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Companies Nexans and Statnett have completed the expansion of the power link in Fensfjord Fjord. This project in western Norway doubles the energy transmission capacity between Haugsvær and Lindås. With final certification obtained in April 2026, the Bergen region and its industrial areas now have robust energy support for the next four decades.
The Challenge of Submarine Cables 530 Meters Under the Sea
This deployment involves managing extreme depths. The route reaches 530 meters below sea level, setting a world record for 420 kV HVAC submarine cable systems. In the Mongstad area, the technical team faced slopes of up to 55 degrees. To prevent displacement, operators precisely anchored the cables on the slope to ensure their long-term structural integrity.
The use of the Nexans Skagerrak vessel was crucial for maneuvering in terrain as complex as the Norwegian fjords. The system is not limited to energy transmission, as it integrates fiber optic elements that allow real-time monitoring of the connection’s status. Likewise, the landfall at Iledalsvågen required the cables to float for over a kilometer before being laid on a base of concrete slabs and specifically designed pipe mats.
The culmination of this project, originally awarded in 2022, demonstrates that the collaboration between Nexans and Statnett operates with surgical precision. This new infrastructure is a direct response to the growing demand for electricity from local communities and nearby industrial plants. The success in deep waters sets a precedent for how transmission projects should be executed in hostile geographies without compromising deadlines or operational safety.
Source and photo: Nexans