UK and Netherlands-based subsea provider N-Sea has secured a contract which is estimated to be in excess of €6million with National Grid and Energinet to deliver an unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance campaign for the Viking Link Project.

Noordhoek Pathfinder

Due to start mid-May, the contract is part of a high-profile project for the installation of a subsea power cable between the UK and Denmark. The project consists of a proposed 473-mile long electricity interconnector between Bicker Fen near Boston and the substation Revsing in southern Jutland, Denmark.

Mobilizing the Noordhoek Pathfinder and MagSense, N-Sea’s UXO detection system developed in conjunction with EIVA, the initial phase will see N-Sea conduct a seismic sonar, multi-beam and gradiometer survey along the Viking Link route. The second phase will involve the identification and on-site detonation of any UXOs found in the area.

N-Sea Chief Commercial Officer Gary Thirkettle said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and be involved in the Viking Link project. This is testament to our significant track record for UXO campaigns and proven experience in the investigation and mapping of potential targets.

“This is an exciting project to work on, particularly with the use of our MagSense frame, which collects highly accurate data while enhancing the efficiency and safety of the detection process. This is the latest in a diverse range of projects N-Sea has been involved in across the energy sector, and we are proud to be playing our part.”

Project Manager at Energinet, Rasmus Juncher, said: “On behalf of the entire Viking Link project team, we are very happy to see the UXO survey campaign commence. After several years of planning, from the UXO desk study through to the tender phase, we are now entering the execution phase. I look forward to working with N-Sea throughout the survey and UXO inspection campaign and building a successful relationship.”