Under the terms of the deal, TÜV SÜD PMSS will draw upon the technical experience of UK-based Red Penguin Associates on international interconnector, subsea cabling and transmission projects. The company will work directly with developers and regulators to research and identify best practices for US offshore wind submarine cable spacing guidance. 

“Subsea cable installation in offshore wind has, at times, been a lightning rod for spiraling costs and unexpected delays, creating uncertainty for prospective financiers and investors,” said Sebastian Chivers, senior vice president, TÜV SÜD PMSS. “The U.S. offshore wind market must avoid making these expensive mistakes and, as we work directly with US government and regulatory bodies, the effective implementation of a best practice guide will share key lessons and experiences that have proved pivotal to past project success.”

This thinking will form the basis of a report that the US Department of the Interior will reference to determine and assess the best possible cable spacing for transmission and inter-array connectors. The primary aim is to inform and educate the critical investment, insurance and regulatory communities on subsea cable installation logistics.