Scunthorpe’s AMS Trenchless awarded cable landing works contract on Hornsea 3 offshore windfarm

AMS Trenchless, based in Scunthorpe, will undertake specialist works at the landfall site at Weybourne, North Norfolk where the offshore cables meet the onshore cables.

Using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) - a method of installing ducting, pipes and cables beneath existing infrastructure without disruption - AMS Trenchless will install underground cable ducts that allow export cables to be pulled to land from a jack-up barge without using trenches or disrupting the existing sea defences.

This contract builds on the existing relationship between the east-coast firm and Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, following successful works for both Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 offshore windfarms.

Hornsea 3 will consist of up to 231 offshore wind turbines, located approximately 120 km off the Norfolk coast and 160 km off the Yorkshire coast. With a capacity of around 2,85GW, Hornsea 3 will be capable of producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power over 3 million UK homes. The project is currently working towards taking a Final Investment Decision.

Luke Bridgman, Hornsea 3 Senior Project Director, said: “After successful collaborations with AMS Trenchless on the Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects, we look forward to AMS utilizing their specialist expertise and understanding of gigawatt-scale projects to deliver further great work on Hornsea 3. Orsted and our key supply chain partners continue to engage with local suppliers to deliver this ground-breaking project, with this announcement today further testament to our commitment to support the further growth of the UK supply chain.”

Matt Waterson, AMS Trenchless Operations Director, added: “AMS are delighted to have been awarded the cable landing package for Hornsea 3. AMS have a long-standing relationship with Ørsted, having previously completed directional drilling works to land offshore cables on both Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects. We would like to thank Ørsted for the award and very much looking forward to working together again on Hornsea 3.”