Nexans has completed installation of the high-voltage subsea cable for Italy’s Tyrrhenian Link project. The project achieved a record depth of 2,150 meters for a 500 kV HVDC connection, setting a new benchmark for deep-water subsea cable installation.
Record Milestone Strengthens Italy’s Grid
Nexans reached the record during offshore operations in December 2025. It then confirmed the milestone on January 1, 2026, during the final pull-in. This step connected Terra Mala in Sardinia to Fiumetorto in Sicily.
As a result, Nexans completed all high-voltage subsea cable installation on the western section. The Tyrrhenian Link, developed by Terna S.p.A., will connect Sardinia, Sicily, and mainland Italy through a 500 kV HVDC system.
Nexans installed approximately 480 km of deep-water cable in two phases. In total, the full project includes two links of about 970 km each and delivers 1,000 MW of transmission capacity.
Advanced Installation and Engineering Precision
The Nexans Tyrrhenian Link installation required careful planning and execution. Crews aboard the Nexans Aurora managed the controlled descent of the cable across steep seabed terrain. The cable reached depths exceeding two kilometers.
Teams conducted bathymetric mapping, optimized routes, and maintained precise tension control. In addition, ROV operators, survey teams, and vessel crews worked together in real time. Therefore, they ensured accuracy throughout installation and final connection.
Nexans emphasized engineering precision, manufacturing quality, and operational discipline as key success factors. Terna also highlighted the project’s role in improving grid stability, energy security, and system reliability.
Overall, this achievement expands the limits of deep-water HVDC cable systems. As demand grows, projects like the Tyrrhenian Link will support long-distance power transmission and offshore energy integration.
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- Industry News → https://wirenet.org/industry-news/
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