SSEN Distribution has successfully completed the installation and energisation of a new submarine electricity cable connecting Mainland Orkney to Shapinsay. The project, undertaken in partnership with contractor Briggs Marine, involved laying the cable between Head of Works on Mainland Orkney and Balfour Village on Shapinsay.

The new cable was installed in August, followed by additional stabilisation and protection works. Full energisation of the cable was achieved on September 18th.

This significant development will enhance the reliability and resilience of electricity supplies to the island of Shapinsay, benefiting local residents and businesses.

Mel Chisholm, Lead Project Manager for SSEN's Subsea team, said: "Following a routine inspection programme, we identified that the submarine cable connecting Shapinsay to the network on Mainland Orkney was nearing the end of its operational life; this led to an extensive programme of engineering and marine investigations, after which the cable project was designed, developed and delivered.


"We've worked closely with a number of stakeholders including Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Fisheries Association and communities on both Shapinsay and Orkney Mainland to refine our programme and minimise any disruption. We also kept both communities updated with our plans, and delivered a STEM engagement programme to children at Shapinsay Primary School and talked careers with young people at Kirkwall Grammar School.

"It's been highly rewarding to engage with these future generations of bright, intelligent young Orcadians on our work and deliver a legacy for the Mainland Orkney-Shapinsay project."

Inclement weather and a period of high waves had delayed the installation programme slightly, however once offshore works got underway on 15 August, laying of the 3km cable progressed quickly and the initial marine element of the works was completed on the 17 August. Once connected at Shapinsay, the cable was laid away overnight aboard the specially modified Seacor Nile.

Further marine works to protect and secure the cable in position have taken place over the subsequent weeks. Additional land works to tie the submarine cable into the land network have also been carried out during this period.

Emma Clements, Headteacher Shapinsay Primary School, was delighted with the team's engagement activities, and said: "SSEN's Subsea team engaged with the school and did several workshops explaining the work they were doing to the pupils. They also helped us to install a time capsule and provided other resources. The workshops helped the pupils to understand more about what was going on, and when the cable was installed meant that the children were more engaged."

Lisa-Marie Muir, Manager Shapinsay Development Trust, said: "We would like to commend SSEN for their dedicated efforts in completing the undersea hydro cable installation while favourable weather conditions allowed. It's reassuring to know Shapinsay is now fully connected to the grid, providing greater continuity of service for exporting energy and the service to residents in the future."