Nexans Completes Maritime Link Project with Longest Submarine Power Cables in North America
Nexans has officially completed the Maritime Link Project, delivering the longest submarine power cables in North America. As a result, the company has strengthened its position in high-voltage subsea cable systems while also supporting Canada’s growing renewable energy infrastructure.
Nexans Maritime Link Project Connects Canadian Provinces
To begin with, the Nexans Maritime Link Project connects Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time through a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system. Specifically, Nexans (https://www.nexans.com) designed, manufactured, and installed two 200 kV mass impregnated HVDC submarine cables, each measuring 170 kilometers.
Moreover, these cables run beneath the Cabot Strait at depths of up to 470 meters, thereby ensuring a reliable and secure electrical connection between the provinces.
Large-Scale Engineering and Manufacturing Effort
In addition, Nexans manufactured the cables at its facilities in Halden, Norway, and Futtsu, Japan, demonstrating its global production capabilities. Each cable weighs approximately 5,500 tons, highlighting the scale of the project.
Furthermore, the €175 million contract included extensive overland transmission systems, such as 50 kilometers in Nova Scotia and nearly 300 kilometers in Newfoundland.
Overall, the project required nearly 600,000 hours of engineering, manufacturing, and installation work, underscoring its complexity.
Supporting Renewable Energy Goals in Canada
At the same time, the Maritime Link Project—developed by NSP Maritime Link Inc., a subsidiary of Emera Inc. (https://www.emera.com)—delivers 500 MW of transmission capacity through a ±200 kV HVDC system.
Consequently, this infrastructure supports Canada’s plan to reduce coal emissions by 50% by 2030. Additionally, it helps Nova Scotia meet its requirement of achieving 40% renewable energy usage.
Advanced Power Infrastructure and Testing Success
Finally, the project includes converter stations, HVAC switchyards, and supporting transmission systems that improve overall grid performance. Nexans successfully completed high-voltage testing in September 2017, confirming system reliability.
In conclusion, this achievement highlights Nexans’ expertise in submarine cable installation and reinforces its role in advancing the global energy transition.
