Construction begins for extrusion tower for record size H-V offshore cable plant

NKT Builds Landmark Extrusion Tower in Karlskrona

NKT started construction on a new cable extrusion tower at its Karlskrona facility in Sweden. The company aims to create the worldโ€™s largest factory for highโ€‘voltage offshore power cables and support rapid grid expansion.โ€‹

For more on NKT and its highโ€‘voltage solutions, visit https://www.nkt.com.โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹

Slipform Concrete Construction Reaches New Heights

On July 31, NKT began slipform concrete casting for its third extrusion tower in Karlskrona. The structure will reach about 200 meters and become Swedenโ€™s secondโ€‘tallest tower.โ€‹

Over the next months, trucks will deliver concrete about once per hour, so the tower rises quickly and efficiently. Darren Fennell, executive vice president and head of HV Solutions Karlskrona, called this phase a major milestone for the expansion.โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹

Role of the Tower in High-Voltage Cable Production

The new extrusion tower plays a crucial role in adding insulation to the highโ€‘voltage power cables that NKT produces in Karlskrona. Because of its height and controlled processing environment, the tower helps NKT manufacture longer, higherโ€‘quality offshore and interconnector cables.โ€‹

In turn, these enhanced capabilities support major grid, interconnector, and offshore wind projects that rely on reliable longโ€‘length highโ€‘voltage cable systems.โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹

Broader Investment Program and New Jobs

The extrusion tower forms part of a wider investment program in NKTโ€™s highโ€‘voltage power cable business. The plan also includes a second cableโ€‘laying vessel, which will start operating in 2027 and work alongside the expanded Karlskrona factory.โ€‹

As part of this growth strategy, NKT plans to hire more than 500 new employees by 2027 and reports that recruitment in Karlskrona already moves ahead on schedule.โ€‹โ€‹

Mark Marselli
Author: Mark Marselli

Share
Subscribe to the Wire Journal

Wire Journal International (WJI) is the leading technical publication for the wire and cable industry.

Published monthly, WJI is written for executives, engineers, technical and sales professionals, and purchasing agents engaged in the manufacture of ferrous and nonferrous wire and cable.

WJI Feature Stories

See a preview of the most recent Wire Journal International feature. Subscribe to the FREE publication to read the entire issue.

Related Stories