Major milestone achieved for the second interconnector (IC2) as manufacturing and testing of the 103km subsea cable is now ready
Key Highlights:
Manufacturing of 103km subsea cable completed at Nexans’ Charleston facility, USA
Comprehensive factory testing successfully completed to ensure operational integrity
Cable securely spooled onto carousel, ready for loading onto cable laying vessel
Cable laying scheduled to commence later this year
A significant milestone in the development of the Malta-Sicily Interconnector 2 (IC2) was achieved with the successful manufacturing, testing, and readiness for installation of the 103km subsea cable.
Manufacturing of the high-voltage subsea cable has been completed at Nexans’ facility in Charleston, USA, following an extensive production process carried out over one year.
“This achievement marks a major step forward in the delivery of the IC2. The successful manufacturing and testing of the subsea cable, together with the completion of preparatory offshore works, is another important step that helps us advance to the installation phase. The IC2 project is a strategic investment aimed at enhancing Malta’s electricity interconnection with mainland Europe, increasing resilience, supporting the integration of renewable energy, and contributing to the country’s long-term energy transition goals,” Energy Minister Dr Miriam Dalli stated.
The manufacturing process included several specialised stages, beginning with the production of the fibre optic cables in Norway and the drawing of the copper conductors to the required shape and size. After the insulation and sheath extrusion processes, the three cable phases were then assembled together with the fibre optic cables and fillers to form the complete subsea cable. This was followed by the armouring process, which provides the cable with the structural integrity and mechanical protection required for subsea installation and long-term operation.
The cable was produced in sections of approximately 10km each, which were subsequently jointed within the factory to form two main cable lengths. One of these lengths also includes the spare cable, which will be stored in Malta for future contingency and repair purposes. Through the whole process, including at the end, the cable has undergone rigorous testing to ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. Following completion, the cable has been carefully spooled onto a dedicated carousel, ensuring secure handling and readiness for transfer onto the cable laying vessel later this year.
The project has now entered its next critical phase, with the cable awaiting load-out onto the newly launched cable-laying vessel Nexans Electra. The commissioning of this state-of-the-art vessel marks another key development for the IC2 project, enabling efficient and precise installation of the subsea cable later this year.
This milestone has also been made possible through the successful completion of the marine route clearance campaign, finalised last week. The clearance works ensure that the subsea installation corridor is free of obstructions, enabling safe and streamlined cable laying operations.
Interconnect Malta Divisional Manager (Design and Automation), Dr. Ing. Joseph Vassallo stated that: “We are proud to collaborate with leading international partners to deliver infrastructure that strengthens Malta’s energy security. The completion of manufacturing and successful comprehensive testing of the 103km subsea cable at Nexans’ Charleston facility, represent a major technical and logistical achievement for the IC2 project. The completion of the marine route clearance campaign and the launch of the state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel, Nexans Electra, provide a stepping stone to proceed confidently with the installation phase later this year. These milestones reflect the high level of coordination and expertise across all project partners as we continue delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens Malta’s energy security and long-term sustainability.”
This €300 million investment has been approved for ERDF funding under the priority “Promoting a clean and just energy transition” and contributes directly to smart and stable energy systems. The project has been recognised as an “Operation of Strategic Importance” in the 2021–2027 Programme, with €261 million allocated in European funding.
Photo: MEER
