Osbit enters Australian subsea power market with delivery of innovative cable repair system

Osbit has successfully completed an innovative new subsea cable repair system for a new customer in Australia.

The standby Quadrant Handling System for SA Power Networks facilitates emergency repairs of subsea power cables.

The novel containerised system will be mobilised and installed to a designated repair vessel in the event of a cable fault to ensure power can be restored quickly and efficiently.

SA Power Networks is the sole electricity distributor in South Australia, utilising a significant network of powerlines, which includes critical subsea cable supplying Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide.

Working closely with SA Power Networks and its repair contractor, Subcom, Osbit developed a comprehensive mobilisation plan to ensure the system is primed for swift future mobilisations.

Building on its expertise in producing field-proven Quadrant Handling Systems, Osbit were able to deliver a bespoke engineering solution, which met its client’s requirements without compromising on functionality.

The system comprises lay chutes, cable quadrant, quadrant trackways and cable roller units, which are supplied in a modular assembly arrangement that enables the rapid mobilisation from its storage location and installation on the repair vessel.

Designed at Osbit’s head office in Northumberland and fabricated in the North East of England, the system was completed in 16 weeks, two weeks ahead of schedule, and dispatched to Australia ready for deployment.

Brendon Hayward, Managing Director of Osbit Ltd, said:

“This innovative system will help support prompt repair as well as mitigate cost pressures caused by a subsea power cable fault. As a containerised unit, it can be deployed through standard shipping lanes rather than costly bespoke delivery, which ensures rapid mobilisation so that offshore technicians can carry on the required repairs in as short a time frame possible.

“As a standby spread, the low impact sea fastenings permit the repair vessel to operate as usual, whilst permitting quicker response to a cable repair with no further class involvement.”

“The close working relationship we established with SA Power Networks and its repair contractor was crucial to the effective delivery of this system and we are proud to have completed our first project for the Australian market for such a prestigious customer.”