Van Oord and Sumitomo sign HVDC subsea cable deal for Scottish grid

Scotland's transmission network operator has signed a long-term framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord's offshore wind arm for the engineering, supply, transport and installation of high-voltage direct current subsea cable systems, supporting the continued expansion and reinforcement of the electricity network in the north of Scotland. The agreement is intended to underpin future strategic subsea reinforcements, including the proposed Shetland 2 high-voltage link, the anchor project behind Sumitomo Electric's investment in a new cable manufacturing facility in the Scottish Highlands.

The framework pairs Sumitomo Electric's expertise in manufacturing and supplying high-voltage cable systems with Van Oord's offshore transport and installation capabilities, forming a long-term partnership aimed at delivering critical energy infrastructure as the UK continues its shift to a cleaner, more secure energy system. Executives described the signing as an important milestone in the offshore high-voltage market and a start of long-term collaboration, adding that combining complementary strengths positions the partners to support the efficient transmission of renewable electricity into the wider grid.

The manufacturer's investment in its new facility, supported by anticipated demand for future transmission projects, is described as establishing domestic high-voltage cable manufacturing in the UK for the first time and creating economic opportunities in the region. Both sides pointed to more than a century of combined experience in subsea cable technology and stressed a long-term commitment to local engineering capability, skilled jobs and resilient supply chains, and said the agreement should strengthen Scotland's position as a centre for subsea transmission infrastructure.