FULL LIFTING EQUIPMENT SOLUTION: WORLD'S LARGEST AC CABLE
End-to-end cable installation support for Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm
Overview
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
2x 20te Narrow Drum Winch
2x 35te Narrow Drum Winch
37.5kw Electric Power Unit
55kw Electric Power Unit
Landfall Winch
90Te WLL Active Heave Compensated Winch
Motive Offshore Group were the main winch and lifting services subcontractor for the installation of the first of two 85-kilometre export cables as part of the construction of Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Angus and East Lothian, Scotland. This encompassed the provision of a complete launch and recovery active heave compensated (AHC) winch package, a landfall site export cable pull-in system, and enabled cable jointing in the field on the client's vessel.
At 2000mm² diameter and 85km long, the 220kV dualcircuit AC (Alternating current) cable is the largest in the world, at the time of writing. The cable will enable high-capacity offshore power transmission between the offshore substation platform and the landfall site in East Lothian.
The 2025 scope delivered the first export cable installation, with a second 85km export cable scheduled for 2026 using an identical installation approach.
The Challenge
The project is a two-year, multi-phase scope.
Expedited delivery: Motive provided a bespoke AHC winch package within a short time frame.
World's largest cable: Meeting today's challenges, forever more complex renewable energy installations.
Landfall works: Provision of a winch system for a harsh coastal environment while managing high cable loads.
Offshore jointing operations: The cable required two offshore joints, for which Motive provided a four-winch package for the recovery and deployment of the cables from the client vessel.
Export cable Lay & trenching: AHC launch and recovery solution to enable the cable to be laid and buried in the seabed.
Our Solution
Early Engagement & Engineering Collaboration:
Motive engaged with the client six months before the project started, with engineering and technical discussions ongoing before the first equipment request. This early engagement allowed Motive to:
- Support the initial engineering scope.
- Verify our equipment was suitable for the large cable.
- Reduced any further challenges for the client by offering a full package lifting solution.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of the first 85km export cable in 2025 sets a strong foundation for the second installation in 2026, following a proven and repeatable approach.
With a two-year, multi-phase scope already defined, Motive is positioned to repeat its full-cycle service offering, supporting landfall pull-in, offshore cable jointing, and cable trenching and lay activities. This continues to strengthen Motive’s relationship with the client and further cements Motive as a leading critical cog in the UK’s offshore wind and net-zero ambitions.
Being involved in the Inch Cape project has been a source of considerable pride for Motive Offshore Group. From the initial cable pull-in operations through to offshore jointing, cable routing, and final installation, the delivery has consistently reflected a strong, collaborative team effort. This has enabled the provision of high quality equipment solutions, including a bespoke active heave compensated winch.
The tangible impact of this work is clear. The successful completion of the first 85 km phase in 2025 marked a significant milestone for the project. We are pleased to be returning to continue this work, contributing further to the advancement of the UK’s offshore wind capability.”
