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Hellenic Cables awarded U.S. cable project

 Hellenic Cables has been awarded a U.S. contract for the Silver Run Expansion Project that calls for the addition of new submarine cables adjacent to existing cables currently in service beneath the Delaware River.

A press release said that the project includes the supply of 21 km of single-core, AC high-voltage 230 kV submarine XLPE insulated power cables. The submarine cables will be manufactured at Hellenic Cables’ plant in Corinth, Greece. Manufacturing is set to be completed in the first half of 2026. The cables will form part of a critical power transmission line between New Jersey and Delaware across the Delaware River.

The additional cables will enable the transmission line between the Silver Run substation in Delaware and the Hope Creek substation in New Jersey to accommodate additional electrical flows. New transition structures will be installed at the termination points of the new submarine cable to connect the new cable to the existing overhead transmission line. Equipment at Silver Run substation will also be upgraded as required to serve the additional line capacity.

The project is owned by Silver Run Electric LLC, an affiliate of LS Power, a leading development, investment, and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector, and its wholly owned subsidiary, LS Power Grid, a national electric transmission system developer, owner, and operator.

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Last modified on March 31, 2025

SMS reports that it has won an order for a copper rod line from a customer in Mexico

The SMS Group announced that it has received an order from Conticon—a joint venture between Grupo Condumex and Xignux, a manufacturer of electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper rod—for a state-of-the-art CONTIROD® line (pictured) in North America.

A press release said that the order from Conticon calls for the SMS Group to supply and commission the CONTIROD line at its plant in Celaya-Villagrán, Mexico. The new line will expand capacity there by up to 320 thousand tons of ETP copper rod per year. The line is designed to reduce electrical energy consumption by 55% and natural gas by 30%. The project is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.

“This strategic investment in the combined CONTIROD casting and rolling process addresses the growing demand for high-quality copper rod for the automotive and telecommunications industries in the region,” the release said. The new line will boost the capacity of the existing SMS Group CONTIROD plant originally installed in 1984.

SMS will provide a complete CONTIROD line that will cover every stage of production, including the charging device, furnace plant, casting machine, rolling plant, and cooling line, as well as the coil forming and handling systems. The CONTIROD CR3700 line has a capacity of 48 tons per hour, and the increased production capacity will enable Condumex to better serve its own group, investment partners, and the export market, effectively addressing the increasing demand for copper wire rod.

SMS and Grupo Condumex share a long-standing relationship, dating back to the installation of the first line in 1984. Over the years, SMS has provided spare parts and implemented upgrades, ensuring the plant’s continued operation and efficiency. The new line is also equipped with SMS-Metrics, a digitalization tool designed for real-time recording, storage, and evaluation of machine data, thereby improving operational efficiency.

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LS Cable wins patent case against Taihan Cable, is awarded $1 million in damages

South Korea’s LS Cable & System has won a court battle in a long-standing patent dispute with Taihan Cable & Solution, with a March 13 ruling by the Intellectual Property High Court that found that Taihan Cable must pay 1.5 billion won ($1.03 million) in compensation for partially infringing LS Cable’s patent on joint kits used in bus ducts.

Per press release and multiple media reports, the lawsuit, initiated in 2019, revolves around LS Cable’s claim that Taihan Cable infringed its patented technology for bus duct joint kits—a critical component for distributing electricity in large-scale installations.

LS Cable alleged technology leakage after an employee of its subcontractor joined Taihan Cable in 2011, leading to the production of similar products. Taihan Cable argued that it had been using the joint kit products for years, noting that there were earlier patents in the US and Japan and that LS Cable & System amended them, so its actions should not be seen as patent infringement. The court, however, court sided with LS Cable, emphasizing the importance of protecting technological innovation.

“We respect the court’s ruling and view it as recognition of our technological capabilities,” stated an LS Cable official. “We will continue to respond firmly to any acts of infringement.”

Taihan is considering whether to appeal. LS Cable & System is the largest South Korean cable company and Taihan Cable & Solution is the second largest. “As we have used a different type of joint kit since several years ago, the latest ruling will not affect our bus duct business,” a Taihan C&S official was quoted as saying.

In a twist, there were reports that the Hoban Group, the parent company of Taihan C&S, had purchased shares in LS Corp., the parent of LS C&S. The investment represented less than 3% percent. Per media reports, if the Hoban stake topped 3% it would have the rights to access the account book of LS Corp. and to convene an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders.

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Last modified on March 31, 2025

Sumitomo tabbed as supplier for a 2nd order for the Shetland 2 HVDC Link

Japan’s Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI), announced that it has signed a Capacity Reservation Agreement (CRA) with SSEN Transmission to supply and install a second 525 kV HVDC cable link between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.

A press release said that the signing of the CRA was significant as the planned cable will be made from SEI’s new manufacturing facility that is under construction in Nigg, northeast Scotland. Further, cables of this type and technology have never previously been manufactured in the U.K. and the announcement is a significant step towards realizing substantial benefit for the local area and the country as a whole.

“We are delighted to have penned this Capacity Reservation Agreement with SSEN Transmission,” said Yasuyuki Shibata, chair of Sumitomo Electric UK and Europe. “This is a significant milestone for Sumitomo Electric’s subsea cable factory investment in Scotland.”

Last May, SSEN Transmission selected Sumitomo Electric as the preferred bidder for the Shetland 2 project, which at the time was described as a crucial milestone underpinning SEI’s £350 million investment in its new cable manufacturing facility. The approximately 150,000-sq m site was said to be moving along as anticipated. The steelworks and factory fit-out are scheduled to take place in 12 to 15 months. The facility will provide employment for 150 full-time employees and double that number for indirect hires.

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Bekaert reports the sale to Grupo AG of its Steel Wire Solutions units in 3 countries

Bekaert announces it has reached an agreement to sell its Steel Wire Solutions businesses in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Venezuela to Grupo AG.

A press release said that the deal has a transaction value of approximately US$73 million, with net proceeds for Bekaert of some US$37 million.  The collective operations had revenues of $137 million in 2024. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Bekaert noted in the release that its strategy in recent years has been “to transform its business portfolio by reducing the Group’s exposure to more commoditized and volatile markets, while increasing its presence in faster growing markets, which typically offer higher profit margins and higher returns on capital.” Following the divestment of its Steel Wire Solutions business in Chile and Peru in 2023, Bekaert is now taking a further step in its portfolio transformation by exiting the businesses in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Venezuela. That will allow the company to strengthen its focus on target segments, while securing a long-term future for the customers and employees of the divested entities.

The transaction includes the production and distribution facilities of the Steel Wire Solutions businesses in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Venezuela. These facilities manufacture and sell steel wire products primarily for construction, agricultural fencing, mining, and industrial applications. The transaction concerns the sale of the shares held by Bekaert in BIA Alambres Costa Rica S.A. in Costa Rica, Ideal Alambrec S.A. in Ecuador, and Vicson S.A. in Venezuela, along with their subsidiaries in each of those countries.

The activities subject to the transaction generated approximately US$137 million in consolidated revenue in 2024. The proceeds from the sale will further strengthen Bekaert’s balance sheet and support its commitment to shareholder returns and investment plans for growth.

“The proposed transaction unlocks the value of these businesses for Bekaert,” said François Desné, divisional CEO of Bekaert’s Steel Wire Solutions business unit. “It marks another significant milestone in our portfolio transformation, further strengthening the Steel Wire Solutions business with a more competitive and resilient market position. We have achieved numerous successes together with our longstanding partners. However, over time the characteristics of the markets in these three countries no longer align with our strategy.”

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Prysmian is awarded another EHV power cable contract from Norway’s Statnett

Prysmian has been awarded a four-year agreement, plus two optional two-year extension periods, for the supply of Extra-High-Voltage underground (EHV) cable systems from Statnett, a Transmission System Operator in Norway and a key player within North Europe’s power system.

A press release said that the contract’s scope of work consists of the supply and turnkey installation of 420 kV cables and accessories, which will be manufactured at Prysmian’s plant in the Netherlands (Delft). The order confirms Prysmian’s leadership position in the segment and underlines the partnership between Statnett and Prysmian. The award criteria were linked to climate and environmental impact of the proposal, together with quality, with Prysmian obtaining a maximum score.

“With this agreement we have taken a further major step in terms of growth, consolidating our leadership position in Europe,” said Marcello Del Brenna, CEO of Prysmian Europe.

Prysmian was awarded a €550 million contract in 2015 from Statnett SF and National Grid NSN Link Ltd. for some 950 km of submarine and land HVDC cable for an interconnector linking Norway and the U.K.

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LS Cable signs framework as a supplier for multiple future U.K. national grid projects

South Korea’s LS Cable announced that it has signed a framework contract with the U.K.’s National Grid for the future supply of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) cables, a massive project that will require multiple cable suppliers.

A press release explained that the framework contract was established to pre-select key suppliers before the commencement of individual projects and to create a long-term partnership. In addition to LS Cable, six other companies from Europe and Japan are involved. Specific contracts for other projects will be signed in the future.

The National Grid, which is responsible for managing Britain’s electricity network, has ambitious plans for large-scale transmission infrastructure in mainland Britain and the North Sea region. Over the next eight years, it plans to undertake cable supply and installation for 15 projects, allocating a budget of approximately £21.3 billion.

Through this contract, LS Cable will participate in upcoming projects, supplying and installing offshore and underground HVDC cables, as well as carrying out connection works. “Only six companies, including LS Cable, have experience supplying HVDC cables worldwide, making us the sole provider in South Korea,” said an official from LS Cable. “The current supply is insufficient to meet demand, prompting companies in various countries to proactively secure supply volumes.”

In other news, LS Cable announced that it and LS Marine Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with British marine engineering company Balmoral Comtec for collaboration on the floating offshore wind power project.

A press release said that Balmoral Comtec, a leading energy company, provides cable protection systems, buoyancy solutions, and submarine infrastructure for the offshore wind power and marine energy industries. LS Cable & System is the first in Korea to develop a dynamic cable for floating offshore wind power that operates stably even in harsh marine environments. “Under this partnership, we aim to collaborate with Balmoral Comtec to build a safe operation system for floating offshore wind power cables, optimized for extreme marine conditions.”

LS Marine Solutions Co. will support this collaboration by enhancing the installation and operational efficiency of the cables and ensuring stable maintenance.

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Hellenic Cables signs agreement with National Grid for future HVDC projects

Hellenic Cables, the cables segment of Cenergy Holdings, has signed a framework agreement with National Grid, that secures its position as one of the appointed contractors eligible to participate in future HVDC cable projects across the U.K. and Europe.

A press release said that the agreement will enable it—and Jan De Nul, a global offshore installation contractor it has formed a consortium with—to participate in upcoming tenders for call-off projects for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of HVDC cable systems as part of National Grid’s large-scale offshore and onshore transmission infrastructure investment program. This framework agreement, which has an initial term of five years with an option for extension of up to three additional years, is a key component of National Grid’s strategy to secure long-term partnerships that support deliverability for critical projects in the U.K.

The U.K. Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 has placed significant emphasis on expanding the country’s electricity infrastructure to integrate renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind. National Grid’s cable framework aims to support this transition, ensuring a robust and reliable energy network. This framework will play a crucial role in enhancing grid resilience, facilitating renewable energy integration, and ensuring energy security for the future.

The consortium will participate in potential future tenders for turnkey projects. Hellenic Cables is undergoing a strategic investment program to expand production capacity and enhance technological capabilities for its plants in facilities in Corinth and Thiva. 

Jan De Nul has invested in two cable-laying vessels that will make it possible for the consortium to meet the expected future needs stemming from the development of HVDC interconnector projects.

“This agreement strengthens our commitment to supporting the UK’s energy transition and offshore wind ambitions,” said Hellenic Cables General Manager Kostas Savvakis. “We are proud to be part of this critical framework, providing world-class HVDC cable solutions.”

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Sweden’s Hexatronics reports plans to start making fiber optic cables in South Carolina

Hexatronic reports that the company will start manufacturing its fiber-optic cables in the U.S., with plans calling for production lines to be commissioned at its plant in Clinton, South Carolina.

A press release said that the company will also commit to additional staff and training at the Clinton facility. The new production lines are expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2026. “This is an important signal to our U.S. customers,” said Martin Åberg, acting CEO of Hexatronic. “We see an increasing interest in Hexatronic’s solutions ... (and we) are setting up production to consolidate our position as a local producer more clearly. We expect this to further strengthen our position in fiber solutions for the U.S. market.”

Hexatronic, which employs approximately 1,900 people globally across some three dozen operational entities, entered the U.S. market in via its 2022/2023 $55 million acquisition of Rochester Cable from TE Connectivity Corporation. In 2023 it inaugurated the Clinton plant, and in South Carolina, during the first quarter of 2023, marking a significant step forward in its U.S. operations. It made high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit materials, and soon, the scope will include optical fiber cable there.

“Production in the U.S. has become increasingly important and something many customers are asking for,” said Brian Riley, CEO of Hexatronic US. “This investment represents that last strategic move for Hexatronic to be able to offer a full suite of U.S.- made ‘Build American – Buy American’ (BABA) certified products to customers.”

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Plans to build Middle East submarine cable plant are ambitious for company & country

Plans for a new submarine cable plant announced by Egypt’s Elsewedy Electric represents not just a Middle East first for the cable manufacturer, it represents the initial investment in ambitious plans to make West Damietta Industrial City—located on the north coast of the Mediterranean Sea—“a regional industrial powerhouse.”

Per reports in multiple publications, including Daily News Egypt, The Middle East Observer and Arab Finance, Elsewedy Electric plans to invest $500 million in the proposed submarine cable plant. It will be the first such plant in the Middle East, and only the sixth such one in the world.

Among those at the signing ceremony with port and government officials were Mohamed El-Qamash, CEO of Infrastructure Investments at Elsewedy Electric, Ahmed Elsewedy, CEO and Managing Director of Elsewedy Electric, and Amr El-Sawaf, General Manager of Egytech Cables. This initiative is part of the government’s comprehensive plan, led by the Ministries of Industry and Transport, to improve infrastructure and upgrade ports, bolstering Egypt’s competitiveness.

The Elsewedy deal, described as the first major investment in the West Damietta Industrial City, will strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional hub for energy transmission and advanced industries by manufacturing submarine cables that connect continents. The design of the factory calls for it to include one of the world’s tallest submarine cable manufacturing towers, exceeding 180 meters in height. Of note, 100% of its output will be exported.

The West Damietta Industrial Zone is part of New Damietta, which was established in 1980 and hosts the industrial zone adjacent to Damietta Port, a strategic location for trade and logistics. The factory itself will span 500,000 sq m within a larger 6 million-sq-m integrated industrial and logistics zone. The West Damietta Industrial Zone is approximately 15 km west of Damietta City, near the New Damietta Port.

Beyond the cable plant, Elsewedy Electric, through its subsidiary ElSewedy Industrial Development, is leading the planning and infrastructure development of the entire zone. Mohamed El-Qamash, CEO of ElSewedy Industrial Development, described the project as a groundbreaking model for industrial zone development.

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