 basis and so far, there has been
some interruption due to unfavourable weather conditions. In parallel with
the works being conducted onboard the ASSO Atalanti and Ariande vessels,
support tasks are also being carried out on land in the Magħtab and Ragusa
terminal stations to aide the marine repair operations and also in preparation
for the initial testing phase.
It has been muted
that the repair cost is likely to exceed €11 million with a
dropped ships anchor being identified as the culprit. 4C Offshore
has been led to understand that Insurers have been contacted and according
to press reports, discussions are in place with the offending vessel owner.
There is concern that besides the estimated €150,000 per day needed
to "keep the lights on" that business owners themselves could
press for compensation.
For more information
on interconnector projects worldwide, click
here.
You can view cable routes for interconnector and wind farm projects
using 4C
Offshore's Interactive Map.
